The Prince

Synopsis

Classic guide to acquiring and maintaining political power is refreshing in its directness, yet often disturbing in its cold practicality. Starkly relevant to the political upheavals of the 20th century, this calculating prescription for power remains today, nearly 500 years after it was written, a timely and startling lesson in the practice of autocratic rule.

Summary

Chapter 1: Of the Various Kinds of Principalities

- Machiavelli classifies principalities into five types: hereditary, newly acquired, ecclesiastical, mixed, and republics.
- Example: The Medici family's rule in Florence is a hereditary principality, while the Pope's temporal power is an ecclesiastical principality.

Chapter 2: Of Hereditary Principalities

- Hereditary principalities are more stable because the ruler has tradition and legitimacy on his side.
- Example: The long reign of the Habsburg dynasty in Austria.

Chapter 3: Of Mixed Principalities

- Mixed principalities are those that have been acquired by conquest or other means.
- They are more difficult to rule because the ruler must contend with subjects who may not be loyal to him.
- Example: The Spanish conquest of Mexico, which created a mixed principality where Spanish rulers struggled with Aztec loyalists.

Chapter 4: Why the Kingdom of Darius, Conquered by Alexander, Did Not Rebel Against the Successors of Alexander After His Death

- Machiavelli argues that Darius' kingdom did not rebel because Alexander's successors respected local customs and institutions.
- Example: Alexander the Great's marriage to Roxana, a daughter of the Bactrian king Oxyartes, which fostered goodwill among the Bactrian people.

Chapter 5: How to Govern Cities or Provinces Which, Before Their Acquisition, Lived Under Their Own Laws

- Machiavelli advises rulers to maintain the existing laws and institutions of conquered territories as much as possible.
- Example: The British Empire's policy of indirect rule in India, which allowed local princes to retain their authority.

Chapter 6: Of New Principalities Acquired by One's Own Arms and Ability

- New principalities acquired through conquest are the most difficult to rule.
- The ruler must be both ruthless and virtuous to maintain his power.
- Example: Julius Caesar's rise to power through military conquest.

Chapter 7: Of New Principalities Acquired by Fortune or by the Arms of Others

- Principalities acquired through luck or the help of others are the easiest to lose.
- The ruler must quickly establish his own legitimacy and military strength.
- Example: The French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte, who rose to power during the French Revolution.

Chapter 8: Of Those Who Attain a Principality by Crimes

- Machiavelli argues that it is sometimes necessary for rulers to commit crimes to secure their power.
- He advises rulers to use violence sparingly and to avoid alienating the people.
- Example: The Borgia family's rise to power in Italy, which involved murder, bribery, and incest.

Chapter 9: Of the Civil Principality

- Civil principalities are those that are established with the consent of the people.
- The ruler must maintain the people's support through good government and respect for their rights.
- Example: The Swiss Confederacy, which was founded on a collective agreement among the cantons.

Chapter 10: How the Strength of All Principalities Should Be Measured

- Machiavelli advises rulers to assess their strength based on the number of soldiers they can muster, the wealth they control, and the support they have from the people.
- He also emphasizes the importance of having good alliances.
- Example: The Holy Roman Empire, which relied on a complex network of treaties and alliances to maintain its power.

Chapter 11: Of Ecclesiastical Principalities

- Ecclesiastical principalities are unique because they are ruled by priests.
- Machiavelli argues that the Pope's authority is based on religion rather than military strength.
- Example: The Papal States, which were ruled by the Pope for centuries.

Chapter 12: Of the Different Kinds of Armies, and of Mercenaries

- Machiavelli discusses the strengths and weaknesses of different types of armies, including mercenary armies, national armies, and auxiliary armies.
- He argues that a ruler should have his own standing army to ensure his security.
- Example: The Roman legions, which were a professional standing army that conquered vast territories.

Chapter 13: Of Auxiliary, Mixed, and National Armies

- Machiavelli further elaborates on the pros and cons of auxiliary armies, mixed armies, and national armies.
- He concludes that national armies are the best choice for rulers who want to maintain long-term stability.
- Example: The Swiss Confederation's army of citizen-soldiers, which successfully defended the country against invaders.

Chapter 14: Of the Duties of a Prince to His Army

- Machiavelli emphasizes the importance of a ruler's relationship with his army.
- He advises rulers to treat their soldiers well, pay them on time, and reward them for their loyalty.
- Example: Alexander the Great's legendary relationship with his Macedonian army, which was forged through shared hardships and victories.

Chapter 15: Of Things for Which Men, and Especially Princes, Are Praised or Blamed

- Machiavelli discusses the qualities that make a good ruler.
- He argues that rulers should strive to be generous, compassionate, and decisive.
- Example: The Emperor Marcus Aurelius, who was known for his wisdom, justice, and concern for the welfare of his people.

Chapter 16: Of Liberality and Miserliness

- Machiavelli warns rulers against being too generous or too miserly.
- He argues that a ruler should be generous with his rewards, but also mindful of his treasury.
- Example: Louis XIV of France, who was known for his extravagant spending and lavish court life.

Chapter 17: Of Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether It Is Better to Be Loved or Feared

- Machiavelli discusses the pros and cons of cruelty and clemency.
- He argues that it is better to be feared than loved, but that a ruler should also avoid excessive cruelty.
- Example: The Roman emperor Tiberius, who was known for his paranoia and brutal rule.