Machiavelli s On Human Nature - 1531 Words

Machiavelli on Human Nature Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes were two modern political theorists who presented new ideas about political organization in the 16th and 17th century. While Machiavelli focused his written works on ideas related to effective governance, Hobbes attempts to explain the necessity of establishing a ruler to maintain peace and stability. Although Niccolo Machiavelli and Thomas Hobbes focused on different aspects of political theory, both thinkers addressed the concept of human nature in their written works. Their ideas are reliant on the assumption that all humans have an inherently bad nature. Although the two-political theorists agree that humans are inherently inclined to prioritize their self-interests,†¦show more content†¦Here, he suggests that humans have a tendency to take action whenever they think it will result in a personal gain or help them get closer to achieving another self-interest. Both Machiavelli and Hobbes believe that humans tend to take actions that they believe will benefit themselves in some way. Although Machiavelli and Hobbes agree on the basic motivation of human nature, their understandings of human nature conflict when considering the consistency of these qualities in a variety of situations. Niccolo Machiavelli would argue that humans consistently act out in selfish and immoral ways. In order to support this idea, Machiavelli uses history to demonstrate patterns in human behavior, actions, and motivations. For instance, in The Prince, Machiavelli uses the example of Cesare Borgia and other historical rulers to show that human behavior is consistent and that even virtuous leaders have had to take self-interested actions to control their citizens. To Machiavelli, all humans are born with this self-interest. On the other hand, in The Essential Leviathan, Hobbes suggests that human nature is variable based on different situation. Although it may seem that Hobbes has an entirely negative perception of human nature, the 17th century writer also argues that humans may not have an inherently bad nature, but that it isShow MoreRelated Machiavelli?s View Of Human Nature Essay1060 Words   |  5 Pagesview of human nature. Machiavelli has long been required reading for everyone intrested in politics and power. In The Prince Niccolo M achiavelli presents a unique view on governing a state. Machiavelli believes the ruling Prince should be the only authority that should determine every aspect of the state and put in effect a policy which would serve his best interests. These interests were gaining, maintaining, and expanding his political power. (Machiavelli,5). 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