What did Machiavelli think about human nature?

1.How does Machiavelli view human nature?

Machiavelli differs from the many political theorists who offer conceptions of a "natural

state," a presocial condition arising solely from human instinct and character. But while

Machiavelli never puts forth a vision of what society would be like without civil

government, he nonetheless presents a coherent, although not particularly comprehensive,

vision of human nature. Machiavelli mentions explicitly a number of traits innate among

humans. People are generally self-interested, although their affections for others can be

won and lost. They remain content and happy so long they avoid affliction or oppression.

They might be trustworthy in prosperous times, but they can turn selfish, deceitful, and

profit-driven in adverse times. They admire honor, generosity, courage, and piety in

others, but most do not harbor these virtues. Ambition lies among those who have

achieved some power, but most common people are satisfied with the way things are and

therefore do not yearn to improve on the status quo. People will naturally feel obligated

after receiving a favor or service, and this bond is usually not broken capriciously.

Nevertheless, loyalties are won and lost, and goodwill is never absolute. These statements

about human nature often serve as justification for much of Machiavelli's advice to

princes. For example, a prince should never trust mercenary leaders because they, like

most leaders, are overly ambitious. At the same time, while many of Machiavelli's

remarks on the subject seem reasonable, most are assumptions not grounded in evidence

or popular notions and can easily be criticized. For example, a Hobbesian might argue

that Machiavelli puts too much faith in people's ability to remain content in the absence

of government force. A related issue to explore, then, might be the extent to which

Machiavelli's political theory relies too heavily on any single, possibly fallacious

depiction of human nature