The Prince

by Niccolo Machiavelli

The Prince was written by Machiavelli when Italian politics was marred with blackmail, violence, and conflict. It discusses about the essential elements of the early political philosophy of Niccolo Machiavelli. It seems to describe a leader that Machiavelli views as ideal, and seems to suggest that he believes he would be the perfect leader. The book may be his own blueprint for seizing power or a guide for another to do so, it may also be revealing of the unspoken rules of politics that separate the leaders from the followers. Machiavelli's perception may seem distorted by cynicism, especially since at one point he was a highly important and respected official and now, reduced to "be no assistant to the state, but keep a farm and carters". His political philosophy relates to different ways on how the prince should act in meeting his desired ends. One of the things presented was a detailed advice on how to be an effective and successful ruler, and how to stay in power. It also teaches the course of action to the political ruler on ways he would best serve his interest and the interest of his people. The book was written as a practical guide to ruling that uses simple and straightforward descriptions in order to provide easily understandable advice. A prince, according to Machiavelli, must have no other objective, no other thought, nor take up any profession but that of war, its methods and its discipline, for that is the only art expected of a ruler. This can be conveyed with St. Benedict's Rule of Focused and Independent Ventures. Benedict believed organizations should remain lean, self-sufficient and focused on a common objective. Being focused means being able to ignore those distractions that tempt you away from your path, but remember that the last thing you need to do is beat yourself up about it. It's just a slight pothole in the road. You can allow yourself to feel these insecurities and these doubts, and learn from them. To recognise them for what they are - mere distractions - and turn your heart once more to the path of your life's journey.

Also,it is of such great value that it doesn't only keep hereditary princes in power, but often raises men of lowly condition to that rank. This nevertheless highlights warcraft as both an academic discipline that can be studied through historical examples and as a matter of practical experience. For Machiavelli, all affairs of government are viewed through a military lens, because the ultimate goal of a government is self-preservation; military defense embracing ideas of strategy, diplomacy, and geography is the means by which governments preserve themselves. Machiavelli does not conceive of the prince as a man skilled in many disciplines, but rather as one whose sole responsibility is to ensure the stability of the state that he governs. According to the Rule of Stability of St. Benedict, vow of stability means building strong and sure foundations, avoiding unnecessary and foolish risks, and investing for the long term. A leader must invest in their training, make the workplace enjoyable, and ensure that they remain on board for the long run. Maintaining stability in his relationships with subordinates means building a strong is a good start to achieve success. For the Christian leader, seeking stability means building a solid, disciplined spiritual life and knowing and holding to one's spiritual values despite the pressures of competition and a constantly shifting marketplace. This rule provides for continuity in leadership succession, ideals, culture and job security. Stable organizations provide continuity in leadership succession, in

organizational ideals and culture, and in job security. The three keys to stability are community, fairness and tenure. The rule does allow for organizational transfers, but only under proper conditions and if a certain process if followed. Machiavelli warned against too many levels of management or bureaucracy, and of the dangers of centralization and hierarchy. He believed that subsidiary or offshoot groups should be economically autonomous, maintaining only cultural and philosophical bonds. Also, in St. Benedict's Rule of Common Interest, it was said that superior organizations are at all times shaped as elite fraternities, with a clearly stated common purpose. Mission statements must be precise declarations of the common purpose, as well as promises of organizational behavior.