“Anyone who studies present and ancient affairs will easily see how in all cities and all peoples there still exist, and have always existed, the same desires and passions. Thus, it is an easy matter for him who carefully examines past events to foresee future events in a republic and to apply the remedies employed by the ancients, or, if old remedies cannot be found, to devise new ones based upon the similarity of the events. But since these matters are neglected or not understood by those who read, or, if understood, remain unknown to those who govern, the result is that the same problems always exist in every era.”
Machiavelli
“But since these matters are neglected or not understood by those who read, or, if understood, remain unknown to those who govern, the result is that the same problems always exist in every era.”
He forgot to add-
“Or if they are deliberately promulgated by Machiavellian politicians in order to cement their power and increase their wealth and influence at the cost of the stability and safety of their own societies…”
In other words use whatever bullshit you can dream up to convince the rabble that you are on their side on any issue, promise them whatever it takes to gain their support thereby increasing your political and looting power, then give the suckers a vote every so often to keep them dumb and happy.
Works real good.
“Panem et circenses” (Bread & Circuses) by Juvenal. (a more contemporary example might be “NFL & Reality TV”
‘The Prince’ was written by Machiavelli for the Haves on how to hold power. ‘Rules for Radicals’ is written for the Have-Nots on how to take it away.” Saul Alinsky
Machiavelli was a great man who understood how the world works.
More people should read him to gain that understanding, the world makes more sense that way.