Chapter 18: Concerning the Way in Which Princes Should Keep Faith

Author: Niccolo Machiavelli

• From: The Prince
• Published: 1916
• Language: English
• Country of Origin: Italy
• Genre: Informational
• Keywords: history, philosophy, politics, society

Main Themes:

The Dual Nature of Leadership:

• Faith vs. Craft: Machiavelli acknowledges the praiseworthiness of integrity in a prince, yet emphasizes that historically, successful princes have often prioritized cunning over keeping faith.
• Two Modes of Contesting:
  • By the law (human)
  • By force (beast)
  • Princes must balance these, being both like a man and a beast.

Animal Symbolism:

• The Lion and the Fox:
  • The lion represents strength but cannot detect traps.
  • The fox represents cunning but cannot fend off wolves.
  • A successful prince must embody the qualities of both animals.

Pragmatism Over Idealism:

• Keeping Faith:
  • A ruler should not keep faith if it goes against his interests.
  • Men are inherently untrustworthy, thus a prince has no obligation to be trustworthy.
  • Plenty of historical examples where treaties were broken by cunning princes.

The Art of Deception:

• Disguise and Pretense:
  • A prince should pretend to have good qualities but must know when to act against them if necessary.
  • It is crucial to appear merciful, faithful, humane, religious, and upright.
  • Real qualities are less important than the appearance of having them.

The Power of Perception:

• Judgment by Appearance:
  • People judge more by what they see than what they touch or know.
  • The masses are swayed by appearances, not reality.
  • The success and stability of the state justify the means used to achieve them.

Historical Reference:

• Alexander VI: Noted for his successful deceit and ability to exploit human simplicity.
• Unnamed Prince (Maximilian I): An example of preaching peace and faith while acting contrary to them.

Conclusion:

• Public Perception:
  • Ultimately, the means of a prince's success are deemed acceptable if the result is favorable and maintains power.
  • The prince must ensure his actions align with the perceived virtues even if his real actions are different.