With their return to power, he lost his political position-and nearly his life. Machiavelli’s diplomatic career had evolved in the 18-year absence of the Medici. In 1512, the year before he wrote The Prince, the Florence administration he had served as a diplomat was overthrown by the Medici family, who had ruled Florence for much of the 15th century until their temporary overthrow in 1494. Only a few months before, he had found himself in mortal danger, on the sharp end of the power he so brilliantly analysed. Life, however, had not always been so restful or pleasant for Machiavelli as described in his letter. Considered an evil tract by many, modern philosophers now regard The Prince as the first modern work of political science. With its most famous maxim-“It is better to be feared than loved”-the book explains not what rulers ought to do, but what they need to do to retain power. Best known today as The Prince, this “little work” has had a mighty impact on history.
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