The Prince, Chapter 17: samenvatting

Wat er gebeurt

1. The speaker contrasts Cesare Borgia’s restoration of order with Florence’s failure to prevent Pistoia’s destruction through excessive mercy.
2. A new prince needs firmness but should act calmly, avoiding both careless confidence and excessive suspicion.
3. Fear provides greater security than love because people break obligations for advantage but remain afraid of punishment.
4. A prince should avoid hatred by respecting property and women and giving clear justification for executions.
5. Hannibal’s cruelty holds his army together, while Scipio’s excessive leniency permits rebellion and leaves a legate’s abuses unpunished.
6. The speaker concludes that a prince should depend on what he controls rather than on other people’s affection.

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