Machiavelli draws on his extensive historical knowledge and experience as a statesman to examine the reasons that Kings Emperors Dukes and governments have thrived or crumbled while highlighting the principles that guided them. In each case Machiavelli suggests a set of principles that any leader would find difficult to follow but impossible to ignore.The Prince has had a profound influence on political thought over the past 500 years so much so that the term Machiavellian is used to describe one who deceives and manipulates others. This is likely derived from Machiavellis view that it is often necessary to act against mercy against faith against humanity against frankness against religion in order to preserve the state.