The Prince by Machiavelli Summary PDF One-Paragraph Summary Machiavelli's The Prince outlines the qualities and tactics a prince should employ to be successful and maintain authority. He advises them to cultivate a reputation for being feared instead of loved, be frugal, and avoid contempt and hatred. Arm their subjects, build fortresses if necessary, and reward loyalty with honours, wealth, and responsibility. Wise princes should rely on their own forces instead of mercenaries or auxiliaries. Finally, they must emulate great men of the past, be merciful yet feared, keep their word but simulate and dissemble when necessary, delegate responsibility, reserve grace and favour for themselves, and play both the roles of lion and fox. Short Summary Machiavelli discusses various types of princedoms and how they can be acquired and maintained. He states that hereditary states are easier to maintain, as long as the prince follows the usages of his ancestors and is of average address. Mixe...