“Machiavelli was forced to withdraw from politics, but he continued to evaluate the meaning of his fifteen years of political experiences and their relationship to the solution of contemporary problems and to the universal flow of history,” (Ruffo-Fiore). Niccolò Machiavelli wrote The Prince in response to his political career coming to an end. In this he inserted many ideas about man, politics, leadership, thought, and much more, each and every concept still be grasped by the modern day man. Furthermore, he inserted his largely ideas about what a good political leader is. This is important, as this was not the only work of this time that discusses political leadership. “At the same time and deriving from the very same principles, Aurelius's …show more content…
Both of these readings time and time again discuss that challenges are bound to arise, however, the way one reacts is what determines the outcome of the situation. In a few of his books, Aurelius discusses the fact that pessimism will eventually happen, but overcoming it is key to a happy society and a happy life. Being able to accept that fact that pessimism is a possibility is an act of optimism in itself and displays the courage of a great political leader. “Marcus read Seneca and the other Stoics, and seems to have given a formal assent to this inhuman theory of emotion as disease.” (Blanshard). This quote can also be seen as the idea that pessimism will happen. It is like a disease in the eyes of Aurelius, a disease that it bound to be eventually caught, but can be fixed. This is also similar in the works of The Prince. “Where the willingness is great, the difficulties cannot be great,” (Ch. 26). This is another great example of how this can and shall be handled according to the Machiavelli. He shows acts of optimism by his actions and especially his thoughts. This is best done as he believes that willingness to overcome and issue will defeat the issue. This is another trait that he believes would be fit for the best political