Machiavelli philosopher of power

Machiavelli's writings are full of contradictions, even the most astute political scholars still strive to reconcile them. Was Machiavelli truly the author of theories of despotic rule with an iron fist? Or was he a patriotic person supporting republican governance, glorifying freedom and popular government? Undoubtedly, many phrases in "The Prince" conflict with those in "The Discourses," and these works themselves praise with internal contradictions. Perhaps the key to understanding some of this mystery lies in the nature of the man himself; the many responsibilities that fell upon Machiavelli—being a diplomat, playwright, poet, historian, political theorist, farmer, military engineer, and leader of a militia—made him truly a remarkable model of the Renaissance Egypt, just as his friend Leonardo was.