Chapters 15-21 of Machiavelli's controversial work deal with the very modern idea that an exemplary public image is essential to a prince's ability to maintain his power. I agree that a good image is important for all public figures, especially politicians, however I personally am an idealist and I disagree with Machiavelli's assertion throughout these same chapters that a Prince must, if necessary lie, cheat, steal and kill in order to stay in power, all the while projecting the image of a model ruler to his people.
The world as we know it would not exist without public relations firms attempting to govern the thoughts of modern society. Everyone posesses to some extent a public image which is often somewhat different to who they really are. In this way Machiavelli's advice is the direct opposite of Plato's theory of objects, because he insists that all people are basically self-serving and dishonest though they appear to be virtuous and generous. I believe that both points of view are too extreme to be correct.
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