How to Be a Prince or Courtier Part 1

The Prince by Niccolo Machiavelli is written to be either a manual for princes or a satire about the princes of the time.  I have found the first part of this to be difficult to read and understand because most of it concerns part of the history of the rulers of the time, which I am not very knowledgeable about.

I really enjoyed reading The Book of the Courtier so was really disappointed that we didn't get to discuss it.  Some of them are quite humorous like about playing chess or dancing.  The spelling of many words threw me off...made the read a bit more challenging!  My favorite had to be the one about showing love towards women...especially, "to love better the beawtye of the minde, then of the bodie."  If only guys today would take heed to all these qualifications.  I also think one should be added about gentlemen opening and holding open the doors for all ladies.  I have recently realized how special that little of a thing makes me feel.  When looking at the qualifications for a gentylwoman.  I found the one that read, "Do not lead the poor boys on." to be quite humorous.  Hoping I'm not guilty of that unconsciously, or does the "poor" refer to the guys social class or their emotional state.  I also love how it ends that if all of these are followed, "...the Dream comes alive."  If only, if only...

One of the most interesting parts of our class discussion on Friday was about gun laws.  Although I have no strong opinion being brought up in a home against the use of guns, yet I also understand the use of them in beneficial ways.  Biggest surprise:  Switzerland's law about owning an automatic weapon.  I thought they were supposed to be neutral...hence why I have always been named Miss. Switzerland in arguments...  I guess it does make sense that if no one is weaker, without a weapon, there are less people who could be put in jeopardy.

I am anxious to see how this idea of it being "safer to be feared than to be loved" will be developed in the chapters to come of the book.  I think it may also be interesting to try to compare our politicians of today and princes/rulers back then.