Title: How to choose a leader : Machiavelli's advice to citizens /
Authors: Viroli, Maurizio
Year: 2016
Subjects: Machiavelli, Niccolò,; Machiavelli, Niccolò,; Political leadership Philosophy.; Political participation Philosophy.; POLITICAL SCIENCE Political Process Leadership.; POLITICAL SCIENCE Political Process Elections.; POLITICAL SCIENCE Civics & Citizenship.; Political leadership Philosophy; Political participation Philosophy
Abstract: "One of the greatest political advisers of all time, Niccolò Machiavelli thought long and hard about how citizens could identify great leaders--ones capable of defending and enhancing the liberty, honor, and prosperity of their countries. Drawing on the full range of the Florentine's writings, acclaimed Machiavelli biographer Maurizio Viroli gathers and interprets Machiavelli's timeless wisdom about choosing leaders. The brief and engaging result is a new kind of Prince--one addressed to citizens rather than rulers and designed to make you a better voter. Demolishing popular misconceptions that Machiavelli is a cynical realist, the book shows that he believes republics can't survive, let alone thrive, without leaders who are virtuous as well as effective. Among much other valuable advice, Machiavelli says that voters should pick leaders who put the common good above narrower interests and who make fighting corruption a priority, and he explains why the best way to recognize true leaders is to carefully examine their past actions and words. On display throughout are the special insights that Machiavelli gained from long, direct knowledge of real political life, the study of history, and reflection on the great political thinkers of antiquity. Recognizing the difference between great and mediocre political leaders is difficult but not at all impossible--with Machiavelli's help. So do your country a favor. Read this book, then vote like Machiavelli would"--
Contents: Introducton: Why ask Machiavelli? -- Citizens ought to "keep their hands on the republic" and "choose the lesser evil" -- "Judge by the hands, not by the eyes" -- "It is the common good which makes republics great" -- "Whoever desires constant success must change his conduct with the times" -- "How by the delusions of seeming good the people are often misled to desire their own ruin; and how they are frequently influenced by great hopes and brave promises" -- "Men almost always follow the beaten track of others, and proceed in their actions by imitation." -- "Great men and powerful republics preserved an equal dignity and courage in prosperity and adversity" -- "And although these men were rare and wonderful, they were nevertheless but men, and the opportunities which they had were far less favorable than the present; nor were their undertakings more just or more easy than this; neither was God more a friend of them than of you" --^