According to Machiavelli, the writer of The Prince, there are a few things that a ruler must do to best control his state. A ruler should be self reliant. When he is self reliant he will be respected by his citizens, those around him, and those he has conquered. A ruler should also needs to understand that his power always depends on internal support, and as the ruler he should find it a necessity to gain that support. This idea of internal support is also related to obtaining the support of one's people. If a ruler's people are insured that they will be able survive through hard times, then they will fortify the city and the ruler of that city.
Another point that Machiavelli put forth in his novel was the idea that a prince must use violence and deceit when necessary. Machiavelli states that a prince must be extremely cruel to his those he rules and then cease his involvement so his subjects forget about what he has done. The reason why he believes it is ok for the prince to act this way towards his citizens is because if the prince is to compassionate he will create a atmosphere of disorder. This would mean that those who are disloyal, would not be properly punished. The prince must also enforce hardship to uphold his strength and control over his subjects. More will bow and obey his rule if they are scared of being punished rather than being rewarded for their good deeds. With all these ideas, Machiavelli lastly states, that a Prince while inducing fear must not create hatred towards himself, for that is something that would threaten his position of power.
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