The Prince

A brief synopsis of The Prince.

A key idea from The Prince is for a leader to “be on the spot”. In order to hold onto power, Niccolò Machiavelli states it is a vital tool. Here we will explore why and how it can be interpreted in a modern context.

Machiavelli advised against staying neutral in a conflict, stating that decisive and bold action is required to gain (or stay in) power. In his eyes, many leaders who try to stay neutral, end up being destroyed. This essay explains why.

This is Machiavelli’s version of “beast mode”, explained with the aid of some Greek mythology and an equal dose of both strength and cunning.

Here’s one of Machiavelli’s most controversial ideas, explained through the rise to power of two men — Agathocles and Oliverotto da Fermo.

This essay is about power. Specifically, how and when to acquire it and (just as importantly) when not to attempt to acquire it.

In this essay we see Machiavelli highlighting how the Romans used a successful strategy in Greece to grow their empire.