The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli

sahmoun2778 · Post by **sahmoun2778** » 01 Feb 2015, 21:42

Every once in a while I feel the need to read a real classic and this one came up in my reading list. This book has been around for hundreds of years and given insight to generations of readers. I don't think I can add anything to the scholarly reviews that have preceded mine but I do have a couple of thoughts.

First, I find classic literature to be valuable to a reader because it shows us where we have come from as a culture.

Second, while I did find the old English style a bit cumbersome at times to read and this is not a novel so there's no story per se, I nevertheless found the principles in this book as regarding political power to still be in effect in today's governments. I think that having this insight will make me a better judge of the political machinations that occur around me.

I encourage all readers to delve into the classics now and again to give your mind a challenge and a glimpse into the past.

mmccartylhs14 · Post by **mmccartylhs14** » 05 Feb 2015, 10:01

The Prince is the perfect manual for anyone who is dying to become a politician. I believe that it should be required reading for those people interested in the cycles of history and how important it is to learn from mistakes but also be able to lead with authority.

Cee-Jay Aurinko · Post by **Cee-Jay Aurinko** » 09 Feb 2015, 00:38

I've held The Prince in my hands once, but failed to make it even past the first paragraph for fear of being bored to death. I don't know if the 'Thief Lord' counts as classic, but that's the only thing old I've ever read. But I think that your right: there is value from the old works. After all, who inspired the people who inspire us?

mmccartylhs14 · Post by **mmccartylhs14** » 09 Feb 2015, 07:58

Books that make it into the "classic" category do so because they have influenced people in some way. It may not be a positive influence, just look at Mein Kampf, but it could be an influence none the less.