In the Italian cities, there was much conflict and arguments amongst the Borgia family who were focused on trying to seize and maintain power. Machiavelli in response, devised a text, The Prince, which illustrates how to run an effectual government. In The Prince, he also describes how the good and effective rulers have to learn “not to be good,” and that they have to be prepared and willing to put aside ethical concerns of justice and kindness, in order to preserve the balance of the state. This logic was atrocious to peers around him, for they were used to the old medieval ideas of ruling where the king was chosen by God to serve as someone on earth, who manages the law. They also saw that the ruler/king was an all-powerful human being with
