In a civil principality, a prince needs to be both clever and fortunate to acquire power.
The prince must gain the favour of the people, regardless of how he acquried power, as he must rely on them in times of adversity.
A prince, though not an ordinary citizen, can rest on the favour of the people if he has shown certain qualities of leadership and courage with them.
The greatest danger lies when the prince rules with absolute power. When his power is devolved through magistrates, they may disobey him or refuse to carry out his orders. It will be difficult to then control the people. Therefore, the prince should endeavour to make sure the people will always need him.
These ideas were espoused by which Italian philosopher?
A) Marsilio Ficino
B) St. Thomas Aquinas
C) Niccolo Machiavelli
D) George Gemistos Plethon