Which statement best summarizes the author's claim?

O

A cruel prìnce risks robberies and murders.

A cruel prince may be better for his subjects in the long

run.

A cruel prìnce should not mind having murders and

robberies

A cruel prìnce will always have subjects who work hard

for him.

O

A cruel prince may be better for his subjects in the long run.

Explanation:

Chapter 17 "Cruelty vs. Mercy" of "The Prince" by Niccolo Machiavelli is the most discussed and cited chapter of the book.

He arguments that if a prince cant not be both feared and loved at the same time, it is better to be feared - however he should never be hated by interfering with subject's property and women.

Machiavelli gives this judgment considering what benefits the majority of the subject. A cruel prince can better manage the state to prevent widespread violence, lawlessness and chaos, which will ultimately harmful for the majority of the subject in the long run. So, according to Machiavelli, a controlled amount of cruelty is in the benefit of the subject in the long run.