Outline for "The Prince" I. The basics - all dominions are acquired through either fortune (hereditary or exploitable circumstances) or ability (virtú - strength, courage, skill, desperate measures; not a reference to moral virtue) II. Hereditary rulers have an easier time keeping power and regaining it because they have less cause and less need to offend than a new one. Unless a hereditary ruler does something truly despicable the people will of him and fight …showed first 75 words of 2422 total…

…showed last 75 words of 2422 total…while human beings remain constant. Therefore, one will succeed as long as his actions match those of fortune. When fortune turns, a successful man must either learn to adapt to the change, or lose fortune’s blessing. XXVI. When a country is at its worst is a perfect time for a new prince to take command. If he can unite the people and then relieve them of any of their woes he will be beloved.