Our systems are now restored following recent technical disruption, and we’re working hard to catch up on publishing. We apologise for the inconvenience caused. Find out more
1. A clear account of the precepts that govern the office of the sovereign may be drawn from the nature and end of states and from consideration of the functions of sovereignty.
2. The prime requirement is that those in power take pains to learn all that is relevant to a full knowledge of their office; no one can perform with credit what he has not properly learned. Hence the prince must forgo pursuits that have no bearing on his office. Pleasures, amusements and idle pastimes must be cut back, so far as they interfere with this purpose. He should admit to familiarity with himself judicious men skilled in practical affairs; he should ban from his court flatterers and triflers and those who have learned nothing but useless nonsense.
To know how to make a correct application of the general principles of prudent rule, the prince must have the most profound knowledge possible of the conditions of his own position and the character of the people subject to him. He must also particularly cultivate the virtues whose practice is most conspicuous in such largescale administration and adapt his manners to the dignity of his great eminence.
3. This is the general rule for sovereigns: the safety of the people is the supreme law. For authority has been given them to achieve the end for which states were instituted. Princes must believe that nothing is good for them privately which is not good for the State.
4. The internal peace of the State requires that the wills of the Citizens be governed and directed as the safety of the State requires. It is therefore a duty of sovereigns not only to lay down laws appropriate to that purpose, but also to lend authority to public discipline, so that the Citizens conform to the precepts of the laws not so much through fear of punishment as by habituation. It also contributes to this end to ensure that the pure and sincere Christian doctrine flourishes in the State, and that the public schools teach dogmas consistent with the purpose of states.
Review the options below to login to check your access.
Log in with your Cambridge Higher Education account to check access.
If you believe you should have access to this content, please contact your institutional librarian or consult our FAQ page for further information about accessing our content.