jordanpt's review against another edition
4.0
A mix between utilitarian & pragmatic philosophy looking & people and acts as means to ends. His mix of advise against trusting others was likely heavily influenced by the time lived (very chaotic & violent).
Although easy to imagine parallels to a business setting I think as a whole a Machiavellian approach would be foolish.
I feel most misinterpret the point that it one had to choose it is better to be feared than loved, but never hated. As with context it is better understood as a last resort & "it might perhaps be answered that we should wish to do both".
Machiavelli was also very nationalistic & wanted nothing more than to see Italy prosper again. Which gives better context as to why he was willing to go to the lengths he suggests to acquire a princedom etc
Although easy to imagine parallels to a business setting I think as a whole a Machiavellian approach would be foolish.
I feel most misinterpret the point that it one had to choose it is better to be feared than loved, but never hated. As with context it is better understood as a last resort & "it might perhaps be answered that we should wish to do both".
Machiavelli was also very nationalistic & wanted nothing more than to see Italy prosper again. Which gives better context as to why he was willing to go to the lengths he suggests to acquire a princedom etc
filipa_maia's review against another edition
informative
reflective
medium-paced
3.0
Is it a blasphemy if I say that Machiavelli was the first 'lider coach'?
I'm sorry, this is not my kind of book, I know that it is a classic but is not for me.
Even though I completely recognise the brilliance of Machiavelli's writing, the historical but, most of all, the political importance of this book, it was really hard for me to finish this reading.
I'm sorry, this is not my kind of book, I know that it is a classic but is not for me.
Even though I completely recognise the brilliance of Machiavelli's writing, the historical but, most of all, the political importance of this book, it was really hard for me to finish this reading.
susi_sorglos's review against another edition
informative
slow-paced
3.0
Only interesting if you like history or plan to take over a country and establish your own rule. Since I like neither of those, it was kind of boring.
gabrielhopkins's review against another edition
3.75
I didn't like this translation very much and I am not a fan of the notes being at the back of the book. I like notes in the footnotes instead. Tim park had a better translation
saluki's review against another edition
4.0
“The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.”
A fascinating insight into the government of Renaissance Italy. Machiavelli contrasts idealistic views with reality, underscoring fundamental weaknesses in human nature, yet advocating a ruthless approach to the pursuit of power. A ruler must master the art of cunning deception as well as maintain an appearance of honour and virtue. A Prince must "...learn 'how not to be good' as protection from unscrupulous men." Even patronage and favours must be measured with care, "...for friendships acquired by a price and not by greatness and nobility of spirit are bought but are not owned, and at the proper time cannot be spent."
Machiavelli describes personal qualities of a successful ruler, the importance of military force, the art of war, wealth, patriotism and even luck as strategies to protect the prince while safeguarding the nation.
The information and ideas in this book are mind-bending and a Machiavellian pursuit of power is scary business if considered in a modern context.
A fascinating insight into the government of Renaissance Italy. Machiavelli contrasts idealistic views with reality, underscoring fundamental weaknesses in human nature, yet advocating a ruthless approach to the pursuit of power. A ruler must master the art of cunning deception as well as maintain an appearance of honour and virtue. A Prince must "...learn 'how not to be good' as protection from unscrupulous men." Even patronage and favours must be measured with care, "...for friendships acquired by a price and not by greatness and nobility of spirit are bought but are not owned, and at the proper time cannot be spent."
Machiavelli describes personal qualities of a successful ruler, the importance of military force, the art of war, wealth, patriotism and even luck as strategies to protect the prince while safeguarding the nation.
The information and ideas in this book are mind-bending and a Machiavellian pursuit of power is scary business if considered in a modern context.