Macchiavelli's Advice on Power

When running for Presidential office, there are a lot of steps that must be taken in order to be a successful ruler. Machiavelli, a great political philosopher wrote The Prince, to advise princes of his time on how to rule. Although written in 1513, the advice he gives is directly relatable to present day. With his assistance any president can become a successful and powerful ruler.

The basis of Machiavelli’s theory and ideas came from his most famous quote, “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.” He has a very strict policy as to how a prince should act. Rather than being caring, he believes in strong punishment. He has a “Sit in the corner and think!” type attitude towards the people. His ideas were extreme, but they have been proved to work. They are effective and learning from Machiavelli is something any ruler should do. In his book he explains all the things a ruler shouldn’t do and balances it with all the things that should be done.

Machiavelli teaches to only rely on oneself. A president should only allow wise advisors to speak, and don’t always “take their word for it.” To prove to be capable of success, a ruler has to be self reliant. Depending on prowess instead of anyone else, will build a firm foundation for the country. Using prowess will make it difficult to obtain the wanted position, or in this case the presidential position. But once it is obtained, it will be easier to maintain. According to the book, men are ungrateful, fickle and covetous. Never be dependent on people, promises or money. If a ruler trusts more than just himself, he gives opportunities to others to ruin what he has created. All the available information that officials can get a hold of, there’s no wonder why Mac...

... middle of paper ...

... induce fear. It needs to made clear that the breaking of any rules will result in punishment. Recognizing traps will help to teach himself to frighten off all others. But one does have to be careful. Criminal acts will gain power, they will not gain glory. The most important thing to remember is, love is a bond that can be easily broken, but the fear of punishment is always effective.

Machiavelli was a genius of his time, and his work is still unabated today. Any candidate that takes his advice and puts it too good use is sure to win any election he or she is running for. Listening to his suggestions will make one powerful, successful, honored and forever remembered, which is what every politician wants. All of Machiavelli’s extreme, but efficient ideas will help a president reach his fullest potential, and be the successful president he wants to be.