The Prince, Chapter 15 summary
Chapter 15 of 28 · 2 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 15, the speaker argues that a prince must judge conduct by actual conditions rather than imagined ideals, learning to do wrong when necessity requires it. He makes preservation of the state the practical test of conduct, because apparent virtues can cause ruin while apparent vices can provide security and prosperity.
What happens
- The speaker turns to a prince’s conduct toward subjects and friends, choosing practical truth over imagined political ideals.
- He argues that someone who always acts virtuously risks destruction among people who do not.
- A prince must therefore know how to do wrong and decide whether necessity requires it.
- The speaker lists opposing qualities that attract praise or blame, while denying that anyone can practice every good quality.
- He advises avoiding vices that threaten the state but accepting blame for conduct necessary to preserve it.
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In this chapter
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Which vices must a prince take greatest care to avoid?
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