Machiavelli's Views On Human Nature

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Human nature is a topic that has been discussed all throughout history. According to Dictionary.com, the definition of human nature is “the general psychological characteristics, feelings, and behavioral traits of humankind, regarded as shared by all humans.” In Chapter 17, Cruelty and Mercy: Is it Better to Be Loved Than Feared, or the Reverse?, and chapter 18, How Princes Should Keep Their Promises, Machiavelli’s main thoughts on human nature are clear. Before I ever read The Prince, I was introduced to the discussion on human nature by reading Oration On the Dignity of Man by, Pico Della Mirandola. Mirandola’s document taught me what human nature is typically like, and Machiavelli showed me a very different perspective on human nature …show more content…
What Machiavelli believes is that being stingy will lead the prince to more success than being giving would. I do not agree with this idea. I think that a common characteristic of human nature is to be giving and help others and that it is not a bad thing at all. Most normal human being don’t enjoy seeing others suffer, especially when there is something they can do to help. This relates to my idea that it is a normal part of human nature to care for one another. So while Machiavelli thinks that it should be a part of the prince’s human nature to put himself first and be stingy with the people in order to help them, I think the prince needs to think about who may need help first.

Machiavelli's views on human nature work best for people that are reaching solely for as much power and dominance as possible. I do not think think that his ideas would benefit the common man in any way if used to pursue relationships with others. I know that if i was seen as a cruel and merciless person then I would not have any friends. I am a very giving person and I think that that is a good thing that is a part of many people’s human
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