The Prince: Chapter 17 Summary & Analysis

Contemplating virtues and vices, Machiavelli transitions to a discussion of compassion and cruelty. Machiavelli states that a prince "must want to have a reputation for compassion rather than for cruelty." However, Machiavelli warns rulers to "not make bad use of compassion." Machiavelli cites Cesare Borgia's cruelty in subduing the Romagna as a modern example of cruelty used well. Borgia's cruelty "restored order and obedience" and reunified the Romagna, and thus Machiavelli finds "compassion" in Borgia's behavior. Machiavelli urges rulers not to worry if they earn a reputation for cruelty as long as their cruelty keeps their subjects "united and loyal." Targeted cruelty, such as public execution, that maintains order is truer compassion than misguided leniency that results in widespread "murder" and chaos.

Machiavelli declares that a new prince "finds it impossible to avoid a reputation for cruelty," due to the "abundant dangers inherent in a newly won state." Nonetheless, Machiavelli cautions princes to temper their conduct with "humanity and prudence" so that they do not become overzealous or "unbearable" due to "excessive distrust" of their subjects.

Machiavelli introduces the question of whether it is better for a prince to be loved than feared, "or the reverse." He answers that, ideally, a prince would be both feared and loved by his subjects. However, because it is "difficult to combine them," Machiavelli concludes, "It is far better to be feared than loved if you cannot be both." Machiavelli asserts that people are generally "ungrateful, fickle, liars, and deceivers." While "danger is remote," they are loyal, but when danger approaches, they flee. A prince who secures his rule with "a bond of gratitude" will ensure "his own ruin." On the other hand, fear "is strengthened by a dread of punishment which is always effective."

However, Machiavelli cautions that a prince "must make himself feared in such a way that …. he escapes being hated." According to Machiavelli, "Fear is quite compatible with an absence of hatred." Machiavelli declares, "The prince can always avoid hatred if he abstains from the property of his subjects and citizens and from their women." A prince's theft of his subjects' property or honor will incur hatred, because "men sooner forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony."

Machiavelli argues that a prince in command of his army "need not worry about having a reputation for cruelty," since harshness will keep the army "united and disciplined." Machiavelli applauds the ancient commander Hannibal for his skilled use of cruelty in order to preserve his massive and diverse army. Machiavelli asserts that Hannibal's reputation for "inhuman cruelty was wholly responsible" for the fear and respect that he commanded from his formidable army. On the other hand, Machiavelli condemns Hannibal's opponent, the Roman general Scipio, for his tendency towards "excessive leniency." Scipio's inability to effectively discipline his troops led them to mutiny in Spain and resulted in repeated insubordination. According to Machiavelli, Scipio found "fame and glory" in spite of this critical failing.

Machiavelli concludes, "Since some men love as they please but fear when the prince pleases, a wise prince should rely on what he controls," which is fear. Although a prince should strive to inspire a certain degree of fear, "he must only endeavor . . . to escape being hated" by his subjects.