The Prince

The Prince contains a number of maxims concerning politics. It states that in order to retain power, the hereditary prince must carefully maintain the socio-political institutions which the people are accustomed to, whereas a new prince must first stabilize his newfound power in order to build an enduring political structure. Public and private morality have to be understood as two different things in order to rule well. Therefore, a ruler must be concerned with reputation. In addition, he should also be positively willing to act immorally at the right times. As a political theorist, Machiavelli emphasizes the occasional need for the methodical exercise of brute force or deceit.
The book glorifies instrumentality in state building--an approach embodied by the saying that "the ends justify the means." Violence may be indispensable for the successful stabilization of power and introduction of new legal institutions. Force may be used to eliminate political rivals, to coerce resistant populations, and to purge the community of other men who are strong enough to rule.