Leather-bound book "The Sovereign" by N. Machiavelli, with overlays

Niccolo Machiavelli was an outstanding Italian philosopher, thinker, diplomat and politician of the Renaissance. A witness and participant in epochal historical events, he proved to be their astute researcher and interpreter. Many people call Machiavelli one of the founders of the science of political science and the founder of the theory of political technologies.

In his works, the great Italian describes in detail, using historical examples, the character traits, skills and methods of government necessary for an ideal ruler — one who, being the embodiment of power itself, can lead the nation to prosperity and prosperity. In interpreting the ideal sovereign, Machiavelli contrasts the activity of ancient valor with the preaching of Christian humility. In the latter, he sees a disaster that weakens the world order and puts it at the mercy of cynical rulers who do not shy away from any means.

Machiavelli created an application manual for politicians of all times and peoples. The description of the principle of power turned out to be such that readers subsequently called the policy based on the cult of brute force and disregard for moral norms "Machiavellianism." All the world's political systems were shaped according to the patterns of his "experimental science." Machiavelli's recipes have been used for five centuries by supporters of his methods and means, while opponents have been racking their brains and straining government minds over the antidote.