Western Civilization
The Prince represents a different humanist approach to the art of governing, compared to the idea of government based on the divine authority and Catholic dogma. The Prince is an indication of the fact that the sovereignty and the sole authority should belong to the Prince in order to determine the state aspects, and for putting the policy in effect that would later serve his self interests. These interests meant to gain, maintain, and expand his political authority and power, while in case of the divine authority and Catholic Dogma the power and authority should be exercised in a way that it is beneficial for others, as mentioned by the divine authority “then to that of the power of authority, the right to exercise power, e.g., Matt. 9:6; 21:23; 2 Cor. 10:8; or the power of rule or government, the power of one whose will and commands must be obeyed by others, e.g., Matt. 28:18; John 17:2; Jude 25; Rev. 12:10, 17:13; (Vine and Unger p. 89).
In The Prince a secular society is promoted where morality is not given much importance, rather it is considered as resistance in governing the principles effectively. The Catholic Dogma, the divine authority and humanistic approach are of the view that individuals can offer much for the well being of the state, and they grow morally and intellectually by actively participating in the affairs of state, but In The Prince the citizens are distrusted and described that in the emergency situations, when the state need the citizens, the majority is not available for help, the people are self centered and they are not willing to take actions in the interests of the state. The Prince represents that man is a despicable creature, who would not keep his words to the ruler, leader or Prince, so the leader/Prince should keep his words to man.
However, it has not indicated any mistreatment with the citizen, rather serving the best interest of the Price is emphasized. Further, divine authority and Catholic dogma has preached the principle of love for the mankind i.e., to show love and affection to the individuals, but The Prince indicates that it is better for a Prince to be apprehended and feared instead of to be loved. Man, however, is frightened from the punishment, so this fear can be utilized in the benefit of the Prince. Hence, a sensible price can take advantage from the cruelty whenever it is necessary. The Prince is, however, humanistic in a way that it has condemned wanton cruelty, and described that it can be used only in the case of preservation of the safety of prince, and for securing the state.
Furthermore, The Prince suggests that in order to win the honor, a prince should agree readily for deceiving the citizens, while in the divine authority and Catholic dogma deceiving other is forbidden. Deception is allowed in The Prince because it is considered that the measures that are carried out in deception would help in bringing the trust and honor of the prince among the citizens, particularly those that were in the power and position to go up against him and oppose him. In a nutshell, The Price has just considered the self interest and the benefits of a prince, and helped him to maintain his power instead of serving the well being of citizens.
References
Vine, W. E., and Merrill F. Unger. Vine's complete expository dictionary of Old and New Testament words: with topical index. Nashville: Thomas Nelson Inc., 1996. Print.
