Is the acquisition and maintenance of power the only 'good' for Machiavelli?

According to Machiavelli, the acquisition and maintenance of power was of the utmost importance to a Prince. But to discuss the question, it is essential to look at aspects of both his life and work and to decide whether or not the acquisition and maintenance of power is, for him, the only 'good'. This essay will argue that while other aspects of his writings can be described as 'good' to a degree, the only true …

…aim of his work. Despite the fact other aspects of his writings appear to be able to be called 'good' in their own right, such as having a reputation for greatness and the practice of virtu it is evident that this is only because they help to achieve the overall goal. Taking this into account, the conclusion that is reached is that for Machiavelli, the acquisition and maintenance of power was indeed the only 'good'