This text comprises excerpts from Niccolò Machiavelli’s The Prince, a political treatise. The provided text includes the book’s title page information, publication details, and a selection of chapters. Interspersed throughout are extensive thesaurus entries providing synonyms and antonyms for key words from the text, intended to aid comprehension and vocabulary building for test preparation. The excerpts themselves offer insights into Machiavelli’s political philosophy, focusing on the attributes and actions of a successful ruler. The thesaurus entries further illuminate the meanings of Machiavelli’s chosen words.

1. What are the different types of principalities, and how are they acquired according to Machiavelli?

Machiavelli identifies several types of principalities, primarily categorized by how they are obtained. These include hereditary principalities, which are passed down through family lines; mixed principalities, which are newly acquired territories added to an existing state; and new principalities, which are entirely new states established through either one’s own arms and ability or by good fortune and the arms of others. He also discusses civil principalities, which arise from the favor of the citizens, and ecclesiastical principalities, which are governed by the church. The method of acquisition greatly influences the challenges a prince will face in maintaining power.

2. What does Machiavelli suggest about the use of cruelty and clemency for a ruler?

Machiavelli argues that a prince should strive to be seen as both merciful and cruel but prioritize being feared over being loved if he cannot be both. He believes that while being loved by the populace is ideal, fear is a more reliable tool for maintaining order and control. He advises that cruelty should be employed judiciously and swiftly, in order to secure power and prevent future unrest. It should be utilized at the outset to establish order, but then a prince should transition to more lenient policies. Cruelty should not be used simply for personal satisfaction. It should also be noted, however, that a Prince should be careful not to become hated, as hatred from the populace would be detrimental to his reign.

3. How should a prince behave towards their nobles, and why is this important?

Machiavelli suggests that a prince should carefully assess his nobles, dividing them into those who are loyal and those who are not. Those who bind their fortune to the prince should be honored and loved if they are not rapacious. If they are not committed to the prince, they may be further divided into two groups. If they do not commit to the prince because of a lack of courage, the prince can utilize them especially if they are of good counsel. If they do not commit to the prince because of their own ambitions, then the prince should guard against them and treat them as if they were open enemies. He believes that a prince’s success depends on understanding the motives of their nobles and taking appropriate actions based on those observations.

4. What is Machiavelli’s opinion on the use of mercenary and auxiliary soldiers, and what does he recommend instead?

Machiavelli is highly critical of mercenary and auxiliary soldiers. He argues that mercenaries are unreliable because they are motivated by their own interests rather than the prince’s. Auxiliaries, which are troops provided by other powers, are equally dangerous because they make the prince dependent on others. He advocates for a prince to use his own troops, emphasizing that they are the only ones the prince can truly rely on for loyalty and effectiveness. A prince should even consider leading the troops personally.

5. How should a prince balance the virtues of liberality and meanness?

Machiavelli argues that while a reputation for liberality (generosity) might initially benefit a prince, it is not a virtue to be pursued. He contends that being overly liberal can lead to financial ruin and force the prince to become rapacious to replenish funds, thus harming his subjects and ultimately undermining his rule. He suggests that a prince should strive for a reputation for being mean if that is what is required to maintain power and stability. It is far more important for a prince to not rob his subjects. A reputation for stinginess can also provide a prince the means to engage in enterprises without burdening his people.

6. How should a prince ensure their own security, and what factors contribute to the strength of a principality?

Machiavelli emphasizes that a prince’s security relies on having sufficient military strength and self-reliance. He differentiates between princes who can raise an army and princes who must defend themselves behind fortifications. He advocates for princes to fortify their towns and manage their subjects well in order to deter attacks. He also believes that internal stability is crucial. Machiavelli stresses the importance of a prince being independent and not relying on external aid.

7. Why is it essential for a prince to understand the art of war?

Machiavelli considers the art of war as the primary skill a prince should possess. He argues that a prince must be knowledgeable in military matters both in times of peace and war. This allows him to maintain his state and is critical to keeping both his troops and subjects loyal and obedient. The Prince’s capacity for command and readiness for battle were considered essential to his success. He argues that a prince should always be prepared for war, considering it the most important pursuit.

8. How does Machiavelli say a prince should handle the various factions and social groups within their territory?

Machiavelli stresses the importance of a prince understanding how the various factions of his subjects function within his territory. He identifies nobles and commoners as two key groups that a prince needs to navigate, and he recommends that the prince must be wary of both, and take actions that consider how to best gain their support, or if necessary, subdue them if they are detrimental to the security of the Prince’s reign. He suggests the Prince should act in such a way that he avoids being hated by either faction, but emphasizes that they key is to maintain the stability of the state.

The Prince: A Study Guide

Quiz

Instructions: Answer each question in 2-3 sentences.

According to Machiavelli, what are the two primary ways that principalities are acquired?
What are the characteristics of hereditary principalities and why are they typically easier to maintain?
Why does Machiavelli consider mixed principalities particularly challenging for a prince?
What does Machiavelli mean by “one’s own arms and ability,” and why does he consider these essential for acquiring new principalities?
What are the dangers of relying on mercenaries, according to Machiavelli?
Why is it sometimes necessary for a prince to be feared, and how does that differ from being hated?
How does Machiavelli advise a prince to deal with the nobles in his state, and why is this important for the prince’s stability?
What is the significance of a prince’s ability to defend himself through his own resources?
In what ways did Pope Julius II improve the power and standing of the Church, according to Machiavelli?
What does Machiavelli advise a prince about maintaining a reputation for being liberal versus being mean, and why?

Answer Key

Machiavelli states that principalities are primarily acquired either by one’s own arms and ability or by fortune and the arms of others. The former method is more stable and allows for greater control.
Hereditary principalities are those passed down through family lines, and they are easier to maintain because they are already accustomed to the rule of the prince’s family. The prince has an established presence and fewer challenges to his authority.
Mixed principalities, composed of a newly annexed territory added to an existing state, are challenging because the populace is resistant to change, accustomed to former leadership, and often prone to rebellion. The prince must navigate these unfamiliar circumstances carefully.
“One’s own arms and ability” refers to the prince’s own strength, military resources, and political skills, which Machiavelli sees as the most reliable tools for acquiring and maintaining power. The prince must rely on his own capacity rather than on luck or external support.
Machiavelli deems mercenaries as unreliable because they are driven by financial interests rather than loyalty. They are not motivated to fight for the prince’s cause, making them potentially dangerous in times of crisis.
Machiavelli suggests that it is better to be feared than loved when both cannot be achieved together, as fear compels obedience. However, he cautions that a prince should avoid being hated, which can lead to rebellion and conspiracies.
Machiavelli advises a prince to either secure the loyalty of nobles by rewarding them or to be wary of those who are more focused on their own ambitions than on serving the prince. He sees the nobility as a potential source of stability or danger, and it must be addressed carefully.
Machiavelli emphasizes that a prince should be self-sufficient and able to defend himself without reliance on others. A prince that is reliant on others will be seen as weak and unstable, which is a liability.
Machiavelli notes that Pope Julius II increased the Church’s power by consolidating its territory, diminishing the influence of rival factions, and accumulating wealth. He did this all while strengthening the Church and not private individuals.
Machiavelli advises that it is wiser for a prince to maintain a reputation for meanness, rather than liberality, when it comes to spending resources. Being seen as too generous can lead to being forced to be more rapacious, ultimately harming the state.

Essay Questions

Analyze Machiavelli’s concept of virtù and its role in acquiring and maintaining power in The Prince. How does virtù differ from traditional notions of morality?
Discuss Machiavelli’s views on the use of cruelty and deceit by a prince. Under what circumstances does he believe these are necessary? How are these views related to his separation of politics from ethics?
Explore Machiavelli’s argument for the necessity of a prince to be willing to disregard ethical or religious principles. Why does Machiavelli believe that conventional virtues are often ineffective in the realm of politics?
Compare and contrast Machiavelli’s assessments of hereditary, mixed, and new principalities. How does he believe each should be handled differently in order to maintain stability?
Assess the relevance of Machiavelli’s ideas in The Prince to contemporary political leadership and governance. Are his theories still applicable today? Why or why not?

Glossary of Key Terms

Virtù: A term central to Machiavelli’s thought, referring not to traditional virtue but to the qualities of a prince that enable him to acquire, maintain, and expand his power effectively, such as skill, shrewdness, and adaptability.
Fortune: Refers to the role of luck or chance in human affairs. Machiavelli recognizes that fortune plays a part in events but believes that a capable prince must use their virtù to control, or at least mitigate, the effects of fortune.
Mercenaries: Soldiers who fight for pay rather than out of loyalty or duty. Machiavelli sees them as unreliable and dangerous to rely upon because of their self-interest.
Auxiliaries: Troops lent to a prince by an ally. Machiavelli views these as equally problematic as mercenaries because the auxiliaries are loyal to another prince.
Mixed Principalities: New states acquired by a ruler that are added to existing holdings. Machiavelli sees these as difficult to govern because the populace is resistant to change.
Hereditary Principalities: States passed down through familial succession. Machiavelli believes these are easier to maintain because the population is accustomed to the ruling dynasty.
New Principalities: States that are newly acquired by a ruler through military conquest or other means. Machiavelli believes these are the hardest to secure.
Liberality: Generosity, especially in giving or spending money. Machiavelli advises that a prince should not be concerned with this, but rather to focus on governing.
Meanness: The opposite of liberality, meaning stinginess or thrift. Machiavelli says a prince may benefit from cultivating a reputation for meanness as a means to maintain power and the state.
Cruelty: The act of inflicting suffering intentionally. Machiavelli suggests that cruelty must be used effectively to secure the state, but a prince should avoid being hated.
Benignity: Kindliness, favor, or graciousness. In the source text, it is listed as the antonym of malignity.
Malignity: Malevolence, hatred, or spite. In the source text, it is listed as the antonym of benignity.
Rapacious: Aggressively greedy or grasping. In the source text, it is used to describe nobles who pursue their own ambitions to the detriment of the prince.
Temporal: Relating to worldly affairs as opposed to spiritual matters. The prince is engaged in the temporal, as contrasted with the spiritual.
Pillage: The act of plundering a place with violence. Machiavelli warns princes that this may be necessary, but that it should be minimized to avoid turning the population against them.
Shun: To avoid, evade, or reject something or someone. Machiavelli warns princes against shunning those who may be valuable allies.
Restrain: To control, limit, or hold back. This term is used in relation to a prince needing to control the behaviors of the nobility, citizens, and even their own behaviors.
Commended: Deserving of praise. The text uses the term to describe positive attributes that a prince should try to possess.
Copiously: In a large amount. The text uses the term to describe the possible outcome if a prince behaves liberally.
Nefarious: Wicked or criminal. The text uses this term to describe activities that may be necessary when pursuing political goals.
Accustomed: Habitual or familiar, such as when a people are accustomed to being ruled by a specific dynasty.
Righteous: Acting morally, fairly, and justly. Machiavelli often sets aside this idea in favor of the more practical.
Intellect: Mental capacity and the ability to understand and reason. This term indicates the importance of thinking clearly about political matters.
Honor: A reputation for respect. Machiavelli notes that the prince’s behavior will either promote or diminish his honor.
Irresolute: Hesitant or uncertain. This is the opposite of the decisive action that Machiavelli favors.
Tread: To walk or move along; often used in the sense of how the populace will treat a prince if he is deemed weak.
Inwardly: Within oneself, secretly. A ruler must understand the inward motivations of his citizens and nobles.
Matters: Issues or affairs. In the text, this often refers to political affairs and how the prince should address them.
Riches: Wealth and property. The prince may need to collect riches to maintain the state, but Machiavelli warns that this must be done in a way that does not anger the citizens.
Sharing: The distribution of something among a group of people. This can mean material resources, as well as honor.
Desiring: Having an intense wish or yearning for something. Machiavelli notes the danger posed by those who excessively desire something.
Deviate: To stray or turn aside from a path. Machiavelli notes the importance of staying true to a plan in order to achieve one’s goals.
Drew: To move in a direction, especially as to pull something behind. This is often used in the context of influencing people to behave in a desired way.
Fears: A feeling of alarm. Machiavelli suggests that a prince’s behavior should cause people to be cautious and have a healthy fear of him.
Impetuously: Acting rashly without thought. The opposite of how Machiavelli suggests a prince should act.
Liberator: A person who frees a people or state. A prince may want to consider this role, though not in all circumstances.
Scourings: Rubbish or waste material. A ruler should avoid being seen as this by the people.
Thirst: A longing or desire. Machiavelli says it may be necessary to cause people to have an extreme thirst for loyalty.
Verified: Confirmed as true or proven. Machiavelli notes that if a prince follows the correct path, he will verify that his approach is correct.
Beheld: Seen or observed. Machiavelli is commenting on what a prince is seen as by the people.
Blushing: Becoming red in the face. This is often used as an indicator of shame.
Canonry: The body of rules that govern a church. The text discusses this concept to describe the power of the Church as a temporal force.
Chiding: To criticize or scold. Machiavelli indicates that a prince should avoid this behavior in most circumstances.
Delighting: Pleasing or satisfying. Machiavelli discusses how certain behaviors may delight or displease the population, and he notes that a ruler must make the correct choice.
Noticing: Becoming aware of something. The prince must be good at noticing the situations around him and how people are responding.
Priesthood: The collective group of priests within a church. Machiavelli focuses on the priesthood as a source of temporal power, rather than on the spiritual role it traditionally is meant to play.
Arbitrament: A form of dispute resolution. This may be used when attempting to settle disputes and maintain order.
Deflect: To turn something aside. The prince must be capable of deflecting negative influences.
Eaten: To consume food. The text uses the term as an example of over-indulging.
Endow: To provide someone with something, such as a right or a quality. The ruler has the right to empower certain groups.
Hail: To call out to or greet someone. People should hail the prince as their leader, not as someone to be hated.
Abstain: To hold oneself back from something. This term is not used as advice to the prince, but as something that he must avoid if he is to rule effectively.
Abundance: Plenty; more than sufficient. The goal of the prince is to create an abundance of resources for his people and his state.
Accept: To receive something with willingness. This is how Machiavelli suggests the prince should act with regard to advice and alliances.
Admired: Regarded with respect or approval. Machiavelli advises that a prince may not need to be admired in order to be effective.
Admit: To allow something or someone into something. Machiavelli uses this term to show how a prince should admit advisors and accept alliances.
Admitted: Acknowledged or conceded. This is important, in the text, for understanding what people are thinking.
Admonished: Reprimanded or warned. The text warns against this kind of behavior as being ineffective.
Beset: To surround or harass. A prince may need to beset his enemies but must also protect himself from the possibility of being beset.
Besides: In addition to. Machiavelli shows how a prince must be willing to act in a specific way in addition to other, more traditional ways.
Besiege: To surround and attack. This is an example of the prince’s necessary military actions.
Dashed: To break or destroy. Machiavelli warns princes against taking actions that could result in being dashed.
Date: A point in time. Machiavelli argues that political matters must be assessed with a correct sense of timing.
Dated: Belonging to or having an origin in a particular time in the past. A prince must be careful about becoming dated.
David: A biblical figure. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Daybreak: The start of the day. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Debts: An amount of money that is owed. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Decade: A period of ten years. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Deceive: To mislead or trick someone. Machiavelli notes that a ruler must be able to deceive in order to effectively rule.
Deceived: Misled or tricked. The prince should not be deceived if he is to rule effectively.
December: The last month of the year. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Decide: To come to a conclusion or to resolve a matter. The prince must make careful and decisive decisions.
Distributed: Spread out over a particular area. The ruler must know how to spread resources around his state in order to secure loyalty.
District: A defined area or region. The ruler must be aware of the importance of governing and understanding different districts.
Distrust: A lack of confidence in someone or something. The prince should be careful about his distrust of others.
Doubly: Twice as much or to twice the degree. A ruler must be doubly careful in certain matters.
Doubt: Uncertainty or a feeling of not being sure. The ruler should have no doubt that he is acting in the best interest of the state.
Doubtful: Uncertain or unclear. Machiavelli warns the prince against this concept and reminds him that decisive action is always better than inaction.
Dressed: To put on clothes. This term is not used in the text, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Drilling: Repeatedly practicing or training. Machiavelli discusses the need for the military to be well-trained.
Drink: A liquid intended to be swallowed. This term is not used in the text, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Drinking: The action of consuming a liquid. The text suggests moderation in all things.
Esteemed: Regarded highly or with respect. The ruler must be esteemed by the people in order to effectively rule.
Estimate: To roughly calculate. The ruler must be skilled in his ability to estimate the strength of his enemies and his state.
Estimation: A judgment or opinion. A ruler must also have an accurate estimation of his own self-worth.
Girl: A young female person. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Give: To offer something freely. A ruler may need to give gifts or privileges in order to secure loyalty.
Given: Predisposed or inclined toward something. The ruler must understand the given nature of his people.
Giver: Someone who gives something to another person. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Grandfather: The father of a person’s father or mother. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Grant: To give someone something that they have requested. A prince should grant rights in exchange for the support of the people.
Granted: Agreed on or given. The text often refers to what has already been granted and what the implications of that will be.
Highest: The most elevated position. The prince will need to hold the highest position in the land if he is to be effective.
Highly: To a great extent or very much. A prince must be highly motivated to secure the state.
Hill: A naturally elevated area of land. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Hills: A naturally elevated area of land. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Indeed: Used to emphasize a statement or to express agreement. The prince should not say one thing and then mean another.
Indicate: To point something out or show something. The prince should be aware of what people are indicating with their words and actions.
Indicated: Pointed out or shown. Machiavelli notes that there are certain indicators that the prince should notice.
Indication: A sign or a piece of information. The text indicates some of the important signs that a prince should be aware of.
Indications: Multiple pieces of evidence or information. The text provides a multitude of indications for what a prince should do or avoid.
Joined: United, linked, or connected together. The prince should use every opportunity to become joined with other states through alliances.
Jove: A Roman god. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Judge: To form an opinion. A prince should not judge his enemies too quickly, or he might be fooled.
Judges: A person appointed to decide cases in a court of law. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Judgment: The ability to form sound opinions and decisions. A ruler must exercise good judgment in all things.
License: To grant formal permission to do something. A ruler will need to know how and when to grant licenses.
Licentiously: Acting in an immoral or unrestrained way. Machiavelli warns the prince against acting in this manner.
Lieutenant: An officer in the military ranking below a captain. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Life: The state of being alive. The prince is constantly acting to preserve his own life and the life of his state.
Mighty: Possessing great power. The prince should always attempt to be seen as mighty.
Milano: A city in Italy. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Mild: Gentle or moderate. Machiavelli warns the prince against this quality, arguing that the best rulers have also been cruel.
Mile: A unit of distance equal to 5,280 feet. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Miles: A large distance. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Military: Relating to armed forces. The prince must be an expert in military matters if he is to effectively rule.
Mind: The faculty of thought or reason. Machiavelli makes it clear that the prince must use his mind in all things.
Mine: Belonging to me. A prince must be focused on the state and his people, not on his personal gains, as if the state is his mine.
Myself: Used to refer to one’s self. The prince should be able to refer to himself without any doubt.
Name: The word that something is known by. The prince must work to cultivate a specific name for himself.
Named: Known or identified by a specific name. The text discusses the importance of having a specific name and identity.
Namely: That is to say or specifically. Machiavelli uses this term when specifying important examples of what a prince should do or avoid.
Nardo: A specific type of plant. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Narrow: Limited in extent or scope. The text notes that a prince must be open-minded.
Narrowly: In a restricted way. The prince must avoid narrowly focusing on only one aspect of politics and must have broad interests.
Nearer: Closer in distance. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Nearly: Close to or almost. The ruler must be careful to act deliberately and not nearly.
Necessarily: As a consequence or with a great need. The text warns that rulers must act according to necessity.
Necessary: Required to be done. The text notes several necessary actions that the prince must be able to perform.
Noticed: Observed or perceived. The prince should always be observing the world around him.
Noticing: The act of becoming aware of something. The prince must be careful to keep noticing details.
Noting: Becoming aware of something. The prince must always be noting details of the world around him.
Notions: A conception of or belief about something. The prince must have well-formed notions about governance.
Notwithstanding: In spite of the fact that. Machiavelli often uses this term to indicate a shift from standard thinking and new ideas about how a prince should behave.
November: The eleventh month of the year. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Number: A figure that represents a quantity. Machiavelli suggests a prince must be able to calculate his resources and his enemies in terms of numerical strength.
Period: A length of time. Machiavelli notes that a prince may have to change his approach in different periods of time.
Periods: More than one length of time. Machiavelli notes that a prince may have to change his approach in different periods of time.
Permanency: The state of remaining stable or not likely to be altered. The prince should work to create stability within the state.
Permission: Consent to do something. A prince will need to decide when it is important to grant permission to do something.
Permit: To allow something to happen. A prince will need to know when and what to permit.
Pieces: A portion or part of something. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Pier: A structure projecting out into a body of water. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Pikes: A type of fish. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Pillage: The action of plundering or looting by force. Machiavelli often notes the need for this, even though he knows that it has the potential to cause trouble.
Pillaged: Looted or robbed. The text indicates that some rulers may take the dangerous action of having the state pillaged.
Pious: Having or showing reverence for God. Machiavelli often sets aside this quality in favor of the more practical.
Pledge: A solemn promise. The text suggests that a prince should never make a pledge that he cannot or will not keep.
Pliant: Easily influenced or flexible. This is the opposite of what a prince must be if he is to be effective.
Plot: A secret plan made to do something wrong. A ruler should be aware of plots against him and must be able to create his own plots to secure power.
Plundered: Looted or stolen from. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Plundering: The action of looting by force. Machiavelli often notes the need for this, even though he knows that it has the potential to cause trouble.
Rightly: In a morally correct way. Machiavelli is often setting aside this quality in favor of that which is more practical.
Rise: To move upward. A ruler should seek to rise above his enemies, as well as to raise the station of his people.
Risen: Having moved upwards. The text uses the term in order to show how the status of a state has been raised.
Rising: The act of getting up. The text warns of the dangers of an uprising against the state.
River: A large natural flow of water. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Road: A way or route. Machiavelli indicates how a wise ruler must be able to choose the correct road in order to effectively govern.
Robbed: Having been stolen from. The ruler must ensure that people are not robbed by the state or by his enemies.
Robbery: The action of stealing. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Rock: A mass of stone. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Saved: Rescued from danger or harm. Machiavelli shows the different ways a ruler can save his state and his people.
Savour: To enjoy or appreciate fully. Machiavelli says a ruler must be able to understand the savour of all the choices he makes.
Saying: A common phrase. Machiavelli is often using common sayings in his text to illustrate complex concepts.
Scale: A system for measuring or ranking things. The ruler must be able to understand the scale of threats and opportunities.
Scanty: Barely sufficient. A ruler must be aware of how to avoid running out of needed resources.
Somewhat: To some extent or degree. Machiavelli reminds the reader to not allow one action to be pushed too far, and to be somewhat open to new ideas.
Somewhere: In or to an unknown or unspecified place. Machiavelli reminds the prince that his actions will be felt everywhere in the state.
Soon: In or after a short time. Machiavelli warns that the decisions of a ruler must be made quickly in order to be effective.
Stones: A small mass of rock. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Stop: To come to the end of a movement or process. A ruler must know when to stop acting and to change directions.
Stopped: No longer in motion. Machiavelli notes the dangers of a stalled military or political operation.
Stopping: The action of bringing something to a halt. A ruler must be skilled in stopping unfavorable movements.
Study: The devotion of time and attention to acquiring knowledge. Machiavelli clearly expects a ruler to be in constant study of his world.
Stuffed: Filled to overflowing. The text notes the dangers of allowing people to overindulge.
Style: A manner of doing something. The ruler should be aware of the style in which he presents himself.
Subdue: To conquer and gain control. A ruler must be able to subdue internal and external enemies in order to effectively rule.
Surrounded: Having been enclosed on all sides. The ruler must be wary of being surrounded by enemies.
Surrounding: Existing all around something. The text refers to the surrounding circumstances of any political situation.
Suspected: Believed to be guilty or dishonest. A ruler must learn to be aware of being suspected of treachery.
Suspense: A state of uncertainty or excitement about something. A ruler must avoid creating a state of suspense in his own people.
Third: Coming after two others in a series. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Thirdly: In the third place. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Thirst: A strong desire for something. Machiavelli suggests the ruler must control the thirst of his people for power.
Thirteen: The number 13. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Thirty: The number 30. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Thither: To or toward a place. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Thoroughly: In a complete and detailed way. A ruler must ensure that he has thoroughly considered his actions.
Thou: A singular form of the pronoun you. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Though: In spite of the fact that. Machiavelli often uses this term to indicate a shift from standard thinking and new ideas about how a prince should behave.
Viands: Food. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Vice: Immoral or wicked behavior. Machiavelli does not dwell on matters of vice and virtue, preferring instead to analyze what actions a prince must take to succeed.
Vicinity: The surrounding area of a location. A ruler must know the important details of all areas in the vicinity of his rule.
Vicissitudes: Changes of circumstances or fortune. A ruler must be able to adapt to the vicissitudes of life.
Weighed: Having been given careful consideration. The text reminds the ruler that he must have carefully weighed all of his choices.
Weighing: The act of carefully considering. The text reminds the ruler that he must spend time carefully weighing all of his choices.
Weight: The amount that something weighs. The text notes that a ruler must be aware of the weight that his actions will have.
Weightiness: The quality of being important. A ruler must understand the weightiness of his decisions.
When: At or during the time that something happens. A ruler must have a keen sense of timing and must be able to know when to make his moves.
Whence: From what place or source. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Whenever: At any or every time. The ruler must be on guard at all times, whenever the opportunity might arise.
Where: At or in what place or position. Machiavelli notes that the correct political moves must be made in the correct place.
Whereas: In contrast or comparison with the fact that. Machiavelli is often making an explicit comparison between standard thinking and new ideas about how a prince should behave.
Whereby: By what means or process. The prince must understand the details of the processes used in politics.
Wherein: In what place or respect. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.
Whereupon: Immediately after which. A ruler must understand what action will follow from the other.
Whether: Expressing a choice or doubt between alternatives. A ruler must be capable of considering all alternatives.
While: During the time that something is occurring. The text reminds us that all things happen within time.
Whilst: During the time that something is occurring. The text reminds us that all things happen within time.
Whither: To what place or position. The prince must always be aware of where he is going and what the consequences will be.
Whoever: Any person or people. A ruler must be aware of how all people will be affected by his actions.
Wishes: A desire or longing for something. A ruler should be aware of what his people wish.
Wishing: Having a desire or longing for something. A ruler should be aware of what his people wish.
Within: Inside of. A ruler must work to create stability within his state.
Without: Outside of. The prince should be aware of all that is without and how it will affect the inside.
Wonderfully: In a remarkable or impressive way. Machiavelli notes that some rulers have been remembered for their acts of wonder.
Wondering: Feeling curious about something. A ruler must always be wondering what is going to happen next.
Wont: Accustomed to doing something. The people must be used to the way that a ruler is behaving.
Wood: The hard, fibrous substance that makes up the trunk of trees. The text does not use this term, but it is included in the thesaurus.

February 4, 2025

Machiavelli’s Prince: A Thesaurus