The Prince in Modern Society

Florence and the Drones - NYTimes.com

David Brooks

I often go on about the philosophical basis for political thought.  I am of the opinion that any political thought should have a firm basis in philosophy and not just be cast out willy-nilly in the heat of the moment without any consideration of the implications of that action.

Nicolo Machiavelli

David Brooks is one of my favorite conservative thinkers.  He seems to understand that impetuous thought and inconsiderate action are no substitute for effective governance.  In this column he uses the philosophy of Machiavelli to make his point.

I urge anyone who is concerned with proper action in a democracy to fully engage the great philosophers and develop a philosophy of his or her own as well.  This is a short essay.  Read it.