The Prince - Machiavelli's Italian politics The Prince was one of the first humanistic works of the Renaissance. In fact it is a work of art, a sort of literary masterpiece. Yet this work has been vehemently debated over the centuries and remains one of the most controversial writings today. Although many critics consider The Prince a satire, simply an attempt to reveal problems with the ruling class, most see Machiavelli's work as a serious attempt to lay the groundwork for the reunification of Italy under the Medici family of Florence. Machiavelli's idea that the model prince should use a variety of tactics to secure power – that is, that the ends justify the means – is the most controversial issue raised in The Prince. Knowing that this notion would not be universally accepted, Machiavelli, through his book, tries to justify his idea by proving that men are intrinsically evil. While religion can often serve to unify a prince and his people, it can also serve to destroy them. Therefore, Machiavelli proposes that politics and religion should be kept in separate spheres: religion, in the sphere of God, politics, in that of man. Many readers applaud this theme as refreshingly realistic; others attack Machiavelli's statements, saying they compromise moral integrity. However, Machiavelli's prince does not wish to preserve moral good or spiritual integrity; he simply wants to obtain and maintain his principality. Machiavelli struggles to pave a way for order in this world, here and now; it does not attempt to secure God's otherworldly blessings. This notion, of course, stands in stark contrast to the moral virtue promoted by most Greek, Roman, and Jewish politicians and writers. These thinkers did not see a clear distinction between religion and politics, instead seeing the king as the human incarnation of God. Therefore, Machiavelli provides a general overview of human behavior, hoping that future princes can establish peace and security in their kingdoms, using this basic knowledge..