The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli was written in 1513 but not published until 1532. This book analyzes political power in the western world during the 16th century. Machiavelli discussed ways an aspiring prince can take the throne. He emphasized the need for stability in a prince’s principality, and also the need for acceptance from the prince’s subjects. Machiavelli justified rule by force rather than by law, and The Prince displayed Machiavelli’s actions. The Prince, overall, was an interesting book, but was merely a guidebook on how to rule according to Niccolo Machiavelli. It went into great depth on all of the aspects a prince must have to be a good prince, according to Machiavelli. Machiavelli stated that a prince must have a good reputation, have a strong army, and cannot be too generous. Machiavelli discussed many other things that must be exhibited by a prince. I didn’t like this book very much because it wasn’t exciting, and there was no story line to it. It was basically just a “how-to ” book.-Harriet Tubman
I can't remember the last time I read an exciting how-to book, not to mention an one written in italian during the 16th century.
ReplyDelete~Timothy Leary
My book was basically about the destruction of monarchies and the evolution of nation-states. It would be informative to read the two together to get a stronger sense of how governments developed throughout history.
ReplyDelete-Marie Antionette
Machiavelli actually wrote that book not based on his personal beliefs, but on what he thought the Medici ruler would want to hear, because he had been banished and was hoping to be invited back to Florence. I read this book last year and found it depressing that anyone could think ruling like he suggests could possibly be successful, though there are plenty of historical examples who followed his doctrine.
ReplyDelete-Catherine of Aragon
I am not the biggest fan of early European history so this book probably wouldn't be the best read fpr me. However, it seems interesting to know exactly Machiavelli's procuedures and ideas on how a prince should lead his people.
ReplyDelete-Confucius
Wonderful comments!!
ReplyDeleteIsn't Machiavelli's philosophy entirely self-serving?
I think that's why it's lasted so long. It is such a sour view of humanity, that it resonates through every age. If he had written a flowery, inspirational piece, no one would have remembered him.
People fall all over themselves trying to argue that he's not right, but he's probably right, even though that's so depressing.
-Mrs. McCabe