Because I know that many have written on this topic, I fear that when I too write I shall be thought presumptuous, because, in discussing it, I break away completely from the principles laid down by my predecessors. But since it is my purpose to write something useful . . . I think it more effective to go back to the practical truth of the subject than to depend on my fancies about it.

In this introductory excerpt, Machiavelli distinguishes his ideas from others in that .

a. he knows more about the realities of princely duties than others
b. truth is just as important as imagination for a prince
c. a prince is no different than the everyday citizen
d. he has studied scientific understanding of human behaviors