Chapter 23 Summary

Princes cannot easily protect themselves from flatterers unless they are prudent or have good advisers. It is quite easy to be deceived about one's own qualities. The only way one can avoid all flattery is to let all men know that they will not offend if they tell the truth. If everyone feels free to tell the truth about everything, however, the prince will not receive due respect.

The prudent prince will then choose wise men and allow only them to speak truthfully. This freedom should only be used on subjects that the prince wishes to talk about, not on everything. The prince should listen to their counsel and then make up his own mind. He should listen to no one else. Otherwise, the prince will be deceived by flatterers or continually change his mind on a matter, and thus lose his reputation...