The Message in The PrinceThe Prince, written by Niccolò Machiavelli, is one of the first examinations of politics and science from a purely scientific and rational perspective. Machiavelli theorizes that the state is created only if people cooperate and work to maintain it. The state is also one of man's greatest endeavors, and the state takes precedence over everything else. The state should be our primary objective, and the maintenance of state sovereignty should be our most vital concern. The state is founded on the power of its military. Therefore, a strong army is vital for maintaining the state. Machiavelli believes that men respect power, but will benefit from kindness. He believes that when given the opportunity one must destroy completely, because if he does not he will surely be destroyed. The prince should lead the army and must be intelligent. An effective politician can make quick and intelligent choices about the problems that constantly present themselves. He must also have virtues, which means he is strong, confident, talented and intelligent. A prince cannot be uncertain, because uncertainty is a sign of weakness. Luck controls half of human actions, and man's will controls the other half. Virtue is fortune's best defense, and virtue must be used to keep fortune in check. The prince must take advantage of situations based solely on whether it is best for the state. He should choose his decisions based on contemporary and historical examples. A prince cannot consider whether his actions are moral or immoral, and must instead act impartially for the state. Furthermore, it does not matter how the state achieves its objectives, as long as these are achieved. Finally, regardless of the personal morality involved, the prince should be praised if he does good to the state and reprimanded if he harms it. Machiavelli's principles have widespread influence and are quite similar to some of Thomas Hobbes' ideas in Leviathan. Machiavelli has a very low opinion of people throughout history. In general, he believes that men are "ungrateful, fickle, liars and deceivers." "They exist in danger and are greedy for profit; as long as you treat them well, they are yours. Will they shed their blood for you? But when you are in danger they turn on you." Machiavelli ultimately has little respect for the people and has the feeling that they haven't gained much either.