Niccolò Machiavelli was an Italian philosopher and writer from the Renaissance period, best known for his political treatise, The Prince. Written in 1513, this book offers advice to rulers on how to maintain power and navigate the complexities of politics. Machiavelli's ideas often emphasize pragmatism over morality, suggesting that the ends can justify the means in governance. Machiavelli's work has sparked much debate and discussion over the centuries, leading to the term "Machiavellian," which describes cunning or deceitful behavior in politics. His thoughts on power, leadership, and human nature continue to influence modern political theory and practice.