The Prince

De: Niccolo Machiavelli

Narrado por: 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

I look at historical events that apply today

Here we have a man who was brought into a position of leadership to help people just to have it taken away. While he was moving toward leadership, while in it and afterwards Machiavelli studied those around him. Looking at what all the leaders around him were doing and wanting to help certain ones to remain in power because of stability this book was written.

I found this book enlightening as it applies to modern life. Whether it’s office politics, politics of any kind this book will be helpful. I had read this book a decade back and didn’t see its significance, but now I do! I recommend reading this book whether you’re in politics or not.

Buyer beware. Know what you are getting

First of all, this book is boring. Incredibly boring. That does it mean it’s not a classic Or that Machiavelli is not correcting his observations. However, most of it is obvious by today’s standards. It is a historical book, it pertains to medieval European politics. If that is not your background or not your interest you may be overwhelmed and wonder what all the fuss is about. I find the Prince a bit like the story of “the emperors new clothes”. People still say it’s great because everyone else says it’s great. Yes, it once was unusual. Honest pragmatic observation was once rare. So it is historically valuable. It does not however, hold up in the way that Shakespeare, Dickens, Plato or Buddha do, still providing insight.

A Classic Treatise on Power Politics

Although written 500 years ago it is still relevant. The Italian, French and German rulers of Italy during the Renaissance used the same tactic of maintaining control of their people, gaining and controlling states as the tyrants of today. Machiavelli is a must read for anyone wanting to learn how the laws and rules of the rulers are different, and must be different, from the ruled. "Might makes right," was true then and is true now.

Enjoyable

Interesting, and well read. Definitely worth the time and money (or credit). I will definitely be listening to this again in the near future!

Excellent: couple with Art of War

This book reminds me of the practical lessons taught in Art of War. Still useful today!

Outdated

If you're looking for actionable takeaways from this novel, look elsewhere. The story is interesting, but the structure is all over the place.

an excellent book for deep thought and meditation

an excellent book for deep and meditation on the world's processors for obtaining and maintain power within the world we live.

Cool book

Although this book is a guide for princes in 16th century, there are still some elements applicable today.

What I learned:
- importance of seeing life as accurately as ones senses allow you to. Most people see life as they want to see it, instead of seeing it as it is.

-it was mentioned how important it is to have consultants that speak honest truth and reward them for being honest. Nowadays that could mean having friends that are completely honest with you, even if saying something that might shock/offend you. This might give you another perspective on a given situation, which you didn't see before.

- True loyalty cannot be earned with money only, but actually with investing time in your people/employees.

There was a lot of references to people, princes and regions of that era that they modern person just doesn't know, so it's mine to be confusing at the time, but if you are concentrated you can still understand the gist of the chapters.

I enjoyed the speakers voice, I think it's a good fit for the topic.

Narrated in a fast monotone

I couldn't take more than a few minutes - text-to-speech would be a better option.

Better to Love this Book than to Fear It

The book's most famous quote is, "Better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both." Historically, this book has been both feared and loved. In its own time, some thought the work was inspired by the forces of evil because of its straight-forward discussion about statecraft, politics and war. Despite the initial fear that the book created, it has survived the test of time because of those that loved its wisdom. I once heard it said that this is Western Europe's version of the Art of War--often cold and calculating with brilliant insights into strategy. Some of the book is dated but there are many kernels of sage advice--ideas that have modern application in life and business. Every educated person should feel some obligation to read this book at least once. Like the Art of War, this book is worth re-reading once every five years or so because there is much to be gleaned from it.