The philosophies and applications to leadership given in this book are timeless truths with application in war, politics, business, and personal endeavors. The scope and complexity of Machiavelli's ideas are complimented by their basic simplicities. It can lead one to wonder that is today's leaders took more time to review the ideas laid out almost 500 years ago if the course of modern wars may have been different. Machiavelli's understanding of the difference between occupying and conquering a foreign land or enemy are sadly over looked in today's international politics.
"The wish to acquire is in truth very natural and common, and men always do so when they can, but when they cannot do so, yet wish to do so by any means, then there is folly and blame." Without out making this post about US Foreign Policy I will simply state that the truths of this book are vastly ignored buy those who try to lead today. This book encompasses thousands of years of practical application of leadership all of which has value today.
One of my favorite books and an annual read for anyone in a leadership position.
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Machiavelli's The Prince Books In Print, Audio Books.