Machiavelli Good vs Evil

398 Words2 Pages
Good vs. Evil A common topic to be debated is if man is inherently good or evil. There will never be a definite answer, it is just a matter of opinion. However, philosophers such as Niccolo Machiavelli believe they have the answer. Machiavelli believes man is evil and wicked. Although I believe otherwise. I believe that people are inherently good. People must be taught to be evil. Man’s behavior is learned and evolves as people mature. My view that people are inherently good makes me trust other people. Once someone proves to me that they are not a good person, I will no longer trust them. Machiavelli believes that man is inherently evil. He believes that people will do evil things every chance they get. Machiavelli states “It is necessary for him who lays out a state and arranges laws for it to presuppose that all men are evil and that they are always going to act according to the wickedness of their spirits whenever they have free scope.” Machiavelli believes that man is immoral, evil, and uncontrollable. He says, “Whoever desires to found a state and give it laws, must start with assuming that all men are bad and ever ready to display their vicious nature, whenever they may find occasion for it.” Personally I am more optimistic than Machiavelli, so I believe man is inherently good. Machiavelli would disagree. However, I do agree that when making laws the state must believe that man is evil. I believe this because some people do learn to be evil and it is necessary to keep that in mind while making laws. This is necessary, so the state can keep its people safe. This is the only point Machiavelli has made that I can agree with on this subject. We will never know for sure if man is born inherently good or evil. There are good points for each side of the debate. However I disagree with Machiavelli, who believes that man is inherently evil
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