The Prince The Use of Political Power in the Western World (Timeless Classic Books)

The Prince examines the acquisition, perpetuation, and use of political power in the western world. Machiavelli wrote The Prince to prove his proficiency in the art of the state, offering advice on how a prince might gain and keep power.Machiavelli justified rule by force rather than by law. Accordingly, The Prince seems to justify a number of actions done solely to perpetuate power. It is a classic study of power, its acquisition, expansion, and effective use.When a prince comes to power through luck or the blessings of powerful figures within the regime, he has an easy time gaining power but a hard time keeping it thereafter, because his power is dependent on his benefactors' goodwill - a fickle thing at best. He does not command the loyalty of the armies and officials that maintain his authority, and these can be withdrawn from him at a whim. Having risen the easy way, it is not even certain such a prince has the skill and strength to stand on his own feet.Conversely, a prince who rises by overthrowing the existing order has a hard time rising but rules with ease afterwards. He clears away his enemies, forges alliances on his own terms and earns more respect.How do you think Machiavelli's philosophy fits into the political climate of the 21st century?