The beatitudes and Machiavelli are quite contradictory to one another. In the Beatitudes it is more peaceful and caring. They are essentially telling everyone that if they follow the way of God they will be given everything in order to reach salvation. However, the Prince goes about things differently. He is more forceful and harsh. The Prince goes out of his way to get things that he needs even if they are not very nice. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled” tells how people who are religious and want God in their lives shall receive him (line 4). Religion is not a main part of being a Prince. The Prince is more worried about gaining more land and power. “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God” explains how the good and law abiding people will see God (line 6). The Prince and his followers will do whatever it takes to gain the upper hand and more power. They will set ambushes, execute people, and kill anyone who gets in their way. This is not always the best approach when trying to gain more followers. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called the sons of God”, tells how those who preach peace will be able to be God’s son” (line 7). Many religious people want to go to a better place after they die. In order for this to happen, most religions say that the people must be nice and peaceful to everyone else. However, in the Prince, there was not much peace. It was all about fighting and gaining the upper hand by killing all of the enemies. The Beatitudes are much more caring and respectful than what Machiavelli tells of how a Prince should act.
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