Later, in a similar vein, Machiavelli advised princes to use “simulation and dissimulation.”44 Since most people are influenced by appearances rather than reality, an ambitious ruler should create illusions. He “need not have all the good qualities … but he must seem to have them.”45 How to fool the public depends on context: “The prince can gain popular favor in many ways.” But obtaining public support is crucial. “I will only say in conclusion that a prince must have the people on his side.”
