However, few princes can adapt their actions to the times.

Fortune controls half of human affairs, but free will controls the rest, leaving the prince free to act.

The rulers of Italy have lost their states by ignoring the political and military principles Machiavelli enumerates.

Machiavelli outlines and recommends the following:

Princes should choose wise advisors and avoid flatterers.

Princes should undertake great projects to enhance their reputation.

Princes must avoid making themselves hated and despised the goodwill of the people is a better defense than any fortress.

It is better to break promises if keeping them would be against one's interests.

It is better to be cruel than merciful.

It is better to be stingy than generous.

Machiavelli recommends the following character and behavior for princes:

Mixed troops, a combination of native troops and mercenaries or auxiliaries-still less desirable than a completely native army.

Native troops, composed of one's own citizens or subjects-by far the most desirable kind.

Auxiliaries, troops that are loaned to you by other rulers-also dangerous and unreliable.

Mercenaries or hired soldiers, which are dangerous and unreliable.Ecclesiastical principalities, namely the Papal States belonging to the Catholic churchĪ prince must always pay close attention to military affairs if he wants to remain in power.New principalities, which may be acquired by several methods: by one's own power, by the power of others, by criminal acts or extreme cruelty, or by the will of the people (civic principalities).Mixed principalities, territories that are annexed to the ruler's existing territories.Hereditary principalities, which are inherited by the ruler.Machiavelli lists four types of principalities: The final chapter is a plea for the Medici family to supply the prince who will lead Italy out of humiliation. The book's 26 chapters can be divided into four sections: Chapters 1-11 discuss the different types of principalities or states, Chapters 12-14 discuss the different types of armies and the proper conduct of a prince as military leader, Chapters 15-23 discuss the character and behavior of the prince, and Chapters 24-26 discuss Italy's desperate political situation.

He does so in hope of pleasing and enlightening the Medici family. The dedication declares Machiavelli's intention to discuss in plain language the conduct of great men and the principles of princely government. It includes 26 chapters and an opening dedication to Lorenzo de Medici. The Prince is an extended analysis of how to acquire and maintain political power.

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