[One Thousand Characters a Day] The Principles of Leadership Conveyed by 'Gunjuron' <1>

Editor's NoteThe "Prince," known as the "Book of the Devil" banned by the Vatican and the "Dictator's Manual" avidly read by Hitler and Mussolini. However, Rousseau praised it as the "Republican's Textbook," and Francis Bacon highly praised Machiavelli, saying he was greatly indebted to him for revealing human actions without concealment. The scenes from Machiavelli's life journey can often be seen in the politicians or leaders appearing in today's news. The social atmosphere that constantly urges competition, growth, accumulation, and expansion of capital, and our situation of having to engage in trade and diplomatic wars amid great powers, closely resemble 16th-century Italy, where survival was considered virtue. This is why modern people living in the 21st century should read this book written 500 years ago. Word count: 1201 characters.

Humans always tend to walk the paths others have taken and imitate the lives they have lived. However, it is impossible to walk exactly the same path as another person or to possess the excellence of the one being imitated. Therefore, a wise person should follow the deeds of great men and imitate the most outstanding among them. By doing so, even if one cannot reach their level of excellence, one can at least emit a similar fragrance. It is like thoughtful archers who know exactly how far their bow can shoot and understand that the target is farther than that. They aim their arrows much higher than the target, not to hit such a high place, but to achieve their intended goal by aiming high.

I want to say that in the case of a new principality with a new prince, the amount of difficulty the new prince faces in ruling the country depends on the degree of the prince's excellence. Since an individual becoming a prince presupposes either excellence or fortune, in either case, some difficulties can be alleviated. Nevertheless, a prince less influenced by fortune can protect himself better. Also, the fact that the prince must reside in the new principality because he does not possess another state makes the situation easier.

(Omitted)

Those who become princes through excellence, like these, face difficulties when acquiring the principality but have little trouble maintaining it. The difficulties they face when acquiring the principality arise from introducing new orders and methods necessary to establish and stabilize the state. One must remember that nothing is more difficult, uncertain in success, and dangerous to manage than introducing a new order. This is because everyone who benefited from the previous order will become the reformer's enemy. Although those who will benefit from the new order will side with him, they will not show special enthusiasm. This lukewarm attitude stems from the fear of opponents backed by law and the human distrustful nature that does not sincerely believe in something new until it is certainly experienced. Thus, while the enemies attack vigorously with partisan zeal whenever they get the chance, those who support him defend only lukewarmly, ultimately putting the reformer and his supporters in danger.

- Niccol? Machiavelli, The Prince, translated by Choi Hyun-joo, supervised and annotated by Kim Sang-geun, Page2 Books, 17,000 KRW