3. Constructing Arguments Reread the last two sentences of the second excerpt. Many people find Machiavelli's advice about the need to "have a mind ready to turn itself accordingly as the winds __ of fortune force it"and the need to "diverge from the good " in order to maintain the state to be refreshingly honest and accurate. Others believe he is wrong to suggest that a ruler should ever "act contrary to faith , friendship, humanity, and religion." Choose one position and write a statement that expresses your beliefs about it. __

## Step 1<br />The problem is asking us to construct an argument based on our understanding of Machiavelli's advice. Machiavelli's advice is centered around the idea that a ruler must be flexible and ready to adapt to the changing winds of fortune. This means that a ruler must be prepared to act in ways that may not always align with traditional moral values, such as faith, friendship, humanity, and religion, if it is necessary for the maintenance of the state.<br /><br />## Step 2<br />The problem also presents a counter-argument, which suggests that Machiavelli's advice is wrong because it implies that a ruler should ever act contrary to these values. The task is to choose one position and write a statement that expresses our beliefs about it.<br /><br />## Step 3<br />The chosen position is that Machiavelli's advice is correct. This is because, in the context of governance, the primary goal is to maintain the state and ensure its stability. Sometimes, this may require actions that go against traditional moral values, but are necessary for the greater good.