Notes/Excerpts:
- Chapter XXII: Concerning the secretaries of princes
- first opinion which forms of a prince, and of his understanding, is by observing the men he has around him; and when they are capable and faithful he may always be considered wise, because he has known how to recognize the capable and to keep them faithful
- on the other hand, to keep his servant honest, the prince ought to study him, honouring him, enriching him, doing him kindness, sharing with him the honours and cares; and at the same time let him see that he cannot stand alone
- Chapter XXIII: How flatterers should be avoided
- there is no way of guarding oneself from flatterers except letting men understand that to tell you the truth does not offend you; but when every one may tell you the truth, respect for you abates
- a wise prince ought to hold a third course by choosing the wise men in his state, and giving to them only the liberty of speaking the truth to him, and the only of those things of which he inquires, and of none others
- a prince ought always to take counsel, but only when he wishes and not when others wish; he ought rather to discourage every one from offering advice unless he asks it
- a prince who is not wise himself will never take good advice, unless by chance he has yielded his affairs entirely to one person who happens to be a very prudent man
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