In the late Middle Ages and early Renaissance, Italy was a divided and war-torn country. The great thinkers of the time tried to find solutions to strengthen the country's power. One of these thinkers was Niccolò Machiavelli, diplomat, philosopher and writer. Machiavelli's most famous work, "The Prince," written in 1513, offers rulers a strategy for succeeding in turbulent political environments. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Machiavelli's early life was marked by his involvement in the Florentine Republic. He served as a high-ranking official and witnessed the rise of the powerful Medici dynasty. However, when the Medici were overthrown, Machiavelli was expelled from Florence for a year. He spent his time in exile engaging in diplomatic and military affairs. In addition to his political writings, Machiavelli also wrote plays, songs, and poems, and his personal letters provide valuable insights for historians and scholars. Although Machiavelli did not consider himself a philosopher, his ideas had a significant impact on political philosophy. “The Prince” is often called a manual for rulers, and Machiavelli offers practical solutions to rulers in difficult political situations. He advises rulers to learn from the mistakes of others and adopt a combination of methods to govern the state. Machiavelli argues that power can be acquired and maintained through luck or force. While these methods may seem simplistic and idealistic, they were relevant in a time when power was gained by overthrowing others or inheriting the throne. Machiavelli's recommendations include gaining power through wars, even if this involves cruelty. He suggests ensuring that the previous ruler has no heirs and emphasizes the importance of inspiring both fear and love in his subjects. Machiavelli advises new rulers to maintain existing laws and lifestyle, as people are resistant to change. He also emphasizes the importance of a strong military in preserving power, as well as the importance of wise advisors for inexperienced rulers. Machiavelli's ideas challenge traditional notions of political philosophy and have had a lasting impact. The term "Machiavellianism" is widely used in political and business circles, reflecting the influence of his ideas. While his suggestions may be disturbing to today's readers, it is important to consider the historical context in which Machiavelli wrote. His goal was to gain power and prosperity for the state, and moral and ethical considerations were not the primary concern of the rulers of the time. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Customize EssayIn conclusion, Machiavelli's "The Prince" offers practical advice for rulers in unstable political environments. Machiavelli's recommendations may seem heartless and amoral to modern readers, but they were relevant in an era when power was obtained and maintained by force. His ideas have had a lasting impact on political philosophy and continue to be studied and debated by scholars today. References: Niccolò Machiavelli and "The Prince": Carson-Newman University. Machiavelli's The Prince: Still Relevant after All These Years (Boston University). Niccolò Machiavelli: Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy. War and politics in the thought of Machiavelli (Armstrong Undergraduate Journal of History). Niccolò Machiavelli: Kent State University. What you can learn from Machiavelli ? Yale Insights.Niccolò Machiavelli: Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy.