Chapter 16 Summary

It would be good to be a ruler known for generosity. However, gaining this reputation is harmful. A reasonably generous man will not be noticed. To gain a reputation as being generous, a prince must spend all of his resources and tax his subjects quite heavily. His subjects will hate him and, when he descends into poverty, everyone will find him contemptible. If he seeks to repair his error, he will soon be labeled a miser.

Since a reasonable ruler is unable to gain a reputation of generosity without harming himself and his state, he should not worry about being labeled a miser. He will seem more generous once his subjects realize that his shrewdness allows him to defend and attack without levying heavy taxes. Great things are accomplished by men who are unwilling to spend large amounts of money. The present King...