Hatred of oppression still distorts the features,
Anger at injustice still makes voices raised and ugly.
Oh we, who wished to lay for the foundations for peace and friendliness,
Could never be friendly ourselves.
Bertolt Brecht, “To Those Born After”
The bookshelves of the most famous politicians in history, whether they were tyrants or great leaders, have harbored one particular book: The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli. This treatise has helped many reach the pinnacle of the political arena. However, following Machiavelli’s Renaissance spirit, the purpose of The Prince was not only to teach the arts of governance, but also define behavioural guidelines of those who wish to rule.The ruler, the leader, and the prince must guide himself and others with cold blood, since governance is a learned craft. Machiavelli gives us tools that enable us to guide others and at the same time become more astute than the common man.His views have heavily influenced modern politics and give great insight into the character of a leader. His dissertations on truth, deceit, hatred, war, and peace are all elements that those with a political acumen face on a daily basis.
Politics is embedded in our lives since we engage in daily power plays with others. Power is a quotidian fetish in our families, love affairs, and friendships.Calculating, cold, detached, astute, and sly are some of the virtues we must perfect as we embark on the difficult road to power.
Here are some quotes from The Prince that have been carefully selected so your spirit is strengthened. These qualities that we list are considered virtuous, since they will allow you to lead others even in adversity.
“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.” “Men in general judge more by the sense of sight than by the sense of touch, because everyone can see but few can test by feeling. Everyone sees what you seem to be, few know what you really are; and those few do not dare take a stand against the general opinion.”
“…he who seeks to deceive will always find someone who will allow himself to be deceived.” “Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great. ”
“And here comes in the question whether it is better to be loved rather than feared, or feared rather than loved. It might perhaps be answered that we should wish to be both; but since love and fear can hardly exist together, if we must choose between them, it is far safer to be feared than loved.” “Every one sees what you appear to be, few really know what you are.”
“Whosoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times.”
“A prudent man should always follow in the path trodden by great men and imitate those who are most excellent, so that if he does not attain to their greatness, at any rate he will get some tinge of it.”
“Never was anything great achieved without danger.” “The lion cannot protect himself from traps, and the fox cannot defend himself from wolves. One must therefore be a fox to recognize traps, and a lion to frighten wolves.”
