In The Prince Niccolo Machiavelli presents a view of governing a
             state that is drastically different from that of humanists of his time.
             Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the sole authority
             determining every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which
             would serve his best interests. These interests were gaining,
             maintaining, and expanding his political power.1 His understanding of
             human nature was a complete contradiction of what humanists believed and
             taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a secular society and felt
             morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an
             effectively governed principality.2 Though in come cases Machiavelli's
             suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must remember that these views
             were derived out of concern Italy's unstable political condition.3
             Though humanists of Machiavelli's time believed that an individual
             had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli was quick
             to mock human nature. Humanists believed that "An individual only
             'grows to maturity- both intellectually and morally- through
             participation' in the life of the state."4 Machiavelli generally
             distrusted citizens, stating that "...in time of adversity, when the
             state is in need of it's citizens there are few to be found."5
             Machiavelli further goes on to question the loyalty of the citizens and
             advises the Prince that "...because men a wretched creatures who would
             not keep their word to you, you need keep your word to them."6 However,
             Machiavelli did not feel that a Prince should mistreat the citizens.
             This suggestion once again to serve the Prince's best interests.
             If a prince can not be both feared and loved, Machiavelli suggests,
             it would be better for him to be feared bey the citizens within his own
             principality. He makes the generalization that men are, "...ungrateful,
             fickle, liars, and deceivers, they shun danger and are...