The Prince

This is a no-holds barred "truthy" tome of what it takes to be a leader. Political correctness goes out the window as the focus is on what really needs to be done.

Most of the leadership points are illustrated by example (though with a book more than 5 centuries old, even the "recent" examples are now ancient history.) While some examples are of "pure" successes or failures, many also show leaders that did both good and bad things.

Depending on how a ruler comes to power, different things need to be done. Even rulers that come to power through evil stratagems have their own advice.

As for the advice, rulers are encouraged to maintain a small coterie of counselors who are encouraged to speak truthfully when asked. All other unrequested advice should be ignored. (Ironically, Machiavelli discourages flattery, but closes with his own flattery towards the Italian leaders in hopes of securing his personal position.) Leaders should also try to consolidate all "bad" in one single event, while parceling out the "good" piece by piece. Mercenaries should not be trusted, as they have no loyalty and would just as likely turn on you. Excess 'liberality' is even worse than stinginess as it leads to bankruptcy and higher taxes. However, liberality with other people's money is to be encouraged.

A politician who advocated the principles here would be duly castigated. However, successful leaders are likely following many of them.