Chapter 14 Summary

War is the only art expected of a ruler. When a private citizen is proficient in war, he can raise himself to the rank of prince. When a prince thinks more of fine living than war, he will lose his state. It is not reasonable to expect someone who is armed to obey someone who is not. A prince who is ignorant of military matters cannot have the respect of his soldiers.

A prince must devote himself to military exercises even during times of peace. He does this through action and study. A prince must devote himself to hunting so that his body is used to hardship. He must also study the topography of his land so that he will know how to deploy his troops in every type of terrain. The prince who lacks this ability lacks the first requirement of a...