The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolo Machiavelli wrote the high controversial novel, The Prince in 1513 while living in exile outside of Florence with the intention of gaining influence with the Medici family.  Although the content of the novel seems mild in current context, The Prince was considered naively forceful and dangerous to republican ideals.  Machiavelli's corrupt reputation has eclipsed his talent and even in modern society, he is still associated with dishonest, totalitarian governments.

Throughout Machiavelli's political career he associated with various monarchs but non influenced him more than Cesare Borgia, ruler of the Papal States.  Although Machiavelli and Borgia had different opinions on political topics, the friendship was threatening to the rising Medici family, and when the Medicistook over Italy, Machiavelli was dismissed from office.  Without his public position, Machiavelli was forced to quietly observe politics rather than participate.  In a desperate attempt to retrieve his office, Machiavelli wrote The Prince as an account  of the Medici's actions and dedicated it to them.  However, The Prince outraged both the Medicis and the public.  The Medicis were angered because they believe the novel was completely falsified, and the public because they could not believe that such a cruel man could exist.  Unfortunately, the public believed that The Prince was more of an autobiography than that of a biography of the Medici family, and so Machiavelli's popularity swiftly dwindled.

Although Machiavelli failed to rally the support he desire in his time, The Prince has become essential reading for anyone interested in government, and is the ultimate book on power politics.  For example, Machiavelli tells the reader that the best way for a prince to remain in power is to rule well, but if he does not, then there are other strategies that one may follow to remain in power.

Machiavelli's pot-humorous influences in the world of leadership have been immeasurable.  Naturally, one thinks of dictators such as Hitler or Stalin as being the most prominent Machiavellian scholars, but there are many more.  Like the previously mentioned men, Napoleon possessed impressive intellectual and philosophical ability, but unlike many other dictators, Napoleon had a complex personality.  He was ambitious, charismatic, and arrogant, however all these traits were imperative in following the orders set forth in The Prince.

In true Machiavellian style, Napoleon provided France with a strong central government, which he intended to dominate as an emperor - or as many believe, a dictator.  Despite the fact that France had always been under monarchial rule, the country could not escape many barriers such as legal issues, the remnants of feudalism, and an uncontrollable population.  However, Napoleon plotted his ascent to emperor perfectly as to not trigger rioting or political battles.  When the Revolution swept away many of Frances problems, political unity could become a reality, thus leaving a position for Napoleon.  The result of Napoleon's ascent was rational administration, taxes, and soldiers all the benefit of Napoleon himself.

Although men such as Hitler and Stalin are obvious examples of Machiavellian influence, Napoleon is a lesser known cookie cutter mold of Machiavellian tutelage.  This tutelage has been an influence to hundreds of other monarchs and dictators and will, without doubt, continue to influence leaders forever.