Would you buy a used-car from this man?

Thought not but it's a pity 'cos that's 'Honest Nick' Machiavelli, a really decent 'geezer' when you get to know 'im, know wot I mean?!  

Well, 'maybe, baby'! He certainly told a few shocking home truths which make both for uncomfortable reading as well as surreptitious giggles!  Alas, some of his, er, fans make one pause:

Later, the Big Beasts of the modern era lapped up [his major work] "The Prince". Hitler had a copy by his bedside. Mussolini called it “the statesman’s supreme guide” and wrote a new introduction. Napoleon reportedly told Metternich that Machiavelli was the only author worth reading, although the story that a copy of "The Prince" annotated in the emperor’s hand was found in his carriage after Waterloo seems to be a Jesuit fabrication. [A Jesuit fabrication?! Surely not!] Stalin certainly did annotate his copy.

I raise the subject of this fascinating man because I came across a superb book review written by Ferdinand Mount, formerly of The Spectator (natch!) and a man whose views I respect immensely. Alas, I haven't had time today to read the full review but I urge y'all to do so and then to buy the book:

https://www.prospectmagazine.co.uk/magazine/what-we-get-wrong-about-machiavelli-the-prince-ferdinand-mount

 

Comments

[Whitewall]

Never buy a car from a man with a "pencil neck". A book is okay.

[Loz]

Has anyone noticed the similarity between Niccolo Machiavelli and Ryan Giggs?

Niccolo Machiavelli ...

Ryan Giggs ...

I wonder, are they by any chance related?

SoD

[missred]

Even the same hairline and sticky outy ears! Well done SoD

[David Duff]

Crikey, SoD, sometimes you amaze me! Mind you, 'Giggsy' could be a tad tricky on the ball!

[Glesga]

Loz, wonder which one was the better stud!

[AussieD]

Who is Ryan Giggs?

[Hank]

David

Would you have hired him as used car salesman?

[David Duff]

Hank, no chance, he would have had my job in weeks!