The prince

The book / The Prince, by the author / Niccolò Machiavelli, offers a classic guide to realistic political thought, reviewing the secrets of power and methods of gaining and maintaining it. It discusses strategies of rule, state management, the relationship between ethics and politics, and the importance of strength and cunning in facing challenges. Machiavelli presents advice for dealing with allies and enemies, and draws on the experiences of previous Italian rulers to clarify his ideas. The book is considered a reference for understanding practical politics and the arts of leadership, and reveals that tough decisions are sometimes necessary for the continuation and stability of the state in a changing world.