星期四, 7月 14, 2011

The evil book behind every dictatorship: The Prince

"Dear reader,

This world is a dangerous one and, remember, power is the most important thing. Without it, you will be subjected to other people's wants and wanton whims. To hold power, it is necessary to be a realist and an actor. A realist recognizes what is presented and what is painted; an actor can project an image that helps him/her to achieve his/her goals.

Have no illusions about going to Heaven because you have to go to Hell to reach your goal. Use whatever means necessary - be it deception, empty promises, or straightforward murder and arrest - to build a leadership that is 'loved and feared.'

Best regards
Niccola Machiavelli
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It has been a haunting question to many that why a leader, who always appeared kind and wise, should be later held responsible for countless murders and slaughters. This book, the Prince, written by Niccolò Machiavelli, may hold the answer.

Taiwan has not always been so democratic. It has had its share of dictatorship - mass campaigns aimed to promot a single political ideology, to worship a single leader, and to cover countless dirty jobs - arrests, tortures and murders.

Why? Why should a kind and wise leader order the death of his own 'beloved' people? The answer is in this book.