Question

Has anyone read "the Prince" by Niccolo Machievelli?

Answer 1

If so how does the role of human nature in ruling a nation create a strong ruler as Machievelli would desribe it?

Answer 2

Niccolo believes that in general, most people
have a primary interest in themselves, and basically carry the mindset of “what’s in it for me.”

are mainly concerned with their property and honor. (In The Prince, Niccolo wrote: “When neither their property nor their honor is touched, the majority of men live content...”)

are motivated by their financial greed, but are usually content with the overall existing state of affairs, although those who have achieved some power are usually much more aspiring

often remain content and uncomplaining unless something horrible happens to them.

might sometimes be trustworthy in good times or due to various motives, but are almost always very dishonest in times of distress

admire and praise qualitiessuch as integrity, mercy, honesty, humaneness, religiousness, and generosity in other people, but rarely ever foster those characteristics in themselves

are often herd-minded, cling to the general opinion, and judge from appearances. (In The Prince, Niccolo wrote: “In general, men judge more from appearances than from realness. All men have eyes, but few have perception. Everyone sees what you seem to be, few know what you really are, and those few do not dare take a stand against the general opinion.”)

can become very loyal to another through receiving acts of goodwill, but even one’s strong sense of loyalty is not absolute, and can be won or lost.

can have their feelings towards others changed; i.e. with certain catalysts, they can turn against someone they favored, or they can have their favor won towards someone they used to view negatively.

are inconstant

can have their friendship bought, but friends that are bought with money are not reliable. (In The Prince, Niccolo wrote: “… Friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by greatness or nobility of mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon…”)

Source
http://www.rodneyohebsion.com/machiavelli.htm

Google stuff sometime. I copy and pasted this :p