Machiavelli’s “The Prince” personified the ideologies of one faction of the ruling class of the Renaissance. The theory was that because the people were no longer completely reliant on the nobility and the economy was far less under their control with the decline of guilds, the nobility had to maintain a sense of fear from the people. It was becoming clear that the citizens were not to a mindless herd anymore, but a group of individuals that had to be ruled with care.

            Machiavelli’s “The Prince” holds historical significance because it is directions from a ruler in the time of the renaissance to future rulers. It is a road map on how to be a good ruler according to Machiavelli. It demonstrates what a ruler from the renaissance would perceive as a good ruler. While some parts of it I do not agree with and others are out of date, it still holds some good advice. An example would be the advice to avoid any vice that could endanger the state.

            I agree with the advice to avoid vices, however I have to disagree with the advice to be stingy. While it is true that the money to be generous comes from taxing the people, some people are unable to provide for themselves as well as others so it is important to be generous to those people so that they may have a fighting chance. I also disagree that it is better to be feared than only loved. Fear drives people to do illogical things and the oppression that often results from fear stirs up a desire for rebellion. This is not a good thing for a ruler because it can lead to a revolution.