Who was the primary author of "The Prince"?

The primary author of "The Prince" is Niccolò Machiavelli, a Renaissance political philosopher. Written in 1513 and published posthumously in 1532, "The Prince" is considered one of the foundational texts of modern political theory. In this work, Machiavelli discusses the nature of power and the strategies a ruler must employ to maintain authority and control over their state. He emphasizes realism over idealism and often advocates for pragmatic, sometimes ruthless decision-making, which has led to the term "Machiavellian" to describe cunning political tactics.

Machiavelli's insights were groundbreaking for their focus on statecraft and the necessity for leaders to sometimes act against traditional moral values to ensure stability and security. Understanding this context enhances the significance of his work in the study of political authority and governance in European history.

The other choices—Thomas More, Jean-Jacques Rousseau, and Friedrich Nietzsche—are significant philosophers and writers in their own rights but associated with different works and ideas. More is known for "Utopia," Rousseau for his contributions to social contract theory and works like "The Social Contract," and Nietzsche for existential and philosophical concepts in works such as "Thus Spoke Zarathustra." Each of