Question

Read the excerpt from “Princely Virtues” from The Prince and answer the question.

Because I know that many have written on this topic, I fear that when I too write I shall be thought presumptuous, because, in discussing it, I break away completely from the principles laid down by my predecessors. But since it is my purpose to write something useful . . . I think it more effective to go back to the practical truth of the subject than to depend on my fancies about it.

By writing about “practical truth” rather than “fancies,” Machiavelli distinguishes his ideas from those of writers who base their ideas about leadership on _____.

imagined worlds of generally good people
harsh realities of betrayal and competition
theoretical models of princely virtue and vice
scientific understanding of the human behaviors

Answer 1

theoretical models of princely virtue and vice
His statement of "fancies" means things that are possibly untruthful. This eliminates harsh realities and scientific understanding as options. He's also not talking about imagined worlds here.

Answer 2

By writing about "practical truth" rather than "fancies," Machiavelli distinguishes his ideas from those of writers who base their ideas about leadership on theoretical models of princely virtue. Machiavelli writes about what is instead of what should be. The difference with other writers is that he claims to write about reality and leadership in practice, and not only about theory of how leadership should be.