5. Use Machiavelli to argue against The Beatitudes.

The Beatitudes call for a perfect world where everyone is holy and follows the rules of God.  This is something someone should aim for, but it is practically impossible for anyone to meet these standards.  Machiavelli knows this.  In writing The Prince he had to be realistic about what actually goes on in the world and how to survive in it.  The Beatitudes say, "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."  (Matthew 5:3 New International Version) This beatitude says that those who have not had the best of luck and are poor will be saved and raised up to the Heaven when they die.  They need to be humble and live holy lives in order to make it to Heaven.  Machiavelli argues that a prince should do whatever it takes to gain power and to rise up in life, no matter what the cost. The Beatitudes also say, "Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy."  (Matthew 5:7 New International Version) Machiavelli argues that a prince needs to be strict and cruel at times in order to remain in power.  He says that it's acceptable for a prince to even kill at times if it is necessary.  The prince should not show mercy because then he will be seen as week.  Machiavelli doesn't agree that a person needs to be holy and have good qualities.  He says that is good to show some good qualities, but that trying to keep them takes too much time and energy, so a prince should focus more on doing whatever it takes to be in power. Machiavelli does not see living a life on the straight and narrow path as being the most important.

Works Cited:

Machiavelli, N. (1532). The Prince. Florence: Antonio Blado d'Asola. .