The Prince: Chapter 18 Summary & Analysis

Discussing the way in which princes "should honor their word," Machiavelli writes that while it is "praiseworthy" for a ruler "to be straightforward rather than crafty in his dealings," contemporary examples demonstrate that successful princes give "their word lightly." The modern rulers "who have achieved great things" were those who knew how "to trick men with their cunning," triumphing over those who clung to "honest principles."

Machiavelli states that there "are two ways of fighting: by law or by force." Fighting by the law is "natural to men," while fighting by force is natural to animals. Machiavelli argues that rulers must know how to fight like "beasts" because fighting by law "often proves inadequate" on its own. Citing ancient allegories in which princes like Achilles were trained by centaurs (creatures that are "half beast and half man"), Machiavelli explains that princes must learn from the nature of both man and beast in order to survive.

Since a ruler must learn to act like a beast, Machiavelli urges princes to study "the fox and the lion." The lion is "defenseless against traps" but can easily "frighten off wolves." Conversely, the fox is "defenseless against wolves" but can ably "recognize traps." From this metaphor, Machiavelli concludes, "A prudent ruler cannot .... honor his word when it places him at a disadvantage and when the reasons for which he made his promise no longer exist." "This precept" holds because "men are wretched creatures" who frequently break their own promises. Machiavelli writes, "Those who have known best how to imitate the fox have come off best." Thus, an able ruler must be an adept "liar and deceiver." Machiavelli cites the "fresh example" of Alexander VI, who "never did anything, or thought of anything, other than deceiving men." As a master of deception, Alexander always achieved his ends.

Machiavelli adds, "A prince .... need not necessarily have all the good qualities I mentioned above, but he should certainly appear to have them." However, if a prince actually possesses good qualities and allows them to dictate his conduct, then he will find these attributes "harmful." It is only if he appears to have these traits that "they will render him service." A prince, especially a new prince, cannot always act virtuously, because "in order to maintain his state he is often forced to act in defiance of good faith, of charity, of kindness, [and] of religion." A ruler should possess a "flexible disposition" that varies with the dictates of fortune. If possible, a prince "should not deviate from what is good," but he must know "how to do evil, if that is necessary."

In front of his subjects, a prince must always appear to be "a man of compassion, a man of good faith, a man of integrity, a kind and a religious man." In particular, Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of this last characteristic. Machiavelli argues that the people judge princes by outward displays and are "always impressed by appearances and results." Machiavelli cites a "certain contemporary ruler, whom it is better not to name," who preaches "peace and good faith" and acts in violation of both. This behavior, however, has allowed him to maintain his state and his standing.