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nate_maulding's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
slow-paced
3.75
Wonderful reflection on power, leadership, and oppression. Interesting concept that one can take both literally and ironically (Machiavelli was incredibly clever).
sophiadale's review against another edition
challenging
informative
reflective
fast-paced
4.5
I read in part because it’s a classic and I’d heard of being “Machiavellian” and would like to consider myself to be “well-read” one day, and also in part because I wanted to practice reading formal text with a lot of referentials as I study for the LSAT. What I didn’t expect was how engaging the simple prose would be and how quickly it would pass. I reflected on many aspects of our modern government and how this thinking might be reflected in social or business dynamics. Really useful, thought provoking, and interesting read that surprised me in its applicability.
And it was worth the cheeky laugh discovering that Michael Scott cribbed his answer to the age old question of if it’s better to be loved or feared (spoiler, Michael’s answer “both” was not far off from Machiavelli’s! I laughed!)
The “Simon & Schuster Pocket Books: Enriched Classic” edition had a fantastic introduction, useful footnotes with brief summaries of relevant historical events or figures, and notes with excerpts from scholars on the text or context. Incredibly helpful in understanding as I read on my own and without any classroom instruction. Strongly recommend!
And it was worth the cheeky laugh discovering that Michael Scott cribbed his answer to the age old question of if it’s better to be loved or feared (spoiler, Michael’s answer “both” was not far off from Machiavelli’s! I laughed!)
The “Simon & Schuster Pocket Books: Enriched Classic” edition had a fantastic introduction, useful footnotes with brief summaries of relevant historical events or figures, and notes with excerpts from scholars on the text or context. Incredibly helpful in understanding as I read on my own and without any classroom instruction. Strongly recommend!
shellydav's review against another edition
5.0
A must read for anyone interested in politics--at the very least, you will understand all the references to Machiavelli!
maddie_is_literate's review against another edition
Its Machiavelli. Need I say more?
kellyrenea's review against another edition
4.0
Book 33 of 2023: The Prince by Machiavelli
Another reread. I first read this in college. I remember thinking Machiavelli was very egotistical in his assumptions of human nature.
After a reread, I have to admit he had a good understanding of human nature. Does that make me disillusioned?
Another reread. I first read this in college. I remember thinking Machiavelli was very egotistical in his assumptions of human nature.
After a reread, I have to admit he had a good understanding of human nature. Does that make me disillusioned?