The Prince - Hyundai Jisung Classic 38

Author Niccolò Machiavelli · Publisher Hyeondae Jisung · Publication Date 2021-07-26 · ISBN 9791166817878

About the Book

"Hear Machiavelli's vivid voice across a 500-year chasm."
A complete translation of the original text by Professor Kim Woon-chan, 'Umberto Eco's disciple,'
The Prince from the perspective of a humanist scholar.

The meaning and value of a classic vary depending on which edition is translated by whom. The Prince in the Hyeondae Jisung Classic Series is a complete translation from the original Italian, not a re-translation from English or Japanese editions. Professor Kim Woon-chan, who earned his Ph.D. under the guidance of Umberto Eco and has consistently introduced Italian classics, including Dante's The Divine Comedy and Convivio, undertook the translation. This is a new challenge to view The Prince, which has mostly been discussed within the realm of political science, through the lens of humanistic studies.
There are differences in syntactic structure and ways of thinking between the two languages, and above all, translating a text written over 500 years ago into Korean required meticulous care and patience. The translator painstakingly sought to uncover the implicit meanings within the text while preserving the straightforward and essential intent of the original. Furthermore, recognizing that a classic can only be fully understood with a foundation of background knowledge about the original language, historical events, and figures, extensive notes (footnotes, endnotes) and in-depth commentaries were added. Through this, readers can vividly hear Machiavelli's voice, bridging a 500-year gap.

"Is it a manual for stratagems or a textbook for modern politics?"
Yesterday's Vatican banned book, today's Harvard required reading.
Two perspectives on The Prince.

"I believe this book is the best guide for politicians. The author's arguments are still relevant today. Although time has passed, the human spirit has not changed, and there has been no fundamental change in the actions of states."
This is an excerpt from the introduction to a doctoral dissertation. The author of the dissertation is Mussolini, a key perpetrator of World War II and an infamous dictator alongside Hitler. What book did he praise so highly and make the subject of his dissertation? It is Machiavelli's The Prince.
Few writings in history have stirred as much controversy as The Prince. In this book, Machiavelli advises rulers that they may use any means necessary to seize and maintain power, even resorting to cruel and cunning tactics if needed. This was completely contrary to the religious and ethical norms of the time and caused great shock in European society. For this reason, The Prince, which was criticized even when circulating in manuscript form, was eventually designated a forbidden book by the Vatican in 1559, 27 years after its publication, under the stigma of being "the devil's book." Later, the term "Machiavellism" was coined after his name, referring to a political philosophy that permits any means or methods to maintain and develop a state.
However, various counterarguments have been raised against these claims. A prominent one is the argument that Machiavelli advocated for a democratic republic, not a monarchy. In this context, Rousseau, in his The Social Contract, even argued that Machiavelli, while seemingly instructing princes, was in fact teaching the people. Above all, The Prince is highly regarded as a book that opened new horizons in modern politics by starkly revealing the nature of politics, advocating for the separation of morality and governance, and presenting cold, practical solutions for maintaining power.

"A book that countless leaders have held onto for 500 years!"
Life skills, leadership, and a balanced sense of reality…
The virtues a leader must possess in a harsh reality.

Frederick II, King of Prussia (1712-1786), criticized The Prince as a "book that destroys humanity" and wrote a book refuting Machiavelli's ideas point by point. However, his governance style was not much different from what is described in The Prince. This brings to mind Francis Bacon's remark that The Prince is a book that starkly describes "what men do," rather than "what men ought to do."
For better or worse, The Prince has profoundly influenced countless powerful figures since its publication. French Emperor Napoleon studied this book intently, and many powerful figures, including Mussolini, who even earned a Ph.D. in research on The Prince, US President John Adams, Germany's Hitler, the Soviet Union's Lenin, and Cuba's Castro, kept this book close. There is also an analysis that the theoretical root of US foreign policy is The Prince. Why has this thin book maintained its influence for so long and been read as essential by leaders?
Machiavelli lived in a tumultuous era when Italy was divided into small and large states, struggling against each other and suffering from foreign invasions. He handled diplomatic affairs for the Florentine government, visited various countries, met numerous leaders, and was even threatened with his livelihood after being dismissed from public office. Through these experiences, he thoroughly understood the political situation and social conditions of Europe at the time, deeply recognizing the nature of politics and power, as well as human nature. Because he expressed 'raw knowledge that survived in practice,' by reading the book, one can gain the cold sense of reality and vivid wisdom that a leader must possess.
The Prince not only delves into the stark reality of politics but also contains sharp reflections on history. Particularly noteworthy is Machiavelli's historical view, which treats historical examples as teachers to find solutions to pressing problems. This can be seen in his frequent citation of ancient Greco-Roman and medieval rulers and historical events throughout the book. He emphasizes that there is nothing as valuable as knowledge learned through history and advises princes to read historical books.
The Prince also discusses human psychology, the realities of life, and life skills. In particular, it criticizes the psychology of the populace with a stark and direct tone, offering advice and guidance on how to live in human society and how to lead others. These contents are essential not only for princes but also for all of us living in an age of popular sovereignty.

Table of Contents

Before Reading The Prince

Dedication | Niccolò Machiavelli to the Magnificent Lorenzo de' Medici
Chapter 01 | How many kinds of principalities there are and by what means they are acquired
Chapter 02 | Concerning hereditary principalities
Chapter 03 | Concerning mixed principalities
Chapter 04 | Why the kingdom of Darius, conquered by Alexander, did not rebel against his successors after Alexander's death
Chapter 05 | How cities or principalities which lived under their own laws before being conquered should be governed
Chapter 06 | Concerning new principalities acquired by one's own arms and ability
Chapter 07 | Concerning new principalities acquired with the arms and fortune of others
Chapter 08 | Concerning those who have obtained a principality by wickedness
Chapter 09 | Concerning a civil principality
Chapter 10 | How the strength of all principalities should be measured
Chapter 11 | Concerning ecclesiastical principalities
Chapter 12 | How many kinds of soldiery there are and concerning mercenary soldiers
Chapter 13 | Concerning auxiliary, mixed, and native troops
Chapter 14 | What a prince should do concerning military matters
Chapter 15 | Concerning things for which men, and especially princes, are praised or blamed
Chapter 16 | Concerning liberality and parsimony
Chapter 17 | Concerning cruelty and clemency, and whether it is better to be loved than feared, or the reverse
Chapter 18 | How princes should keep their word
Chapter 19 | How one should avoid contempt and hatred
Chapter 20 | Whether fortresses and many other things which princes daily employ are profitable or not
Chapter 21 | How a prince should conduct himself so as to gain renown
Chapter 22 | Concerning the secretaries whom princes have at their side
Chapter 23 | How flatterers should be avoided
Chapter 24 | Why the princes of Italy have lost their states
Chapter 25 | How much fortune can do in human affairs and how it may be resisted
Chapter 26 | An exhortation to liberate Italy from the barbarians

Endnotes
Commentary | Kim Woon-chan
Machiavelli Chronology