WHy should rulers avoid keeping promises? (In "The Prince")?

Question

anonymous · Answer

Keeping a promise is a important thing you must do. If you are a Prince you have more responsibility in keeping a promise because your people and other nations will see if you are a good Prince or not. If you keep your promises then your people will be more loyal to you, however if you don't keep your promises your people might think how can we trust this guy if he doesn't keep his word. I think it is a good idea as a Prince to avoid promises so that you don't have to lose respect from people in case you couldn't fufill that promise.