Machiavelli, Hobbes's, and Locke are three men whose
             Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the only authority that
             should determine 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. His understanding of human nature was a
             complete contradiction of what everyone believed and taught. Machiavelli strongly promoted a physical society and felt
             morality was not necessary but in fact stood in the way of an effectively governed principality. Although in
             some cases Machiavelli's suggestions seem harsh and immoral one must remember that these views were derived from his
             concern for the welfare of his country. At Machiavelli's time everyone believed that an individual had much to offer to the well being of the state, Machiavelli
             was quick to mock human nature. He truly believed that humans are not ready to serve their country unless there is a special
             benefit to them as individuals. Machiavelli further goes on to question the loyalty of the citizens and advises the Prince that men
             never keep their word to you so you should never keep youre word to them. However, Machiavelli did not
             feel that a Prince should mistreat the citizens. This suggestion is only 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 by the citizens
             within his own principality. He makes the generalization that men are, "ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers they shun danger
             and greedy for profit". He characterizes men as being self centered and not willing to act in the best interest of
             the state. When the ruler is in danger they turn against him. Machiavelli reinforces the prince's need to be feared by stating: "
             Men worry less about doing an injusry to one who makes himself loved than to one who ...