Throughout the essay, Machiavelli expresses himself in a manner that could be considered, highly cynical towards man in general. Because of his outlook towards men, Machiavelli informs the Prince that manipulation and the understanding of human nature can be a powerful weapon used to keep the prince in power.
             Although many of the ways Machiavelli describes men are cynical, there are many cases listed throughout the essay that deliver a harsh shot of reality to the reader about human nature and the acts of men.
             "And men are less hesitant about harming someone who makes himself loved than one who makes himself feared because love is held together by a chain of obligation which, since men are a sorry lot, is broken on every occasion in which their own self-interest is concerned; but fear is held together by a dread of punishment which will never abandon you."
             Of course, by stating that men are a sorry lot, Machiavelli is expressing his cynical outlook on men, but when he states that people in general, will first and foremost, look out for their own self preservation, rather than that of another man, Machiavelli is trying to express to the prince the reality of human nature. Everywhere a person may look throughout history, there will always be the one factor in human nature that has kept us, as a species alive, and that is self preservation. Whether it is an individual looking out for himself, or a father and husband looking out for his family, the overall goal is to survive. Machiavelli expresses to the prince, that by knowing this, he can allow the people to survive, but with constraints which will be in the prince's favor.
             Another harsh reality that Machiavelli brings up to the prince involves the opinion and judgment of men.
             "And men in general judge by their eyes than their hands; for everyone can see but few can feel. Everyone sees what you seem to be, few perceive what
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