Read the Extended Notes on Substack

This text is a compilation of excerpts from Nicolo Machiavelli's The Prince (1532) and his biography of Castruccio Castracani, focusing on the ruthless realities of acquiring and maintaining political power. The primary themes emphasize that princes must prioritize practical action over idealized morality, recognizing that necessity may require acting "contrary to fidelity, friendship, humanity, and religion" to secure the state. Machiavelli stresses the importance of mastering the art of war as the sole focus of a ruler, advocating for the use of one's own armed forces rather than unreliable mercenaries or auxiliaries, which brought ruin to Italy. Furthermore, the text details Machiavellian political tactics, such as Cesare Borgia's strategic cruelty to achieve unity and the crucial need for a prince to avoid being hated by the people for long-term security.