MM 09 Machiavelli's Survival Manual

Among well-known philosophers, few are as controversial as the Italian Niccolò Machiavelli. Nevertheless, he is considered the founder of modern political philosophy. His book, Il Principe (The Prince), was published in 1532, five years after his death and 19 years after he had presented it to Lorenzo de' Medici as a quasi-application to regain a foothold in politics. His theory, in summary, states that power is the most important attribute of a ruler. He also states that a ruler must be capable of amoral behavior to maintain his power.

Machiavelli's work was sharply criticized from many quarters and remains highly controversial to this day. On the one hand, he was the first to establish rule without spiritual legitimacy; on the other, he preached questionable behaviors; the amorality he described is even referred to today with negative connotations as Machiavellianism. With few exceptions, his work serves as a helpful negative example for modern leadership (especially with regard to agile management).

In the context of:

Q: Q01, Q06, Q11, Q19

E:

T : T01, T08, T14, T16