Book Review: Must Reads For Youth

The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli (15+)

We may not all be heads of state (after all, there is only one premier), but one can still learn more about how political power can be acquired, maintained and defended by reading Niccolò Machiavelli’s thorough guidebook to statehood, The Prince.

Philosophical and practical questions involving “how best to rule a state” have been contested since before the term was even coined. Scholars have challenged Machiavelli’s ideas – some even positing that The Prince is a satirical book about how to not govern a state (you can read more about this in Alexander Lee’s Machiavelli: Not So Machiavellian?).

Putting the discourse aside, however, this Machiavellian treatise is based on the most salient teachings from politically notable historical events, as well as Machiavelli’s own experience and knowledge as a renowned diplomat in Florence, Italy.

Machiavelli begins with an effective breakdown of the four different types of “principalities” (the status of being a prince; the “prince” being the ruler of the state): hereditary (inherited); mixed (new territories annexed by the prince’s existing state); new (becoming a prince via one’s own power, the power of others, crimes, or the will of the people – perhaps even a fun combination); ecclesiastical (involving the case of the Papal States owned by the Catholic Church).

This examination of the varying types of states can be divided into three sections. Chapters 1 to 11 discuss the various principalities and states, chapters 15 to 23 discuss the Prince’s character and behaviour and chapters 24 to 26 discuss Italy’s political position at the time – this is especially notable given that Machiavelli’s purpose in writing this book was to win the favour of Florence’s leader, Lorenzo de' Medici, as well as recommend a course of action to lift Italy out of its desperate state.

The first two sections of this thought-provoking read tend to be more philosophical and theoretical, detailing the various situations a prince might find themself in – based on their type of principality – as well as how one ought to respond. Machiavelli also intertwines real-life teachings to fully illustrate what to do – and not to do – when acquiring and maintaining political power: namely the King of France (Louis, not Charles) and his attempt to take Italy; Alexander the Great’s successful hold on Asia, the Spartans (ancient Greece) and the Romans (ancient Italy).

As for the last section, Machiavelli delivers a final recommendation to his intended reader (the Medici family) to retake Italy, defending against the Swiss and the Spanish.

The language that the writer uses is also notable, as the persuasive confidence of the Italian infantry’s power only being mobilised with the formidable support of a leader is a clear representation of Machiavelli’s aims to win the Medici family’s favour.

Perhaps I’ll use some of this language in my academic essays (in English, of course)! The consistent demonisation of enemy states also plays a key role in painting a picture that Lorenzo Medici might buy into.

An idea that I found particularly interesting was the extent to which a prince’s colonies are useful in securing the mainland. This idea primarily involves a prince thoroughly subjugating the populations of new colonies enough to station their infantry there without pushback, thus improving access to military power in the event of an uprising in the mainland as well. This showcases Machiavelli’s belief that it is better to be feared than loved. What do you think? As the ruler of a state, is it more beneficial to inspire fright or joy in your citizens?

Additionally, the prince’s dynamic on a personal level might not seem relevant to their ability to hold on to political power, but Machiavelli sees it differently. This writer posits that a prince must appear to be all of the qualities that the population desires in a leader, such as appearing religious and respectable. In short, fake it until you make it.

I would recommend The Prince to anyone looking into works on statecraft, or just looking to explore some different parts of history (not limited to the time and place in which Machiavelli lived, as he explains scores of examples throughout the book). If you enjoy this excellent and renowned read, I would also suggest Sun Tzu’s The Art of War, as these works share the common theme of explaining the relevant plans and procedures for coming out on top in times of conflict.

• On a final note, I would also like to hear your thoughts on my column, any comments on The Prince or simply give me a book recommendation of whatever you are reading at the moment. Contact me at bookspacebda@gmail.com to tell me all about it! For frequent updates on what I’m reading, follow @bookspacebda on Instagram!