Comparison of morality in The Prince, Second Treatise of Government and Utilitarianism Niccolò Machiavelli, John Locke, and John Stuart Mill present three distinct models of government in their works The Prince, Second Treatise on Government and Utilitarianism. From examining these models it is possible to deduce their views on human nature and its connection to the purpose of government. A key to comparing these views can be found in an examination of their ideas about morality as an intermediary between government and human nature. Whether this morality is to be inferred from their writings or is mentioned explicitly, it differs among the three in definition, source, and purpose. About three hundred years separate the first of these works, The Prince, from the most recent, Utilitarianism. , and in this period of time a progression in the concept of morality is recognisable. Machiavelli does not mention the word "morality", but his description of the tendencies and ideals of human political interaction allows for a reasonable deduction of the concept. Locke also doesn't use the word, but writes about the "standard of right and wrong." In contrast, Mill writes explicitly and extensively about morality in its forms, sources, and obligations. A logical starting point in this examination is a look at their relative views of human nature. For Machiavelli, people are children who need order. They are childish, not in their innocence, but in their passions. They are ungrateful, greedy, deceitful and fickle. However, they are also rational and interested in avoiding danger. In calculating their interests they may perceive the need to unite to pursue common goals, such as conquest for acquisition, p...... middle of paper ......and driven into civil society by their quarrelsome nature. As such, all three need organizational and directional influence in the company to ensure that it achieves the purposes for which it exists. For Machiavelli and Locke this influence comes directly from the government. For Mill, this influence comes from within society, from the associations one forms with other people; however, minimal government support is needed to keep it on the right track. This influence is morality and is an extension of human nature. Works Cited Locke, John. The Second Treatise of Government, ed. Thomas Peardon, New York, Bobbs-Merrill, 1952.Machiavelli, Niccolò. The prince. Trans. Hill Thompson. Norwalk: The Easton Press, 1980.Mill, John Stuart. "Resources for Utilitarianism. BLTC. January 19 2003.