The Role Of Lie In Machiavelli's The Prince

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“Everybody recognizes how praiseworthy it is for a ruler to keep his word and to live a life of integrity, without relying on craftiness. Nevertheless, we see that in practice, in these days, those rulers who have not thought it important to keep their word have achieved great things, and have known how to employ cunning to confuse and disorientate other men. In the end, they have been able to overcome those who have placed store in integrity.” (Machiavelli, 36)

Throughout The Prince, Machiavelli justifies when and how a ruler should lie and deceive his people, claiming that such a trait is valuable and fundamental to rulers and leaders if they wish to continue ruling; they should fear not breaking morals as morals are not always the practical option. If a leader can convince his followers he will follow through with his …show more content…

Additionally, he recognizes that one should not always lie. Rather, leaders should only lie when it is necessary to do so – which depends on the circumstances – such as for the protection of its citizens or to prevent anarchy or rebellion; it is okay to lie and deceive, granted it is dictated by the situation and applied on a case-by-case basis. Similarly, Machiavelli is not claiming that lying on purpose is a good thing. Rather, he is saying that if you have every intention of keeping a promise when it is made, but need to break that promise, there is no fault on the leader if there is justification for reneging on the promise; honesty may not have been the best option. In this way, hypocrisy is legitimized and a valid form of political survival where the ‘ends justify the means.’ What is and what ought to be are independent. If a ruler intends to keep their power, they must do what is necessary to maintain control and protect the state. Some modern-day campaigns

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