The Prince · Chapter
X: Concerning the Way in Which the Strength of All Principalities Ought to Be Measured explained
Machiavelli distinguishes between princes who can defend themselves with their own resources and those who must rely on others.
What happens
Machiavelli distinguishes between princes who can defend themselves with their own resources and those who must rely on others. He advises the latter to fortify their towns and manage subjects wisely to deter attack, using the example of free German cities. He argues that a strong, fortified city and a prince who avoids hatred can withstand sieges, as subjects will remain loyal if the prince inspires hope, fear, and unity, especially after enemy destruction.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Rising action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
The emotional and psychological peak occurs when Machiavelli strips away the pretense of moral idealism, forci…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Military Strength and Self-Reliance
The chapter focuses on a prince's ability to defend himself with his own resources, either through a field army or fortified towns.
- The Importance of Public Perception
Machiavelli emphasizes that a prince must avoid being hated and manage subjects' hopes and fears to maintain loyalty during a siege.
- Human Nature and Its Exploitation
The prince exploits human nature by binding subjects through benefits conferred, as men are motivated by both gratitude and self-interest.
Characters to notice
- The Prince
The central figure addressed, who must assess his own strength and decide whether to rely on fortifications and popular support.
Key passages
“I consider those who are able to support themselves by their own resources who can, either by abundance of men or money, raise a sufficient army to join battle against anyone who comes to attack them”
A self-sufficient prince can muster enough soldiers and funds to fight any attacker in open battle.
Defines the first category of princely power.
“The cities of Germany are absolutely free, they own but little country around them, and they yield obedience to the emperor when it suits them, nor do they fear this or any other power they may have near them, because they are fortified in such a way that every one thinks the taking of them by assault would be tedious and difficult”
German free cities, though small, are so well fortified that no power dares attack them easily.
Example of successful fortification and independence.
“For it is the nature of men to be bound by the benefits they confer as much as by those they receive.”
People feel obligated by the favors they do for others just as much as by favors they receive.
Key insight into human psychology used to justify prince's strategy.
