3. According to Machiavelli, when is generosity a good thing? (Be specific, identify, and cite his argument).

            Machiavelli believes that it is good to be thought of as generous, but generosity can hurt a prince because if it is shown in an honest way like it should be, then it might not become known to the people that the prince is generous causing them to think the opposite.  A prince who is very generous will end up using all his property so that in order to give to the people he has to take from them first.  The prince would have to greatly tax the people so that he would be able to get money to give to them.  This would have the opposite effect from what the prince intended by being generous.  Instead of being loved by his people, they would start to hate him.  Since the prince would be losing money he would also lose power. In the end it takes up too much time and energy to try and be thought of as a generous prince. (Ch. 16)

           There are some cases where generosity can be a good thing though. Machiavelli says, "if he is wise he ought not to fear the reputation of being mean, for in time he will come to be more considered than if liberal, seeing that with his economy his revenues are enough, that he can defend himself against all attacks, and is able to engage in enterprises without burdening his people; thus it comes to pass that he exercises liberality towards all from whom he does not take, who are numberless, and meanness towards those to whom he does not give, who are few."  (Ch. 16) Machiavelli is saying that at first a prince would need to be frugal, saving money, so that once there is extra money saved up he can use it for generous deeds.  Machiavelli also says that it is good to be generous when working to become a prince.  For example, Caesar obtained his empire by being generous, but if he had lived and not controlled his spending then he would've caused the downfall of his empire.  

           Machiavelli basically says generosity can hurt a prince if the prince is unwise, but it can also be good if the prince knows how to control it.  It is more important for the prince to keep his power by being a bit mean than it is for him to be generous and loved.  Being generous is a good thing, but only when it is given wisely.

Works Cited:

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