Machiavelli’s “The Prince,” a 16th century handbook that that says political leaders are better to be feared than loved, has been much maligned as being nothing but a guide for despots.

However, for all the counselling that “princes” should be artful, disingenuous and downright dangerous, there is also a lot of practical advice from Machiavelli that Canadians and Prime Minister Mark Carney should heed.