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The Prince, Chapter 9 summary

Chapter 9 of 28 · 5 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 9, the narrator explains how a citizen becomes prince through support from either the people or the nobles, and argues that popular backing offers greater security. He distinguishes useful nobles from dangerous ones, warns against dependence on magistrates, and urges rulers to make citizens continually need both their authority and the state.

What happens

  1. A civil principality arises when the people or the nobles elevate a citizen to protect their competing interests.
  2. Popular support gives a prince greater security because the people seek protection from oppression, while nobles seek power.
  3. The narrator advises honoring loyal nobles, using timid advisers, and guarding against ambitious nobles who withhold commitment.
  4. Even a prince raised by nobles must win the people through protection, since their hostility leaves him insecure in adversity.
  5. Nabis illustrates the strength of popular backing, while the Gracchi and Messer Giorgio Scali illustrate the risks for private citizens.
  6. Rule through magistrates becomes dangerous during unrest, so a prince should keep citizens dependent on himself and the state.

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In this chapter

Theme: Popular support

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What should a prince raised by the nobles do above all?

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