Chapter 15
What does Machiavelli say about rulers who try to act perfectly virtuous?
They will fail because human nature is flawed, and people are not virtuous themselves.
What is the danger of being too generous as a ruler?
It can deplete resources, leading to higher taxes and resentment from the people.
According to Machiavelli, is it better for a prince to be feared or loved?
It is better to be feared than loved because fear ensures obedience.
How does Machiavelli redefine virtue for a ruler?
Virtue is not about moral goodness but about actions that ensure stability and power.
Why is public image important for a ruler, according to Machiavelli?
People judge based on appearances, so maintaining a positive image helps secure loyalty and respect.
Why does Machiavelli criticize moral philosophers when it comes to leadership?
Because they focus on ideal rulers rather than practical strategies for dealing with real-world challenges.
Why does Machiavelli say it’s better for a prince to be stingy than generous?
Stinginess allows a ruler to preserve resources for emergencies and avoid hatred from overburdening subjects.
What is the risk of being hated instead of feared?
Hatred can lead to rebellion and instability in the state.
Why does Machiavelli argue that rulers should appear virtuous rather than always acting virtuously?
Because appearing virtuous earns public praise, while acting virtuously in all situations can lead to failure in maintaining power.
How can generosity harm a ruler’s public image if not handled properly?
If generosity isn’t visible or sustainable, people may still perceive the ruler as stingy or incompetent.
According to Machiavelli, why must a prince know how to “do wrong”?
To protect the state and maintain power when circumstances demand it.
What happens if a ruler is generous but doesn’t make their generosity known?
It’s a waste of resources, and the ruler risks being seen as stingy anyway.
What does Machiavelli say about love being unreliable?
Love is conditional and can disappear when times get tough, but fear is more consistent.
Summarize Machiavelli’s advice on morality and practicality in leadership as explained in Chapters 15 and 16.
Machiavelli advises rulers to prioritize practicality over traditional morality. A prince must appear virtuous but be willing to act immorally when necessary to maintain power and stability. Generosity should be managed carefully to avoid financial ruin, and fear is more reliable than love for ensuring loyalty—though hatred must be avoided at all costs