The Prince

By: Niccolo Machiavelli

Narrated by: Grover Gardner

From his perspective in Renaissance Italy, Machiavelli's aim in this classic work was to resolve conflict with the ruling prince, Lorenzo de Medici. Machiavelli based his insights on the way people really are rather than an ideal of how they should be. This is the world's most famous master plan for seizing and holding power. Astonishing in its candor The Prince even today remains a disturbingly realistic and prophetic work on what it takes to be a prince, a king, or a president. When Machiavelli was removed from his post in his beloved Florence, he resolved to set down a treatise on leadership that was practical, not idealistic. The Prince he envisioned would be unencumbered by ordinary ethical and moral values. Even today, this sixteenth-century classic has become essential listening for every student of government, and is the ultimate audiobook on power politics.

Public Domain (P)2013 Gildan Media LLC

The problem with Machiavelli is that he is right.

We have one political picture in our office. My wife and I are standing between Jim Edgar on the one side-the very icon of good and honorable government-and on the other side, Lee Atwater-a brilliant strategist whose goal was to win at any price. Some viewed Atwater as the modern incarnation of Machiavelli.

But what people mistakenly think is that Machiavelli was a proponent of ruthless politics. Read the book, perhaps repeating some sections, and you see Machiavelli as simply recounting his observations, stripped of all pretense of the goodness of man, and laying bare the distressing reality of government and power.

The problem with Machiavelli is that he is right.

Good starting off point

Was The Prince worth the listening time?

Yes, I'd say it's good to read this, since it's referenced so often. It's a bit dated though, and doesn't stand the test of time the way some works do. I'd suggest reading it as part of seeing the evolution and history of power, politics and political systems.

Entertaining, if you like history and philosophy.

A bit hard to focus on, mainly because of the antiquated English used in this version. Still, the politics described can be seen in some politics of today. Today's leaders take similar actions and rivals act in similar ways. I guess things don't really change. The book contains some useful wisdom, probabaly more than most will give it credit for.

Interesting read, Screams Dark-Triad traits.

As the title says it's quite a interesting read and short enough I will probably listen to it again. I would love to see an analysis of him and his principles/tactics by a renowned Psychologist and perhaps top leaders in the fields of military and business for example in a follow on book.

Underwhelming

After all that people have said about this book I was expecting far more. It lacks anything really applicable to the modern era that can't be found written better elsewhere.

not easy listening

this book if you're not warned before hand will put you to sleep. it's like a list of rules then small anecdotes about these stated laws to live by.

Wonderful Book

Took me 43 years to listen and read this book.
building and empire is not an easy task. But worth it in the end.

Insightful Guide to Power in "The Prince"

Machiavelli's "The Prince" is a sharp guide on power and politics. It teaches crucial lessons about leadership with examples of real-world situations. The historical context is a little difficult and boring to understand, but is relevant in the teaching of Machiavelli's principles of power. It is a must-read for those interested in understanding the real dynamics of power and leadership.

fascinating

amazing to hear these thoughts, observatiins and historical perspective from long ago and consider how we see this in play out the modern world.

Very good information

Lots of good information for today's leaders who want to remain in power for a longtime.