Niccolò Machiavelli's “The Prince” attempts to explain the necessary tactics and required knowledge that a ruler must acquire to achieve and maintain a successful kingdom. The novel serves as an abstract manual, addressing the definition of a good/bad ruler with an emphasis on the military organization required, the character a ruler must possess, and the success that could be achieved if a ruler followed the lead. The context in which the book is written is that of an academic observer. Machiavelli places his discoveries and observations on history, as well as the needs of the people, so that the information can serve the prince as a tool that, when implemented, will create and maintain a powerful state. The guide places particular emphasis on the prerequisites of a good ruler. Arguing that a sovereign must "...make himself loved and feared by his subjects, followed and respected by his soldiers,... be severe but loved, magnanimous and generous..."(28) these are the qualities rooted in imploring a successful army, balancing cruelty and generosity and forming successful alliances. By addressing the problems and concerns of the people and the state, Machiavelli reveals the transition from a good ruler to a bad ruler. The leader demonstrates the good by exemplifying the evil done by past rulers, then judging and criticizing their handling of the army, deploring the cruelty against the generosity and treatment of their alliances. One of the most important institutions that Machiavelli emphasizes in "The Prince" is in the management of a military force. Machiavelli begins by emphasizing that "...you cannot have good laws without good weapons".(40) therefore the way in which a ruler manages his army is essential to define... middle of paper... rather than to be used and overwhelmed, a wiser choice is to be the miser. In Niccolò Machiavelli's letter to Lorenzo de Medici, is clear that there is a "the end justifies the means", the purpose of this book has a greater purpose. The means are the examples and advice given by Machiavelli The overall goal of creating "The Prince" is to establish a control power and form a calculated power to rule. This booklet organizes the information needed to understand what will define a good ruler. It serves as a guide to success, a success that has been outlined and must now be grasped by only the right man. Machiavelli uses many examples of the glories of Rome, to really return to the unity and importance that once filled Italy. “The Prince” serves as an address to all that in the world we can do better, and therefore should do better.