The Prince has been described as a manual for princes (rulers), in the tradition of these books written in the late Middle Ages. These books were sometimes called "Mirrors of the Virtues", in the sense that they listed and explained the good qualities that a ruler was expected to have in order to rule as an effective king and defend Christianity. The entire book focuses on what principalities are, what their different types are, how to acquire and maintain them, and why they are lost. The first three chapters define the scope of the entire book and provide an overview of the book's main concerns. Next, Chapters VI and V are used to present several practical methods for addressing different issues for leaders. These issues include acquiring and maintaining a new state, forming alliances, internal insurgencies, etc. In the next two chapters, the book addresses the theme of the different qualities of good leaders. Machiavelli highlights the discussion of virtue and good will in this section. He argues that sometimes rulers should have vicious actions without conforming to true virtue for the good of states and power. In the final chapter, the book focuses specifically on the disunity of Italy. In this chapter, Machiavelli gives his own understanding and explanation of the failure of the past Italian rulers and argues for an eligible ruler in the future. He asserts that only Lorenzo de' Medici can restore the honor and pride of Italy. This chapter somehow reveals Machiavelli's intention and purpose in writing The Prince. Among all the discussions in the book, several key concepts are brought up, such as power, good will, statesmanship, evil human nature, free will, and virtue. As I read and thought... middle of paper... actively encouraging those who are capable and honoring those who excel in their profession... so that they may peacefully go about their business” (Machiavelli, 108). He also encourages citizens to “…increase the prosperity of their state” (Machiavelli, 110). Although these methods are inherently deceptive, they would bring to rulers and princes the obedience and trust of their citizens, especially those who intend to oppose them. There is no doubt that The Prince is a perfect handbook for rulers and princes with all these fascinating true stories. European leaders. However, after my careful reading of the book, I believe that it is also a textbook for realists. The three obvious features of the book---the empirical methods, the emphasis on power, and the view of evil human nature---fit very well with the assumptions and theories of realism. Machiavelli is obviously a true realist.