Niccolò Machiavelli, a prominent political philosopher of the Renaissance era, is renowned for his seminal work, "The Prince", which profoundly influenced political thought and strategy. In this treatise, Machiavelli delved into the pragmatic realities of acquiring and maintaining political power, famously asserting that "it is better to be feared than loved". He propounded the idea that a ruler must be willing to employ any means necessary, including deception and violence, to achieve and maintain their position. Machiavelli's work sparked controversy and debate, shaping political discourse for centuries and solidifying his reputation as the "father of modern political science".
