Chapter 18

By David Villacorta

Here the author is talking about a prince keeping his word. He starts by saying how good it would be if all princes kept their word, however he says that this is not the way the real world works. How does it work? He richly explains by saying: “if you were to be religious, prudent, wise and others, you can be that way, but you must change according to the winds of fortune or circumstances” So he is basically saying to appear to be many good things, but in the end switch to a nature that will enable the ruler in power.

So he gives the example of the fox and lion, and how to maintain both their virtues will help to keep power. Nicholas says cunning, and that is perhaps the greatest virtue of rulers. To know how to act when the times tell them to. If they are to be mean, let’s be mean, if they were to be harmful, then let’s be harmful.  It has to be this way and only this way. I think any individual who holds power knows this, they have to act and be present, and aware at all times. There cannot be a moment in which they’d say: I am fine how I am. When it comes to power and money, there has got to be a way to keep it, and for that there must be awareness 24/7.