Machiavelli wrote The Prince for his ruler as a guide for gaining and keeping power. Central themes of his essay are the relation between politics and ethics, what the best form of government is, the importance of the Church, and the growth of Italy as a nation-state. The word Machiavellian often suggests sinister motives, but some scholars question this traditional interpretation.
De la Boetie wrote Discourse on Voluntary Servitude in 16th century France during the birth of the nation-state, the rise of absolute monarchy, and intense religious and civil wars. He examines the psychology of political obedience, the structure and specific mechanisms of state authority, the motives of those who obey and those who command, and the phenomenon of obedience in the absence of force.
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"This book lays out Modern Thought, creates utilitarian ethics, and shows the need for man to master nature. This is a pretty important book in looking at understanding modernity. " — Jacob (5 out of 5 stars)
"This book lays out Modern Thought, creates utilitarian ethics, and shows the need for man to master nature. This is a pretty important book in looking at understanding modernity. "
" If you watch "The Borgias" on Showtime, you should read this book! The ebook is free. "
" Incredibly eye-opening. Slimy though he may be, tricksy Niccolo's a ridiculously intelligent guy. Now, excuse me so I can go take over the world. "
" Read part of this for my Philosophy course. I would love to finish it when I have the time. "
" Machiavelli is a dick! Awesome read for anyone that either wants to screw someone over or learn how to spot people that are trying to screw you. "
" I got the chance to read a couple of chapters of The Prince for one of the modules I had last year at university.. An extremely inspiring read. "
" Easy read. Makes a lot of points for how one should rule. "
" The indispensable title. Eerily modern. "
" At its best, this can produce Hitler, Mussolini, and Saddam. "
" I got through six and a half chapters and realized that I couldn't repeat anything because I wasn't even paying attention. I'm not sure there was even a plot. "
" Plan to take over a small kingdom? This is the book to read! "
" Hard book to read, I had to read twice and slow. Sinister and brutal politics and human nature are discussed. "
Niccolò Machiavelli, considered one of the great early political analysts, is a historical figure in the turning point from the Middle Ages to the Modern World. He was born in Florence, Italy, on May 3, 1469. He was the second son of Bernardo di Niccolo Machiavelli, a lawyer of some repute, and of Bartolommea di Stefano Nelli. Both parents were members of the old Florentine nobility.
When his literary fame grew, he returned to Florence in 1520, where he became involved in the attempt to reform the city’s constitution. This was the height of Machiavelli’s literary activity and increasing influence. He died within a few weeks of the second expulsion of the Medici in 1527, at the age of 58.
George H. Smith is an author, editor, educator, and speaker. His first book was the very popular Atheism: The Case against God. Smith began teaching in the 1970s and for nearly twenty years spent his summers instructing university students in political philosophy and American political and intellectual history at seminars sponsored by the Cato Institute and the Institute for Humane Studies. His many articles and book reviews have appeared in a wide range of publications, including Reason, the New York Times, and the Journal of Libertarian Studies.
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