Virtue vs. Vice Theme Analysis

In The Prince Machiavelli blurs the line between virtue and vice, arguing that, for princes, the value of an action rests solely on the context and end result of its performance. Virtue and vice are not fixed terms, and Machiavelli states that a prince "will find that some of the things that appear to be virtues will, if he practices them, ruin him, and some of the things that appear to be vices will bring him security and prosperity." In his extremely pragmatic approach to princely conduct, Machiavelli says that rulers "must be prepared not to be virtuous," since the performance of certain vices is "necessary for safeguarding the state." In Machiavelli's opinion regarding virtue and vice, a prince must hold himself to a different standard, apart from the rest of society. Contrary to typical morals, a wise prince must often "act in defiance of good faith, of charity, of kindness, [and] of religion," sometimes breaking his word or inflicting pain. A prince must know "how to do evil, if that is necessary," but must also strive to maintain the appearance of virtue in front of observers. Opponents of Machiavelli have referred to his methods as ruthless, although Machiavelli defended his "practical" advice as representing the reality of the world and human nature.