dragonlilly's review against another edition
3.0
Very interesting. I liked all the historical references, and it really seems to be a good and thoughtful guidebook for the politics at the time.
maikais's review against another edition
5.0
Best quotes of this book is:
- A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.
- a son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair
- A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
- God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs
- it is is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver
- Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.
- A return to first principles in a republic is sometimes caused by the simple virtues of one man. His good example has such an influence that the good men strive to imitate him, and the wicked are ashamed to lead a life so contrary to his example.
- a son can bear with equanimity the loss of his father, but the loss of his inheritance may drive him to despair
- A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests.
- God is not willing to do everything, and thus take away our free will and that share of glory which belongs
- it is is double pleasure to deceive the deceiver
- Men are so simple and so much inclined to obey immediate needs that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions.
nickl1223's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
5.0
The Prince gives political insight into what makes up a ruler's success. Not charisma, generosity, charity, or love, but cruelty and the ability to be tough. For a good reason, the Prince is still heavily used in political theory and analysis. Machiavelli's work is a staple in politics, and still analyzed heavily today for it's many historical drawings and concepts for how rulers should rule.
alexweeke's review against another edition
4.0
The Prince is an overview of how to be a ruler, with constant reference to older rulers and warlords.
It is an interesting read for anyone who not only wants to know what the political climate of the 15th century was, but also for those who like to understand the thought process and strategic side of military coups, assassinations, leading a country, etc.
Machiavelli presents an archaic view of the world, yet there are many things that still apply to this day. The foreword in this version is brilliant, as it provides historical context for different situations, including ancient Greek generals, and the infamous Cesare Borgia, who Machiavelli seems to hold in high regard.
A fascinating read, and though many of its ideas are not applicable on a smaller scale (which I believe is where most readers will try to apply them), I still recommend it.
It is an interesting read for anyone who not only wants to know what the political climate of the 15th century was, but also for those who like to understand the thought process and strategic side of military coups, assassinations, leading a country, etc.
Machiavelli presents an archaic view of the world, yet there are many things that still apply to this day. The foreword in this version is brilliant, as it provides historical context for different situations, including ancient Greek generals, and the infamous Cesare Borgia, who Machiavelli seems to hold in high regard.
A fascinating read, and though many of its ideas are not applicable on a smaller scale (which I believe is where most readers will try to apply them), I still recommend it.