Topic > Locke, Marx, and Machiavelli's Perceptions of Human Nature

Locke, Marx, and Machiavelli have different perceptions of human nature. While Locke and Marx have faith in human reasoning, Machiavelli has no faith in human intentions. Their view of human reasoning plays a role in their differing views on human nature. Locke and Marx both believe that human nature is described as good, Locke believes in equality and freedom among all people, while Marx believes that a class system forms inequality among people and believes that they also deserve equality. Subsequently, capitalism finally develops into socialism, which resolves this conflict of class inequality. Machiavelli believes that humans are selfish and that those in power deserve to be in control and act a certain way to maintain their power. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Machiavelli puts no faith in human reasoning. In chapter 6 on page 12 he states that, “…the nature of people is variable and while it is easy to persuade them, it is difficult to fix them in that persuasion.” In this part of his book, Machiavelli's conception of human nature is that they are easily convinced to believe in a certain situation. This allows him to have control over people by having the opportunity to convince them to believe in the beliefs that Machiavelli wants them to believe. Machiavelli's opinion on people is negative and considers them selfish and self-centered; therefore, Machiavelli believes that since people gain these characteristics, in order for a ruler to maintain his power he must act more severely otherwise he can easily lose his position. Since people are naturally like that, he has the right to control them as he does. This shows that Machiavelli does not trust human nature or human reasoning simply because he believes that people are not reasonable and act in the way they think is best for them, when in reality it is not in their best interest. This can cause people to unconsciously self-sabotage. Machiavelli believes that people need a ruler who can control the best interest of their people. In chapter 18 on page 39 the author states: "Therefore a wise gentleman cannot, nor must he, keep faith when such observance could turn against him, and when the reason that had led him to promise it no longer exists". This statement states that a ruler sets the rules; however, if breaking them is more beneficial to them, it is acceptable to do so. In other words, a ruler can do whatever it takes to maintain his power, even if it means lying or deceiving him. This shows that Machiavelli has no faith in human character, which is why he feels the need for such superiority to prevent them from making choices that could potentially hurt him. Later in the essay he states that a ruler can be feared or loved, but never both. This is an example of how Machiavelli feels he must be "God-like", however, as previously stated, his actions and intent to make people fear him is simply because he does not trust human nature and feels he must use a form of control over them to ensure that his power is maintained. In chapter 17 on page 37 the author states: “Whether it is better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? You might reply that you should want to be both, but, since it is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to be feared than loved.” This statement basically states that in order for a leader to gain better control, it is better to use fear on individuals rather than lovebecause it is a stronger guarantee that they will gain control. This is another example that shows that Machiavelli does not trust human reasoning because he feels that humans cannot make wise decisions on their own and therefore he needs them to fear him in order to teach them to be able to make better decisions for themselves. These are common examples of how Machiavelli demonstrates that he does not trust human reasoning and feels that they need to be controlled for their "bad nature" and therefore cannot make the best choices for themselves. Although Machiavelli does not trust human reason, Locke and Marx think differently. Rather than Machiavelli, Locke believed that the people should have an equal say in government and supported people's rights, primarily because he supported reasoning. In chapter 8, section 95 Locke states: “Men being, as has been said, by nature, all free, equal and independent, no one can be put out of this state and subjected to the political power of another, without his consent ”. ”. Locke believed that “all men are created equal.” He was against the ideology that the king or queen was "chosen by God" and for this reason he took a position arguing that the government should be governed by "human nature" and that no one can take away his freedom, and if anyone were to take away the their rights are able to defend themselves, according to Locke's statement. This quote identifies Locke's human nature and believes that human beings are good and therefore deserve equal rights and privileges of freedom regardless of their status and position in society. Of course, Locke believes that people deserve freedom and rights, as we are born good by nature. Locke was against absolute monarchy because he believed the government was taking away their rights. In chapter 7, section 90 Locke states: “Therefore it is evident that absolute monarchy, which is considered by some to be the only government in the world, is indeed incompatible with civil society, and therefore cannot be a form of civil government at all.” . ..." Locke is against absolute monarchy simply because it gives the government more power and the people less power. The end of Locke's book discusses social contact, which is a list of various liberties that individuals deserve, which is an agreement between people and the government to sacrifice some rights in order to protect other individuals. He also states that since people are in control, it is important that they agree to these terms before creating a social contract. In chapter 8, section 95, Locke states: “The only way in which any man divests himself of his natural liberty, and takes upon himself the bonds of civil society, is by agreeing with other men to unite and unite in one community, for their convenience and safety". , and a peaceful life...". This is important because it means that the people also have a say in creating the social contract and gives the people the power to establish their own freedom in government. This is another example that shows how Locke believes in the good in human nature and believes that the change of freedom is for the better. Similar to Locke, Karl Marx places faith in human reasoning. He feels that human beings should get equal rights especially in the workplace and supports class warfare and believes that people should be paid according to the amount of work they put into their job. In the first chapter, page 5, Marx's statements: “The free man and the slave... were in constant opposition to each other, they carried on an uninterrupted struggle, now hidden, now open, a struggle which every time ended either with a revolutionary reconstitution of society in general, or in the common ruin of the contending classes." In this quote, Karl Marx states that in society i.