The Prince is a political treatise that offers pragmatic advice to rulers on how to gain and maintain power. Often interpreted as cynical or even ruthless, Machiavelli’s work is foundational in modern political theory. Its emphasis on realpolitik and the separation of ethics from governance continues to provoke debate and influence leadership discourse.
The Prince
Niccolò Machiavelli — 1532
politicsphilosophyethicsmilitary
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Confessions
by brendon-gorelik
While Augustine’s Confessions envisions a political and moral life centered on divine order and humility, Machiavelli’s The Prince offers a worldly, pragmatic guide to ruling that breaks with Christian virtue. The texts form a sharp contrast in political theology.