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xtinaji's review against another edition
Read this for a History of Modern Political Thought theory course
ryatwilight's review against another edition
3.0
I honestly have no clue how to rate or review this. This made my brain hurt between the language that was translated from 16th century Italian to it centering around my two least favorite subjects ever…history and politics. But it was interesting to finally learn where the term “Machiavellian” originated.
I think my eyes glazed over while reading most of this, but from what I gather it details how to go about obtaining and keeping power by using historical examples of both great, powerful men and men who did not fare so hot.
Some of the lessons I gleaned from the book:
1) Follow in the path of other great men and imitate them.
2) Use force, not prayers.
3) Injuries/evil should be inflicted all at once.
4) Good laws come with good arms.
5) It is better to be feared than loved.
6) Do not be hated.
7) Stay away from the property and women of your subjects.
I think my eyes glazed over while reading most of this, but from what I gather it details how to go about obtaining and keeping power by using historical examples of both great, powerful men and men who did not fare so hot.
Some of the lessons I gleaned from the book:
1) Follow in the path of other great men and imitate them.
2) Use force, not prayers.
3) Injuries/evil should be inflicted all at once.
4) Good laws come with good arms.
5) It is better to be feared than loved.
6) Do not be hated.
7) Stay away from the property and women of your subjects.
danielrch's review against another edition
fast-paced
3.75
“Many writers have dreamed up republics and kingdoms that bear no resemblance to experience and never existed in reality… if you always want to play the good man in a world where most people are not good, you’ll end up badly.”
chribuna's review against another edition
challenging
slow-paced
3.75
This is essentially a really old textbook for a would-be monarch. It definitely smells like a book published in the 1500's if you catch my drift. If historical instructional documents are your thing then this book is for you, but you've probably already read it lol. I know it's a translation of a translation but the book needs fewer commas. The summary for any would-be princes is basically 'Don't be an idiot, Don't be a jerk, in that order'.
Oh, there's also a joke or two in there if you look hard enough.
Oh, there's also a joke or two in there if you look hard enough.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Sexism, Violence, and War