Take a photo of a barcode or cover
fast-paced
dark
informative
inspiring
slow-paced
dark
informative
fast-paced
Good book. I think it did a good job describing very consisely how princes ought to rule their lands, and it was a much easier read linguistically compared to the republic.
I will let Machiavelli speak for himself:
“I conclude, therefore that, fortune being changeful and mankind steadfast in their ways, so long as the two are in agreement men are successful, but unsuccessful when they fall out. For my part I consider that it is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman, and if you wish to keep her under it is necessary to beat and ill-use her; and it is seen that she allows herself to be mastered by the adventurous rather than by those who go to work more coldly. She is, therefore, always, woman-like, a lover of young men, because they are less cautious, more violent, and with more audacity command her.”
“I conclude, therefore that, fortune being changeful and mankind steadfast in their ways, so long as the two are in agreement men are successful, but unsuccessful when they fall out. For my part I consider that it is better to be adventurous than cautious, because fortune is a woman, and if you wish to keep her under it is necessary to beat and ill-use her; and it is seen that she allows herself to be mastered by the adventurous rather than by those who go to work more coldly. She is, therefore, always, woman-like, a lover of young men, because they are less cautious, more violent, and with more audacity command her.”
3.4/5
Machiavelli’s methods in acquiring and preserving power are controversial (especially in the modern era). However, I think it’s important this read this book in context, as with every other piece of literature. Found that there were many lessons that could be extrapolated to leadership roles in present times. Interesting read. Will be coming back to it at some point in the future
Machiavelli’s methods in acquiring and preserving power are controversial (especially in the modern era). However, I think it’s important this read this book in context, as with every other piece of literature. Found that there were many lessons that could be extrapolated to leadership roles in present times. Interesting read. Will be coming back to it at some point in the future
Not as malevolent a read as I believe is generally attributed to this book. Machiavelli very straightforwardly sets out what works and what doesn't for rulers of various types of states. Inevitably, immoral things work a lot, but my conclusion from the book was if you wish to live a good and moral life, ruling a nation for a significant amount of time during the Renaissance is not for you. Sorry.
challenging
dark
informative
reflective
slow-paced
Book was very heavy and I could not get into it. Very slow and questionable opinions on women, as is the time period