The Prince was written as a handbook for rulers, not as a guide to finding the ideal, but focused on the reality that would-be leaders would face and have to deal with. The book brought the philosophy of political manipulation and differentiating truth from the "effectual" truth to become essential skills, and the mastery of these skills was considered "Machiavellian.
The Prince's general theme is accepting that princes' aims – such as glory and survival – can justify using immoral means to achieve those ends. Princes were advised to appear virtuous but not with a motive. Machiavelli wrote that a strong military was essential, and the best laws flowed from their presence. He noted that it was necessary for a prince if he wanted to remain in power not to be hated by the people, but he also of hatred and love for the leader were much safer than being feared by the people.
Quotes by Machiavelli
“There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.”
“Never was anything great achieved without danger.”
“Never attempt to win by force what can be won by deception.”
“Everyone sees what you appear to be; few experience what you are.”
“If an injury has to be done to a man, it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.”
“The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves.
