The World's Best Book Summaries
Should the United States adopt nuclear power as a source of sustainable energy? What are the pros of nuclear energy? Nuclear energy is getting renewed attention worldwide as a potential answer to two pressing problems: energy supply disruption by Russia and worsening climate change from fossil fuels. But it remains an especially divisive topic in the United States. Let’s take a closer look at the pros of nuclear power.
What are some of the best quotes from The Prince? What captures the essence of Machiavelli’s message? In his 16th-century political treatise The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli describes how authoritarian leaders, or “princes,” should rule their states. The Prince is an unapologetic depiction of the “real truth” of politics, where states and leaders are motivated by ambition as much as by their ideals. Keep reading for several quotes from The Prince, along with context and explanation.
What does Machiavelli recommend regarding an armed populace? Where does he advise princes to live once they’ve conquered new territory? Niccolò Machiavelli sees a loyal populace as one of the most valuable tools a prince can have. In turn, he warns that a prince who is hated by the people can never hold on to power for long. Continue reading to learn Machiavelli’s philosophy about winning over the people.
How can you choose advisors who will stay loyal to you? How much power should you give them? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli advises that princes should surround themselves with reliable advisors. He gives recommendations on where to find advisors and what the relationship with them should be like. Read more about Machiavelli’s discussion of political advisors below.
When it comes to building an army for war, what does Machiavelli advise? What’s the secret to finding loyal soldiers? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli distinguishes three types of armies: hired forces, borrowed forces, and personal forces. He cautions princes to avoid hired forces, to be wary of borrowed forces, and to opt for personal forces when possible. Continue reading for a brief discussion of Machiavelli on war forces.
Do Black Americans have the same right to self-defense as white Americans? What does America’s past have to do with the right to self-defense? The right to self-defense is leniently granted to white people while often being withheld from Black people. These injustices can be attributed to the Black stereotypes that persist from slavery. Specifically, Black people are still perceived as uncivil and dangerous. Here’s why Black people are denied the right to self-defense.
What does Machiavelli mean by “virtú”? How does it differ from the modern understanding of virtue? In The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli sets forth several qualities that great princes (rulers) have. According to Machiavelli, virtú is the characteristic that stands above the rest. However, it doesn’t mean exactly what its apparent modern equivalent means. Keep reading to find out what virtú is to Machiavelli.
Is American law inherently racist? What does racism in law have to do with slavery? There are a number of racist laws in America—laws that do not just favor white people but are also unjust to Black People. This is largely due to persisting attitudes and beliefs from the era of slavery. In this article, we will discuss a few American laws and practices that fail to provide liberty and justice for Black Americans.
Should a ruler be optimistic or realistic? What should he prioritize—the support of the populace or the support of his peers? When it comes to the qualities of a prince, Machiavelli advises pragmatism. However, he still believes that princes should have and work towards certain guiding principles. Keep reading to learn these five principles.
What does “mirrors for princes” mean? How is The Prince different from most works in the genre? Mirrors for princes was a popular literary genre during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. The works served as advice for rulers on how to behave and lead. While Machiavelli’s The Prince is the best-known example, it stands apart from most. Read more to learn how The Prince fits into the mirrors for princes genre.