Niccolò Machiavelli wrote the influential work "The Prince" during the Renaissance, completing it in 1513 and publishing it posthumously in 1532. A political treatise, "The Prince" explores the qualities and strategies a ruler should possess to maintain power and navigate the complexities of politics. Machiavelli's pragmatic approach, often interpreted as ruthless and cunning, contrasts sharply with idealistic views of governance. He famously argued that the ends justify the means, a concept that continues to provoke debate among political theorists. His work marked a significant shift in political thought, deeply influencing subsequent generations and establishing him as a foundational figure in political philosophy.