Machiavelli's 'The Prince': Summary & Analysis

[@carlo6912]

This book is unfortunately spot on. I was very naive when I started my corporate career 30 years ago but soon learned how backstabbing and dishonest most people are. Truly disgusting and shameful.

[@faneeee3716]

Everything is a power play

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Yes...50 % of "people " are lower than maggots

[@BingeThinker1814]

It's hugely outdated compared to modern psychology, if you're using it to make realistic assessments of human nature tho. Useful book for philosophical inspiration, but don't take it seriously as science

[@theswagger5386]

@@BingeThinker1814How is it outdated? Genuinely curious

[@sad_wrangler8515]

His book changed my mind. One part of me will always be drawn to the ideals of the Übermensch from Nietzsche, striving to be one against temptation and honor. However, I learned that you can be an idealist in our time, but one important rule is that people with no morals deserve no moral consideration, and it is better to strike first.

[@peterbellini6102]

Good job. As Machiavelli allegedly said "'The reason Man does not learn from History is because History changes, but Man does not".

[@ymmijchen9310]

Omg this hits so hard

[@peterbellini6102]

@@ymmijchen9310 So hard, so true

[@nitinmittal213]

It is also the reason why history repeats itself

[@shantishanti1949]

Happening in Israel/Palestine right now - history repeating - in the reverse and horrifically so. Marcus Aurelius said the greatest revenge is to not be like them.

[@peterbellini6102]

@@shantishanti1949 Kudos on Aurelius; the necessary, but unspoken truth, if you CAN NOT be like them.

[@omraizada8521]

The best explanation of 'The Prince' on youtube

[@DrAidan]

That is very kind of you to say: thank you. Very much appreciated.

[@boeitnie1185]

the fact that it's teachings still have resonance and relevance today is also a testimony to Machiavelli's wisdom because there is A LOT of truth to what he says. people intrinsically think the world is full of good, nice people but that's just their own ignorance making them not see beyond the facade of a couple of nice words and a smile

[@neetikarautela7710]

I have never commented on any video on KZbin but your presentation compels me to do so. You've done a really great job with the explanation of The Prince. I truly appreciate your efforts. Helpful. Also, your voice is impressive. Bless you.

[@DrAidan]

That is very kind of you to say and I really appreciate your comments. I’m very pleased that you enjoyed watching. Thank you.

[@xtreme813]

Great summary.

[@LouielamsonTranNguyen]

Absolutely 'The Prince' by Niccolo Machiavelli and its influence on political philosophy have had a significant impact on human society throughout history.

[@Crashing_CSS]

Never have I watched something this much composed and well-documented on such a mutli-dimensional topic-- great work ! Thank you

[@DrAidan]

That is a very kind thing to say. Thank you very much. I’m very pleased that you enjoyed the video and thank you for taking the time to comment.

[@DJK-cq2uy]

Wow😂

[@NoName-xk9pr]

Aimen Nadeem foreign service of Pakistan sex racket 43rd ctp Riyadh Embassy Saudi Arabia drugs students to make videos for monetary gains with help from Aashij Luqman Cheema Wheat scam 42nd ctp css through DIG Asad Sarfraz PSP sextape

[@EnzoBlackburn]

The best explanation of 'The Prince' on youtube. Such an amazing presentation, visuals, and explanation!.

[@DrAidan]

Thank you - I'm very glad to hear that you enjoyed the video.

[@LouielamsonTranNguyen]

Reading Niccolò Machiavelli's book 'The Prince' allows us to explore the intersection between his timeless insights and the dynamics of human society throughout history. Thanks for sharing video.

[@milesworkshop7159]

That was one of the best reviews on a book, with such amazing commentary, that I have ever seen. Dr. Aidan, this was the first video I have ever watched from your channel, but if the quality is this profound in every video than you have found yourself another true follower.

[@DrAidan]

@@milesworkshop7159 that is very kind of you to say. Thank you. I’m very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the videos and hope that you also enjoy some of the others I have posted. Thanks again.

[@jessrosefawkes2721]

I’ve never read the prince. So I enjoyed watching this video, after watching your upload I’ve finally decided to actually order the book and read it this summer. So Thank you xxx

[@DrAidan]

That's great to hear.

[@RenataCantore]

Thank you for clearly explaining these concepts. I can see how Macchiavelli's writings have been the role model for leaders throughout history.

[@DrAidan]

That's great to hear, thank you.

[@BasilBabar1]

Excellent illustration! Perhaps, one of the most meaningful videos. Everything was placed elegantly!

[@DrAidan]

Wow, thanks for the kind words!

[@vladislavbondarenko5458]

Such an amazing presentation, visuals, and explanation!

[@DrAidan]

That’s very kind of you. Thank you. I’m pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@IIDeoL]

Amazing. And the Black Swan referece poppin in when 'unexpected events' is mentioned is a very nice touch

[@DrAidan]

That’s very kind of you to say: thank you. I’m pleased you enjoyed it and thanks for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.

[@sashikalasjain8393]

Very well articulated. Every important aspect of the book in its original sense is put across in a perfect manner. Keep up the great work. Simply in love with Machiavelli and his book the prince especially after watching your video. He is truly the “Galileo of politics”. A Fine Realist ,way ahead of his times.

[@DrAidan]

That's wonderful to hear. Thank you for letting me know.

[@YA-do2ol]

Taking a class called political values and ideas and we are reading this book. This video helped so much with getting me to understand what I was actually reading. Thanks:)

[@DrAidan]

Very glad to hear that!

[@xhagast]

All you need to understand human nature, politics and psychology is in Machiavelli's The Prince and Commentaries.

[@xhagast]

The Prince teaches that people are bad. But also teaches to rule well and with justice.

[@MiasDad-ds2iv]

Just subscribed. What an amazing channel!! Really well made, well condensed video. Looking forward to binging the entire collection...

[@DrAidan]

That's great to hear - thank you for letting me know.

[@astrid703]

Listening to you outline The Prince reminded me of Dune and the machiavellian characters inhabiting it, both the "good" and the "bad." The Baron sends the Beast Rabban to subdue Arrakis and inspire fear, with the goal of replacing him with Feyd-Rautha, who will be seen as their rescuer. The Duke always strives to appear good, while scheming behind the scenes. He even copies the fox by seeing the trap laid for him by the Emperor. And Paul uses religion to manipulate the masses and does not shy away from violence and cruelty.

[@gargoylestories]

Great video. What a great analysis. Thanks for making this video.

[@DrAidan]

Very pleased to hear that, thanks for letting me know.

[@you-know-who9023]

Thank you for a great analysis and summary. I read Nic Mac's works years ago and found this to be a great refresher. It was good to point Mac was looking for a job which explains his fawning. I think it is also helpful if readers also keep in mind that Mac was working with what he knew which allows for optimism when we interpret it for our times. Many like to say that Stalin was being Machievellian with Roosevelt at Yalta and only Churchill daw through Stalin. May also be good for people to comsider whether or not FDR was actually fully aware. After all while Stalin would be FLATTERED to believe he was Machiavellian his regime and its descendants only was died a slow death over 45 years.

[@DrAidan]

Very glad to hear that it was useful.

[@achilles-x4h]

One of the best videos about the prince. Well done.

[@DrAidan]

Thank you!

[@alfreds.3023]

very well done. excellent explanations. you nailed it. need more like this!

[@DrAidan]

Very glad to hear that - I am working on some new videos like this, so expect to see them in the coming months.

[@derinscarlat716]

wow, we briefly learned of the term "machiavellian" when studying iago in othello, but I didn't realise there was so much to it! this is really interesting stuff

[@DrAidan]

That’s very kind of you to say and I’m glad that you enjoyed it.

[@Uswesi1527]

In conclusion, Machiavelli principles are , definitely , based on : Deceive ( anybody, regardless) , divide, destroy, and then , firmly, rule .

[@Breakbeats92.5]

It is important that we see the world not as it should be, but as it is. I could have saved myself a boatload of frustration and disappointment had I heard that earlier in life.

[@MotivatoryFinance]

Thank you very much good Sir for such superb content. Liked and subscribed!

[@DrAidan]

That's brilliant to hear - thank you for the support!

[@vickpena5265]

8th grade students thnk you for your well presented video.

[@DrAidan]

Thank you for tour very kind words. I’m pleased that you and they found it useful.

[@vedastekambanda6697]

Clear , useful & down to earth summary - thank you.

[@DrAidan]

Thank you very much. That’s kind of you to say. I’m pleased you liked it.

[@richardque1036]

His writing is relevant today, during yalta conference,roosevelt completely out manuever by stalin,roosevelt completely naive about the soviet position, this despite the warning by churchill,whom he never trust stalin,while stalin was an out and out machiavellian.by the time roosevelt realized he been duped by stalin,it was to late.

[@stefangabor5985]

You really got me interested in the book; I got to read it.

[@DrAidan]

I’m really pleased to hear that. I hope you enjoy The Prince when you read it, and thank you for your kind words.

[@nikolaifrasertarte]

Firstly, thank you for compiling such a digestible summary and analysis of The Prince. Seriously, as a uni student with a sub-par lecturer, thank you. The only point I wanted to make is that (and I could be wrong and it's hardly a relevant point) The Prince was dedicated to Lorenzo de Medici, not Guiliano. Anyways, that's the only correction I had. Thank you for your amazing content!

[@DrAidan]

Thanks for the kind words! Glad it was helpful.

[@stevenguevara2184]

Like "Art Of War". Its a short read, concise. Jam packed with wisdom. Absolutely everyone should read it

[@jessrosefawkes2721]

I couldent agree more! I’ve read art of war but I haven’t actually read the prince yet, but after watching this video I’m defo guna read it this summer lol xx

[@Sayplatypus]

Just read this today……Summary- -It’s harder to be a new prince. -Be a foxlion. -Be kinda feared, kinda loved and not hated. -You can emulate previous success but it’s subjective to circumstances.

[@ernestojoseemmanuelquevedo5829]

So Machiavelli was a realist and a fortolding guy so he can achieve the best strategy to be a ruler so why do people think bad of him so much?

[@lcmiracle]

Thank you. I have read The Prince over a summer but unfortunately the examples he had given in the books and the wordings he had used to do so were too archaic for me to properly place them into a modern-day context I can properly reason with. I'm especially thankful for the walk-through of Cesare's case. As I grow older and more jaded, I must confess those text from the book all those years ago appears more and more poignant, as the nature of men reveals in full to me, and that Machiavelli's reading of people being correct is the foundation of his achievements in the past.

[@samueljohnson6416]

Thank you very much. Very succinct and concise. Well done.

[@DrAidan]

Thank you - glad it was helpful.

[@ebrahimmohamed1273]

Great rendition well presented. Now I know where the rot in the swamp of existential world politics originate from.

[@chic11000]

I think this video deserves more likes.

[@DrAidan]

That’s very kind of you to say. Thank you and I’m very pleased that you enjoyed it.

[@ericm7564]

Wow! Very relevant to business and high corporate life, i read the Prince and other books later after i got scammed in an M&A deal, but having learnt i fought back like hell. This summary is absolutely amazing. Basically those who win are often cleverly ruthless 😆.

[@DrAidan]

Definitely! Thanks for the kind words.

[@Michelle-y3i]

Great summary. Great voice. Thanks!

[@kashishjaveri]

really nice summary!

[@DrAidan]

Thank you.

[@harrykekgmail]

thank you. your efforts are consumed with gusto.

[@elixir_jx]

Thank you so much! I appreciate this video a lot!

[@DrAidan]

That's great to hear. Thanks for letting me know.

[@Cramhead43]

I do agree with a lot of principles in The Prince. I’d like to add a corollary though, Call it “The Dauphin” instead. It’s from the French for prince, but it’s different insomuch that it creates a more powerful visual representation. Being aware of how great it is to breathe when you get the time to breathe above the waves/dumpster-fire of day-to-day life. Crush the enemies up front JUST the once to set an example and soon thereafter lay forth the crucial game plan according to the crystal dauphin. Selective cruelty is troublesome as a concept for me, but I understand that it is better to be respected. As a byproduct if a dauphin shows heistency in the wrong moments it will lead to problems. Property more then people sounds right, the public are quite fickle. If ye can make your word deep and valuable then respect can be earned through actions and words. People judging by eyes is fair, as they’re the gateway to the heart/spirit. Typically resolutions of issues is critical chess; Appear compassionate and build integrity, but become Richard the Lionheart to inspire with fear and rhetoric.

[@helenorgarycrevonis2022]

The book everyone must read and understand, the points were true than and same is true now.

[@mdarshadurrahman9940]

Can you please tell me the name of the background music in this video?

[@dparis2172]

“Is there some truth to what Machiavelli says about humanity?” Indeed, it is nigh irrefutable.

[@shrek.2.on.dvd.]

i owe this video my life

[@gean2505]

You deserve more dude. I definitely will subscribe

[@DrAidan]

That’s very kind of you to say: thank you. Glad you enjoyed the video and thank you also for subscribing.

[@JR01123]

"The weak are meat, and the strong do eat"...

[@KomalSingh-cm8gc]

We need more books like "The prince" that potrays different facets of real world.

[@familiaworld1185]

The art of war

[@noobnoob5072]

You can start by reading books by Chanakya. Machiavelli is nothing compared to this dude. Honestly It baffled that he's not more known.

[@ericabirton5869]

Very Well explained! And so Very True about human nature.

[@DrAidan]

Thank you.

[@bie3256]

Can I share it into facebook .. this must be understand by many

[@DrAidan]

Of course: I’m very happy for you to share a link on Facebook. Thank you. I’m pleased you found it interesting.

[@jensphiliphohmann1876]

It should be mentioned that Macchiavelli didn't like princes but rather a republic like the old Roman one.

[@Uswesi1527]

Undoubtedly, but, definitely, Machiavelli derived his conclusions from actual studies and analysis of how Italy’s rulers ,firmly , controlled the country, and stayed in power for a long time.

[@markstafford4015]

Very well done !!!

[@michaelpearse5603]

Yep. This gets it right! Thank you!

[@hiei29]

Love hearing your voice. Very soothing even if you're discussing murder 😊

[@DrAidan]

Very glad to hear that, thank you.

[@daniellemclean8052]

so good! whats the song?

[@TheSpaceflightGuy]

What is the background music?

[@michael_deogratius7654]

Nice summary

[@DrAidan]

Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@MtemiBadravasha6434]

Awesome

[@beberivera7011]

i genuinely wonder what happpened in Niccolo's life that made him thisi cynical and accurate?

[@lauriew3517]

Living in the middle ages

[@LazlosPlane]

I feel I've just explored the mind of Vito Corleone.

[@archivechannel839]

how do you edit these videos?

[@DrAidan]

@@archivechannel839 I use Adobe’s After Effects.

[@Genuinelycuri0us]

this is so great. thank you. I've always found Trump to be Machiavellian, and I think even more so now.

[@DrAidan]

That’s kind of you to say: thank you. I’m very pleased that you found it interesting.

[@dr.derekrobinson1920]

Agreed, Trump is pretty based. I'm definitely voting for him this next go-around

[@jimdiedrick8853]

No one is flawless but Trump gets an A for his Machiavellian dealings with Putin, Kim Jong-un and in the Middle East. But he gets an F in his ability to surround himself with wise leaders.

[@Genuinelycuri0us]

@@jimdiedrick8853 I hear you.. but I think he directs his “Machiavellianess” towards his own government and people. He definitely played hardball with the Asian leaders, but curious how he was like that towards Putin? I feel like he was fairly respectful towards him, and dare I say friendly haha

[@jimdiedrick8853]

@@Genuinelycuri0us Appearing friendly toward those who you negotiate with is a winning strategy. Trump was criticized in the media for his friendly attitude toward both Putin and Kim Jung-un. But most of them don't appear to clever enough to understand the strategy. I think that Machiavelli approve of the idea of complementing Putin and then applying sanctions to Russia and selling missiles to the Ukrainians and would consider it a clever strategy. It seems to have worked better than his successor's strategy of insulting Putin and then attempting negotiate.

[@fotisvon9943]

it is a worldy way to live

[@Jamhael1]

But we live in the world, so we are inescapably bound to such rules.

[@daxdowding727]

Guiliano was never the leader of Florence - it was his brother Lorenzo the Magnificent....

[@jimdiedrick8853]

You have the wrong Giuliano in mind. This one was born in 1479, the one that you are thinking about was born in 1453 and was murdered young.

[@christophersnedeker]

Some is decent practical advise, but more practical is this: what profit a man if he gain the whole world but loose his own soul?

[@lauriew3517]

The people of this world are wiser than the people who have the Light

[@Bozojimmy]

The world was and still governed by fear and greed !

[@joslynaarons6885]

It will never cease!

[@laman012]

The crux is this: If you desire to bring about a positive change, but are virtuous and fair, someone with less scruples will come along and dislodge you, leading to the rule of a tyrant. If you want to enact your virtuous ideals, you will have to use non-virtuous means in order to survive. See the world and humans as they are, not as you wish them to be.

[@lovelyb3903]

What are some of the things that he did that you didn’t agree with?

[@alohaandchillohana]

Nice voice. I was raised by war lords. This is was given to me to read in 2nd grade lol.

[@jayalta9851]

Thanks

[@vitorfreitas1682]

He wrote the book for Giuliano’s kin Lorenzo II, no?

[@bambamof5606]

The book is the truth and I understand after being nice.

[@futuristicavenger]

This video is the best explanation of the prince .hands off to your efforts 👌 👌 👌

[@DrAidan]

That's fantastic to hear. Thank you.

[@evancematanda]

This guy is the true definition of a legend 🎉

[@vladvlog9677]

Excellent summary. One comment though about ‘sexism’ and ‘misogyny.’ If he is this, then you need to provide reason and argument and not assume as self evident; because, contrarily, if he saw it as so, then it was self evident to him that women are fickle and submissive by nature. And many would still agree to this. Leave labelling, use of buzzwords and social propaganda to forums that target herd thinking.

[@margotshields5658]

What translation is this from?

[@navenrim9621]

I watched this video 2 times, I slept both times. Let's see this time 😄

[@johnhigson6206]

Why on earth is there tinkle music in the background. Everything is become an entertainment.

[@augustogiron9892]

No music in the back. Hard to follow

[@DrAidan]

Will keep that in mind in future videos.

[@asmrnaturecat984]

Music is ok, just need to tone it down a bit

[@novaplaya]

you can still be deceived , lied to, and even see death before your own eyes, if you are a loved human. Either way you lose. Watch The GodFather. He was always so nice to everyone and very well known, powerful, and loved. However he still got shot and death.

[@gracetuliszewski9033]

❤thank you

[@vcab6875]

Baltasar Gracian wrote “Pocket Mirror for Heros”. Far better guide for overachievers.

[@Toklat]

Who?????

[@vcab6875]

@@Toklat he is not for you

[@Toklat]

@@vcab6875 maybe you mean baltazar????

[@vcab6875]

​@@Toklat Baltasar is the Spanish spelling.

[@michellemccarthy7836]

Mazing kudus we are one 💖💯👑🙏💗💕🥰

[@marcus716]

Is what he is saying true though

[@mjfitzwater2915]

Art of war Machiavelli

[@scooperleash_usa]

Simply a behavior based on life experience. A Prince will not succeed in this type of advise if he hasn't experienced human behavior beyond their immediate borders

[@banksdin9198]

according to Jesus when becoming a leader SET AS AN EXAMPLE. when having a decision use your heart and not your head. these philosophies are so powerful and effective that I use it everyday and these philosophies have no lapses and mistakea that i know.

[@jimdiedrick8853]

Personally I don’t think that Machiavelli’s philosophy is in conflict with Christianity, although many KZbin presenters do. Rather, I think that he explains what works and sometimes it’s ugly. I know a Catholic priest and he told me that they all study Virtue Ethics in seminary and get into debates about the right thing to do. Discovering the right thing isn’t always obvious at first glance.

[@İst-b6h]

Yes, since there is no sovereignty that does not reward those who obey it and punish the rebelliou an eternal sovereignty which is at the degree of absolute dominicality rewarding those who form a relation with it through belief and submit to its decrees, and its punishing rebellious disbelievers who deny its proud sovereignty will be in a manner fitting for its mercy and beauty, its dignity and glory. Thus, the Names Sustainer of All the Worlds and Just Monarch reply to our question. Also, we see as clearly as the sun, as daylight, a general mercy and all-embracing compassion and munificence on the face of the earth. For example, every spring that mercy adorns all the fruit-bearing trees and plants like houris; it fills their hands with every sort of fruit and they hold them out to us, saying: "Help yourselves, and eat!" So does it give us sweet, healing honey to eat from the poisonous bee, and dresses us in the softest silk by means of a handless insect. It deposits for us in a handful of tiny seeds pounds of food, making those tiny stores into reserve supplies. Such a mercy and compassion surely would not execute these lovable, grateful, worshipping believers which they nurture so kindly. They rather dismiss them from their duties in this worldly life to bestow on them still more brilliant instances of mercy, and in so doing the Names of All-Compassionate and Munificent answer our question. Also, we see before our eyes that a hand of wisdom works in all creatures on the face of the earth and a justice is in force with its measures, nothing superior to which the human mind can conceive of. For example, a pre-eternal wisdom inscribes in man's faculty of memory, which is one instance of wisdom in his thousands of faculties and physical systems and is as tiny as a miniscule seed, his entire life-story and the numerous events which touch on him, making it into a small library. He then places it in the pocket of his mind as a note from the register of his actions which will be published for his judgement at the Great Gathering, in order to continuously remind him of this. And an eternal justice places on all creatures their members with the finest balance, and makes all of them -from the microbe to the rhinoceros, and the fly to the simurgh bird, and from a flowering plant to the flower of the spring, which opens thousands of millions of flowers in the spring- with a beauty of art and balance with no waste within a mutual proportion, equilibrium, order and beauty; it gives all living creatures their rights of life with perfect balance, and makes good things produce good results and bad things, bad results; and since the time of Adam it has made itself felt forcefully through the blows it has dealt to rebellious and tyrannous peoples. Certainly and without doubt, just as the sun cannot be without the day, so that pre-eternal wisdom and eternal justice cannot be without the hereafter. The Names of All-Wise and Sapient, Just and Equitable would never permit the awesome injustice, inequity, and unwisdom of oppressed and oppressor being equal in death, and thus they decisively answer our question.(The Rays,Risale-i Nur)

[@knighthawk2062]

Bro what did I just watch?! Lol this game looks awesome!

[@troyeriepa557]

Generalissimo san Valentinois

[@1330m]

Luther of the politics

[@maryannangros8834]

Every president but Truman!

[@highchamp1]

Mistakes (The Fox) You can be natural but don't make mistakes you can't cope with. (example today's Media) Let your enemies make mistakes and use it against them. (The Fox) You can lay traps (enemy to make a mistake) (For good reasons. See Cruelty) (The Fox) Virtuous Be virtuous but be wise. (THE REAL LESSON) otherwise you will fail. Good Surround yourself with good people (the only ones you can really rely on) Miserly (saving for war or disaster) that's when it really counts. Feared (strong in various ways) Hard but Fair (law) (The Lion) Cruelty (in Self preservation, Protection or Battle is Fair) (The Lion) Cruelty (at other times is questionable) today is just plain illegal. That's what I have learned. Republican ideology (but that's extra knowledge)

[@brennentomassoni8067]

I’m not a big fan of how you used a modern map of Europe in the introduction when talking about events from the 16th century. The borders of Europe were very different then.