Ada Palmer – Machiavelli is the most misunderstood thinker of all time

Machiavelli was a deeply patriotic figure who refused to work for other powers, even after being exiled and tortured by his own government; his book *The Prince* was a secret job application meant only for the Medici to stabilize Italy.

The political instability of Italy stemmed from the papacy's ever-changing elections and the cycle of regime changes that broke the thread of legitimacy in most city-states.

Cesare Borgia was a deeply charismatic and terrifying figure whose near-successful conquest of Italy was only thwarted by simultaneous illness with his father; Machiavelli was an eyewitness to his deeds.

Machiavelli's radical innovation was the idea that multiple political parties could coexist and vent societal tensions through competition, a concept that was considered a threat to stability at the time.

The first form of copyright was born from the Inquisition, providing a legal mechanism for authors to control print quality and prevent unauthorized editions—a need Machiavelli personally experienced.

The Renaissance valuation of originality required scholars to present new ideas as commentaries on ancient texts; Machiavelli's *Discourses on Livy* is where his truly original political thought is embedded.

Cesare Borgia’s cruel but neutral justice made him beloved by the common people in conquered cities, as they finally experienced equitable treatment compared to the biased local factions.

The idea of 'Machiavelli the villain' (Old Nick) is a separate cultural character distinct from the real, selfless patriot who avoided the limelight.