Machiavelli's 'The Prince': Summary & Analysis

Ever wondered what Niccolo Machiavelli's 'The Prince' is really about, why it was written, and continues to be relevant today? In under 20 minutes, Dr Aidan provides a detailed summary and analysis of the key ideas in the book, a contextual overview, and a number of key quotes to help you gain a better understanding of Machiavelli's controversial and compelling ideas.
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[@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.

[@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

[@user-qg5wg9ut2o]

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.

[@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😂

[@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

[@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.

[@omraizada8521]

The best explanation of 'The Prince' on youtube

[@DrAidan]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@user-qm5wx8bk2e]

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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@vladislavbondarenko5458]

Such an amazing presentation, visuals, and explanation!

[@DrAidan]

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

[@BasilBabar1]

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

[@DrAidan]

Wow, thanks for the 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.

[@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.

[@MindvsMastery]

Great review👍 Read this book 4-5 times and always come back for a refresher. Comparing whats going on in the world today with these principles really put everything together

[@DrAidan]

That’s very kind of you to say : thank you. I’m very pleased to hear that you enjoyed the video. As you say it is a very interesting book and remains very relevant today. .

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@xhagast]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@8Nicomachean]

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

[@DrAidan]

Thank you!

[@gargoylestories]

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

[@DrAidan]

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

[@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

[@harrykekgmail]

thank you. your efforts are consumed with gusto.

[@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.

[@markstafford4015]

Very well done !!!

[@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!

[@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.

[@samueljohnson6416]

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

[@DrAidan]

Thank you - glad it was helpful.

[@elixir_jx]

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

[@DrAidan]

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

[@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.

[@michaelpearse5603]

Yep. This gets it right! Thank you!

[@kashishjaveri4949]

really nice summary!

[@DrAidan]

Thank you.

[@shrek.2.on.dvd.]

i owe this video my life

[@ericabirton5869]

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

[@DrAidan]

Thank you.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@MtemiBadravasha6434]

Awesome

[@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.

[@jayalta9851]

Thanks

[@helenorgarycrevonis2022]

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

[@michael_deogratius7654]

Nice summary

[@DrAidan]

Thank you - I'm glad you enjoyed it.

[@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.

[@daniellemclean8052]

so good! whats the song?

[@gracetuliszewski9033]

❤thank you

[@Sigma_404]

This guy is the true definition of a legend 🎉

[@futuristicavenger]

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

[@DrAidan]

That's fantastic to hear. 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.

[@dparis2172]

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

[@michellemccarthy7836]

Mazing kudus we are one 💖💯👑🙏💗💕🥰

[@LazlosPlane]

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

[@alohaandchillohana]

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

[@jensphiliphohmann1876]

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

[@navenrim9621]

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

[@TheSpaceflightGuy]

What is the background music?

[@mdarshadurrahman9940]

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

[@fotisvon9943]

it is a worldy way to live

[@Jamhael1]

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

[@knighthawk2062]

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

[@lovelyb3903]

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

[@mjfitzwater2915]

Art of war Machiavelli

[@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.

[@troyeriepa557]

Generalissimo san Valentinois

[@margotshields5658]

What translation is this from?

[@1330m]

Luther of the politics

[@Bozojimmy]

The world was and still governed by fear and greed !

[@joslynaarons6885]

It will never cease!

[@shantishanti1949]

Chapter 19 the now King Charles once Prince on Wales ticked almost all the negative boxes !! 😢

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@marcus716]

Is what he is saying true though

[@maryannangros8834]

Every president but Truman!

[@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

[@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)

[@markm.apostol3621]

The one President I know in my lifetime that has a character of a Machiavellian is Former President Duterte of Philippines. He murdered thousands of drug addicts and cunning to those who want to jeopardize his governance especially in his term which makes him a feared by many and also love by millions because we respect what he did and now i understand that it is not cruelty it is compassion 😅. I am so behind of my time to realize this.

[@imafilipino1287]

kaso may kaso ngayon wawa naman lolo

[@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.

[@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.

[@andrewchristopherharry4797]

Slippery slopes...subject to how you translate and implement,,

[@truelove6005]

There's 0 evidence he looked like that.

[@TheSpaceflightGuy]

thats not the point tho

[@truelove6005]

Machiavelli is black.

[@peterkalyabe7553]

This is not a fashion show to be obsessed with looks

[@Sindisile]

ANC 😂😂🇿🇦🇿🇦

[@ct608]

thanks for the summary but honestly I don't think that really suits the modern world. I think it may work back in the empirical times, or in nowadays' countries where the leader is still dictator.

[@sinuedavidsilvaescutia4817]

If you think about it, it does but not in the way that you think it does, governments and nations are more civilized and more elegant when it comes to protecting their power from foreign powers and to keep themselves in power.

[@dparis2172]

The principals illustrated in The Prince were nothing new at the time Machiavelli wrote it. They remain just as relevant today.

[@dda40x1]

I found him repetitive throughout the book, and possibly the world's greatest ass kisser.

[@celedoniojimenez-ww1tb]

Macchiavellli=Menschlichkeitslehrer.

[@maciuikanikoda7809]

Roman, Romania, Savage, Montaigne, Essai, Cannibales. Horrible, Europe.

[@maciuikanikoda7809]

One needs courage to believe in ❤.

[@maciuikanikoda7809]

Careful with Fijians. Mad men. Worst than anyone else. Lailai na dina. Lomaiviti motto.

[@maciuikanikoda7809]

Mathematics, Theory of Ultimate Victory, Price to pay. I do not judge you severely. There's a reason for it. Natasha, Destroyer of Satan. ❤

[@maciuikanikoda7809]

In the End, the Truth will Prevail. India Motto. Johnny Cash Lyrics Do Jesus Will means get his protection ultimately. Hard maybe. But The Way to follow. This life CAN'T be a répétition of what actually happened. So one small lie is enough to go to Hell. Not a paradox. I know what you did last summer... Martin, Mathieu, Natasha. The Holy Spirits.

[@maciuikanikoda7809]

How you treated the vulnerable is our benchmark... how you would have reacted if... if... was it THAT difficult to help the vulnerable... including at some point, yourselves? You've been thoroughly tested by us before writing this trial... of course. Machiavelli was DEAD WRONG. Like Jordan Peterson. Evil. ❤

[@challahsmith3257]

All white people books and Shakespeare poetry don't have them going to jail

[@lapusso3587]

This mine be sexist and misogynistic 🤓🤓

[@nealthompson8794]

Too many ads. Pass

[@johnaugsburger6192]

Thanks