Niccolò Machiavelli authored the influential work "The Prince" in the early 16th century. The text is a political treatise that offers pragmatic advice on how rulers can maintain power and control over their states. Machiavelli's work delves into the complexities of political life, often advocating for realpolitik—where outcomes justify the means used to achieve them. It emphasizes the importance of adaptability, cunning, and sometimes ruthless tactics in governance. "The Prince" has had a lasting impact on political theory, inspiring discussions around ethics in politics and the nature of power, making it a critical work in both Renaissance literature and modern political thought.