Chapter 21: Enterprises, Greatness & Public Diversion

In chapter XXI in ‘The Prince’: ‘How princes should conduct themselves to acquire a reputation’ Machiavelli a.o. states that nothing makes a prince so much esteemed as the undertaking of great enterprises and the setting of a noble example in his own person. He gives an example of a new prince, who in the beginning of his reign attacked Granada, and thereby laid the foundation of his greatness. He continuously carried out great enterprises, which kept the minds of his subjects in a state of suspense and admiration, and occupied with the results… A prince must give striking examples of his interior administration.

To what extent do Machiavelli’s thoughts apply to the roles and responsibilities of modern leaders from different countries, cultures and trades? Is it still possible for leaders to gain esteem and to divert public attention by initiated great enterprises and striking demonstrations of their own capabilities?

Discover The Mind of a Leader…

Participants:
  Stan Shih
  Michael S. Dukakis
  Larry Flynt
  Bruce Cohen
  Torben Ballegaard Sørensen
  John Dunn
  Lars Håkanson