In chapter eighteen of The Prince, Machiavelli explains to the reader how to be successful and when not to keep your word. Throughout history it has been seen that people in power constantly renege on their promises. This philosophy can be linked to our most important political figure of the present day: President Obama. In this chapter Machiavelli sets two main premises: the nature of man and the nature of combat. After explaining the nature of both man and fighting, Machiavelli argues that it is better to be a fox (and therefore successful) and provides a basic outline of how to be one. Machiavelli says: “A wise lord cannot, nor must he, keep the faith when such observance could turn against him, and when the reasons that led him to promise it no longer exist”. You don't have to keep your word if it becomes a disadvantage or if your circumstances have changed. Machiavelli states that man's nature is evil. One of the many quotes Machiavelli uses to describe men is “Men are so simple and so subject to present needs.” He further goes on to say that men are evil and stupid, nothing more than ordinary people who only care about results and appearances. It tells the reader that people are always willing and ready to be deceived. According to Machiavelli it is because men are so simple that they can easily believe a man who seems honest. A prince should know how to use both his human and beast sides and be able to swap them when necessary. According to Machiavelli “There are two ways of contesting, one with the law, the other with force, the first method is specific to men, the second to beasts; but since the first is often not sufficient, it is necessary to resort to the second. So you need a p...... middle of paper...... some quick pattern that ends up getting clogged. Machiavelli would approve of the fact that Obama still has to keep some promises. Machiavelli would ask Obama, “What does Obama gain from this? Is it beneficial to him or is it a promise that should be broken for his greater good?” In conclusion, chapter eighteen of The Prince talks about when a prince should keep his word. It has been seen throughout history and even today that people in power constantly renege on their promises. Machiavelli says: “A wise lord cannot, nor must he, keep the faith when such observance could turn against him, and when the reasons that led him to promise it no longer exist.” So, if you want to be a powerful and successful person you must be a fox, ready to deceive. Machiavelli says it's okay to not keep promises as long as the promise goes against your best interest.