A Negative Necessity In “The Qualities of the Prince” the author, Niccolo Machiavelli, generates an interesting question; do the desired ends justify the means used in order to achieve them? Machiavelli uses simple comparisons, subtle contradictions, and historical facts to support his view on this ethical issue. In modern society, if one can provide a positive outcome that is satisfying to all, others should not be concerned with the means which were taken in order …showed first 75 words of 839 total…

…showed last 75 words of 839 total…eat and must eat in order to survive; so in this case should man starve himself to death? Contemporary society is filled with deceit and flourishes with injustice causing those in authoritative positions to know when negative means is necessary in accomplishing one’s goal. In a position of power it is not knowing the difference between right and wrong that makes one successful, it is understanding how to turn a wrong into a right.