A review by read_ideas
The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli

BOOK NOTES: 

Main Driving Points: 
1. When necessary a ruler must be cruel and immoral in moderation 
2. People are ungrateful, fickle, liars, deceivers, shun danger and greedy 


1. Generosity vs Mean

Generosity - either hidden or high tax. Eventually hated
Miserly - no tax 


2. Cruel or Compassion 

Cruel methods when necessary can be more compassionate 


3. Feared or Loved

If not both, choose fear
But not hated, leave property and women to the people 


4. Be a fox and lion

Fox - intelligence and deceit to survive 
Lion - bravery to fight 


5. Need to know how to colour actions 

Must appear to be a man of good faith, religious, compassionate, integrity 
Because the image is more important than - few experience the truth 
Common people impressed by appearance and results


6. Avoid Contempt and Hatred 


7. Avoid flatters, seek only wise men opinions only when you ask of it. Act immediately and stick to decision 


8. Prepare for the storm when the sea is calm as you don’t know how fortune will sway

9. Control all groups of people with lion and fox attitude