Although Machiavelli thinks of ethics as essential for the...

Although Machiavelli thinks of ethics as essential for the life of the individual and indispensable for the continuity of society and social life, he regards attachment to it as dangerous for the prince and he cautions him (the prince or monarch) against the danger of piety and says: Anyone who wants in all conditions to be virtuous, in the midst of all this wickedness, has no destiny except disappointment.

Thus, a prince who would not like to relinquish his crown should learn wicked methods and utilize them wherever needed.[346] Even though in the view of Machiavelli the possession of virtues is good for the prince, it is so as long as it does not amount to the collapse of his rule. Thus, since we think optimistically, we see it as an attribute which is regarded as a virtue. But its implementation will lead to annihilation [of the government].

This is while there is also another attribute which is viewed as callousness although it engenders security and success.[347] Though the popularity of the prince is desirable, in case he cannot avoid either the people adoring or fearing him.

It is then better if they fear him because in this way they could be controlled and guided better.[348] No matter how desirable the faithfulness and fidelity of the prince are, it is regrettable that circumstances are not always compatible with the observance of pacta sunt servanda .[349] Life experiences have taught us that the monarchs who have performed onerous tasks are those that have not given any consideration to doing good deeds and have manipulated the people through trickery.

Finally, they have prevailed over those who have observed righteousness.[350] Thus, one must always move in tune with reality, know the value of power and authority, and bear in mind that even among the prophets, those armed had been victorious and “all the prophets who were fighters triumphed and those who were armless remained unsuccessful.”[351] There are two ways to gain victory: law and force. Law is peculiar to the human being.

Force belongs to the animals, and since the first alternative is not always responsive, the monarch should also learn the second option. It is in this sense that the monarch ought to know how he could acquire the two temperaments as he will not remain faithful to one of them.