Lorenzo de Medici significantly influenced Machiavelli’s work, he even wrote about Medici in The Prince. Machiavelli wrote in his book that there was no way to judge something as moral or immoral when it comes to power. Machiavelli believed that power came from political activity and that legitimate use of power does not deteriorate one’s respect from those they have power over. He stated that power and authority are equal and whoever has power has the right to command. Machiavelli stated that generosity does not necessarily mean one has power. In his theory, having a strict set of morals can not ensure the gain or the containment of political power. The book's 26 chapters can be divided into four sections: Chapters 1-11 discuss the different types of principalities or states, Chapters 12-14 discuss the different types of armies and the proper conduct of a prince as military leader, Chapters 15-23 discuss the character and behavior of the prince, and Chapters 24-26 discuss Italy's desperate political situation. The Prince suggested several behavioral ideas that were considered immoral these include: It is better to be stingy than generous, It is better to be cruel than merciful, It is better to break promises if keeping them would be against one's interests, Princes must avoid making themselves hated and despised; the goodwill of the people is a better defense than any fortress, Princes
Lorenzo de Medici significantly influenced Machiavelli’s work, he even wrote about Medici in The Prince. Machiavelli wrote in his book that there was no way to judge something as moral or immoral when it comes to power. Machiavelli believed that power came from political activity and that legitimate use of power does not deteriorate one’s respect from those they have power over. He stated that power and authority are equal and whoever has power has the right to command. Machiavelli stated that generosity does not necessarily mean one has power. In his theory, having a strict set of morals can not ensure the gain or the containment of political power. The book's 26 chapters can be divided into four sections: Chapters 1-11 discuss the different types of principalities or states, Chapters 12-14 discuss the different types of armies and the proper conduct of a prince as military leader, Chapters 15-23 discuss the character and behavior of the prince, and Chapters 24-26 discuss Italy's desperate political situation. The Prince suggested several behavioral ideas that were considered immoral these include: It is better to be stingy than generous, It is better to be cruel than merciful, It is better to break promises if keeping them would be against one's interests, Princes must avoid making themselves hated and despised; the goodwill of the people is a better defense than any fortress, Princes