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Machiavelli The Prince Chapter 18 Questions

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Machiavelli Midterm Question According to Machiavelli the ultimate goal of political life is the conquest of fortune. The Sovereign must impose his will on fortune rather being at the mercy of fortune. The prince must use his prowess prudence and cunningness in order to master fortune. Therefore, by the conquest of fortune a prince can rule, maintain and impose his will. Machiavelli believes that prudence, prowess and adaptation play a big role in maintaining power. The prince must always be one step ahead of changing times by making smart decisions. Once the prince masters fortune he holds his faith in his own hands unable to be undermined by changing times and circumstances. Machiavelli wrote "The Prince" as a guide for non-elected sovereign rulers looking to achieve the ultimate political goal of life. Therefore, as most non-elected systems are unstable and if not ruled prudently will come to their demise. Machiavelli's teaching are one that insures the prince will rule, maintain and impose his will for as long as he masters fortune, but he is not at the mercy of fortune. The prince must impose his will based on the circumstance, and the circumstances justifies the modes, the good and the bad. …show more content…

Furthermore, in chapter XXV Machiavelli also states that fortune " is always a friend of the young, because they are less cautious, are fiercer, and with more audacity do they command her." (Machiavelli 149) therefore the prince who is willing to fight to shape his fortune, who is prudent, prowess and cunning will be able to command and master

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