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This paper will compare, contrast and summarize Machiavelli’s the Prince, and Immanuel Kant’s “What is Enlightenment”? Two themes discussed in Machiavelli’s the Prince is his view distasteful view on human nature, and his opinion on being hated. The themes present in Kant’s writing are his view on enlightenment, and society’s benevolent guardians. It is evident that Kant desires to enlighten people while Machiavelli wants to only enhance personal power.

Machiavelli asserts that human nature is inertly evil. Machiavelli is quick to mock human nature. Machiavelli states that man easily changes stances, lie on a consistently, are covetous, ungrateful, and cowardly. Machiavelli literally has nothing positive stated about human nature in the Prince. Instead, Machiavelli explains that “Men more quickly forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony” in this statement he is essentially giving a distinct example of the evil nature of man (Machiavelli [1532] 2006). In Machiavelli’s view monetary value is more important that the life of one father. The message Machiavelli is stating is that killing for obedience of the people is acceptable but taking their property is not acceptable. Essentially, such declarations about human nature are frequently presented as rationalizations for the book’s instructions for Princes. I only partially agree that human nature is evil. Although most people would rather seek pleasure and self-interest then pain humans as a species have done great things as well. Human nature also comprises empathy, guilt, and anxiety. Humans are very complex and have many emotions and capabilities.

Machiavelli also states the importance to not become hated by the people. Machiavelli does not desire a Pri...

... middle of paper ...

... a gift from god and it is unnatural not to do so. Machiavelli desires to control mankind and instill control through fear and manipulation. Machiavelli is the sort of guardian that Kant explains in his writings. Although Kant would argue that the lead-strings of a Prince is demeaning to a Prince and the people.
Overall we have seen that Machiavelli’s view on human nature is one of distrust and disappointment. In Machiavelli’s mind the nature of humans is a justifiable reason to manipulate and suppress people. However, Machiavelli also fears being hated as he knows that hate will result in Prince’s demise. Kant also dislikes human nature, however, Kant unlike Machiavelli has hope that man can evolve from immaturity and become enlightened. Kant clearly displays his distrust for guardians as in Kant’s view they are suppressing the divine process of enlightenment.

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