Chapter 22 Summary

The first estimate of a prince's intelligence will be based on the type of men he keeps around him. If his ministers are capable and wise, he will be judged to be the same, for he picked them. If they are not wise, he will be judged unfavorably for the same reasons. They are the first test of his capacity to judge.

There are three kinds of minds. The first kind can think for itself, the second can understand the thinking of another man, and the third cannot think nor understand the thinking of others. The first type of mind is excellent, the second is good, and the third is worthless. When a prince does not have the first type of mind, he can still rule ably if he has the second. If he can distinguish between what is good and bad in...