The Prince

Machiavelli's The Prince is famous for the author's unapologetic advocacy of realpolitik, and I found it lived up to its reputation. It's a quick read, clearly written, and Machiavelli pulls no punches. I'd recommend it just to see for yourself what everyone means when they say "Machiavellian."

I don't have quotes, but I will paraphrase two bits of advice he gives. First, he recommends that a ruler be "cruel" rather than "kind," because a kind ruler will not be feared and will constantly have to be dealing with insubordination, insurrection, and the like, probably with harsh measures. Whereas the "cruel" ruler will quickly gain a reputation for cruelty, will be feared, and will not have to deal with much rebellion, thus in the end being in practice more kind than the "kind" ruler.

On whether to be truthful, Machiavelli advises that a ruler should keep his or her word as often as it is beneficial. The people you are dealing with will break their pledges to you as soon as it becomes advantageous to do so, Machiavelli says, so you should double-cross them first.

Very provocative, and gives very good insight into politics and politicians, although no politician today would be caught dead saying out loud what Machiavelli says. So while I find myself disagreeing with much of what he says, and softening other parts ("don't say 'be cruel,' say 'establish firm justice'"), I also find myself welcoming his forthrightness as a breath of fresh air.