A Little Philosophy in the Mix

In college, I had at least two classes where we discussed Machiavelli's The Prince: Western Civilization and Political Philisophy. I realize now that in my philosophy class we did read all of the Prince.

The Prince is one of those books that every reader should read at least once. I am not sure why I felt the need to read it again. There are great comments and thoughts on morality, political beliefs and right and wrong.  However, this version has a great introduction, notes, and comments section. If you have never read/discussed Machiavelli, I highly recommend this version.

While everyone has their own thoughts and beliefs on Machiavelli, I think he was revolutionary for his time on questioning the faith morality and mainstream political ideals.

I leave you with some of the more famous quotes from The Prince to ponder.

Happy Reading!


“Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you really are.” 
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

“I'm not interested in preserving the status quo; I want to overthrow it.” 
― Niccolò Machiavelli

“There is no other way to guard yourself against flattery than by making men understand that telling you the truth will not offend you.” 
― Niccolò Machiavelli, Machiavelli Niccolo : Prince

“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.” 
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

“There are three classes of intellects: one which comprehends by itself; another which appreciates what others comprehend; and a third which neither comprehends by itself nor by the showing of others; the first is the most excellent, the second is good, and the third is useless.” 
― Niccolò Machiavelli, The Prince

Transcendentalism Up Close- HDT

Henry David Thoreau (HDT) was one of the founding thought provokers behind the Transcendentalism movement along with his good friend Ralph Waldo Emerson.

The idea that literature can be both a moral compass and a spiritual guide comes out of this moment. While this was a time of enlighten philosophical thought and new literary approaches in the 1830s, the writings of this era proved to be influential to various leaders for years to come.

That is enough of a history lesson this morning, I spent the last few days reading Walden (and re-skimming Civil Disobedience).  I forgot how much of a difference reading a deep thought provoking book in a classroom setting helps. While I was able to read the book, and I think glean through most of it, after taking a quick skim over Cliff notes I appreciate talking out deep/philosophical books out as you read them.

Walden is HDT sabbatical into Walden Pond. While the book is told in a seasonal cycle, he was there for a few years. During this time he emphasizes personal growth, spiritual development, and living the simple life. While there are plenty of literary analysis of Walden, I leave that for the experts. It was a hard read, but if you like philosophy read it. In other news, Civil Disobedience is something everyone should read at least once in their life.

Currently, I am reading Middlesex at the moment.

It is currently, 7 AM in my hometown. On this Thanksgiving morning, I needed to blog early before all the crazy wonderfulness of Thanksgiving starts. I wish you all a wonderful Thanksgiving!