... makes common sense in concentrating on generalisations of hypothetical States rather than attempting to relate each writer to an existing one. Machiavelli has been described by some as a realist. The main objective for Machiavelli is success, or more poignantly defined as, success for the ruler of a country. His idea is a handbook for all monarchs in how to gain, maintain and increase ones' own power and glory in principalities, either existing, new or conquered. Machiavelli does not deny Christian values such as compassion, generosity or forgiveness but he believes that these traits, when followed by the ruler will lead to exploitation by the citizens and either the loss of power or a full scale civil war. Both of these could have been avoided by the ruler by being able to act more ruthlessly when (and only when) necessary. Machiavellis' concept of human nature is pessimistic, he believes that men ...

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