.What did Machiavelli think about the connection between politics and moral principles?

Machiavelli believed that politics and moral principles were distinct and often incompatible. In his work, particularly "The Prince," he argued that rulers should prioritize the stability and success of the state over adherence to traditional moral values. Machiavelli believed that leaders should be pragmatic and willing to employ cunning, deceit, and even cruelty if necessary to maintain power and protect the interests of the state. His approach is often characterized as advocating for a separation between political pragmatism and conventional morality.