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I studied a little bit about this in World History class last year and recently found a free eBook of it. Very interesting stuff; practical too.

I recommend it, personally.

Any a ya'll read it?
What did you think?

Few hundred years ago a man named Niccolò wanted to serve a prince by writing down a few guidelines. These guidelines went against the general opinion of what a prince should be, and may prove very useful to anyone.

Some things he wrote on:
Learn how to not be good; learn to lie, cheat, break promises, and, if neccissary, steal.
Learn to pretend to be religious(he added that it is good to be religious, but not neccissary).
Learn how to play dumb.
If you are to choose between being loved and being feared, it is a must that they fear you, unless you can get both. That way, if such a situation arises, no one will dare betray you alone
He also wrote that if you have a thousand dollars which you can choose to put towards renevating the inside of your house, or the outside, but not enough to do both, renevate the outside; they see a fearsome house on the outside, they won't invade. Its uncomfortable, but it keeps out thieves.


Here it is: http://www.online-literature.com/machiavelli/prince/

I have a copy of 'The Prince' myself, ive gotten through some of it, though i must admit, it is a bit tedious at times.

I am only part way through and finding it a difficult read. It isn't what you would call gripping.