Le prince - Niccolò Machiavelli
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Le prince

by
Language
French
Published in
Publisher
Nathan
Pages
191
ISBN
9782091824918
Written during a time of great political upheaval in Renaissance Italy, this treatise serves as a practical guide for rulers on how to acquire and maintain power. Niccolò Machiavelli strips away conventional morality to argue that a prince's foremost duty is the preservation of the state, even if it requires actions that are cruel, deceptive, or otherwise immoral. The work directly confronts the realities of governance, suggesting that the appearance of virtue can be more politically effective than virtue itself and that being feared is safer than being loved.

Drawing on historical examples and his own experience as a diplomat, Machiavelli presents a clear-eyed analysis of what it takes to lead. He explores the dynamic between skill and fortune, the necessity of a strong military, and the complex relationship between a ruler and his subjects. The Prince remains a foundational text in modern political philosophy, offering an unfiltered perspective on the mechanics of power and forcing readers to confront timeless questions about the relationship between ethics and effective governance.

Subjects

Original edition details

Original language
English
Original publisher B E S Pub Co

Other editions (1110)