The Prince (10-18)

While reading this section, I found two quotes that relate to the contemporary United States:

"Moreover, a Republic trusting to her own forces, is with greater difficulty than one which relies on foreign arms brought to yield obedience to a single citizen" (p. 32).

This, I saw as relating to the struggle for oil, and since we are reliant on the middle east for some oil, we are weaker because of it. Oil is not a literary "weapon" as "arms" would be, but it has the same demand. When reading the NPT, it mentioned that Pakistan and Iran haven't joined, for fear of losing their existing nuclear capabilities, and this need for oil and makes the United States "turn the other cheek".

"In his private dealings with his subjects his decisions should be irrevocable, and his reputation such that no one would dream of overreaching or cajoling him" (p. 48)

This quote seemed like a good idea. Many times, when people are put into a position of power, they favor a certain group of people and can be persuaded with their decisions. This quote says that his say should be it, and that he must keep his reputation as having the last say in things. He must not be swayed by his citizens, but be able to "stand on his own two feet".