NUMBER: 62TITLE: The Prince
AUTHOR: Niccolo Machiavelli
STARTED: September 18, 2005
FINISHED: Septemeber 18, 2005
PAGES: 106
GENRE: Philosophy
FIRST SENTENCE: The tyrant terrifies his subjects. [from the introduction]
SUMMARY: [From barnesandnoble.com] The book has been variously described as the first to analyze the role of the political elite; as the one that established the independence of politics from theology; as an early formulation of the political 'myth' required to galvanize apolitical masses into revolutionary action; as a practical rule-book containing timeless precepts for the diplomat; and, most frequently, as the handbook of evil. Based upon Machiavelli's firsthand experience as an emissary of the Florentine Republic to the courts of Europe, The Prince analyzes the often-violent means by which political power is seized and retained, and the circumstances in which it is lost. Above all, it provides a remarkably uncompromising picture of the true nature of power, no matter in what era or by whom it is exercised.
REASON FOR READING: Assigned in POL 211: Introduction to Political Theory.
THOUGHTS: This man needs to grow a heart. I know he had a rough life and all, but come on! Whatever happened to helping your common man and relying on diplomacy. Even though I disagreed with most of Machiavelli's ideas, I must say that of all the political philosophy I've read, his was the easiest to understand.
What truly terrifies me is how many of my coworkers (from when I interned on Capitol Hill) would quote this book. I don't want a tyrant in Congress. No sir.
MISCELLANEOUS: At least it was short.
KEEP/SHARE/CRINGE(?): This will be sold back to the book store at the end of the semester.
RATING: 5/10 [I didn't particularly like it or dislike it; mixed review]
CR: Captain Alatriste by Arturo Perez-Reverte
RN: Highlander in Love by Julia London
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