Editing Philip III of Spain (section)

=== Additional influences ===
Philip III's approach to government was influenced by three external factors. Firstly, he was influenced by the [[Irenicism|Irenic]] ideas being circulated in Italian circles in reaction to the new [[Renaissance humanism|Humanist]] theories of governance, typified by [[Machiavelli]].<ref>{{harvnb|Tuck|1993|p=121}}</ref> Writers such as [[Girolamo Frachetta]], who became a particular favorite of Philip, had propagated a conservative definition of 'reason of state' which centred on exercising a princely prudence and a strict obedience to the laws and customs of the country that one ruled.<ref>{{harvnb|Tuck|1993|p=122}}</ref> Secondly, Philip may have shared Lerma's view that the governmental system of Philip II was fast proving impractical and unnecessarily excluded the great nobles of the kingdoms. This decline was evident near the end of Philip II's life.<ref>{{harvnb|Williams|2006|pages=47–8}}</ref> Lastly, Philip's own personality and his friendship with Lerma heavily shaped his approach to policy-making. The result was a radical shift in the role of the crown in government from the model of [[Philip II of Spain|Philip II]].{{citation needed|date=March 2025}}