Why the Heads of the Mafia Read The Prince

The heads of the Mafia read Niccolò Machiavelli's "The Prince" for its pragmatic and strategic insights into power dynamics, leadership, and control. The book’s emphasis on realpolitik, where the ends justify the means, resonates with the Mafia's operational principles. Machiavelli’s advice on maintaining power, managing fear and respect, and the strategic use of deceit aligns with the Mafia's need for effective leadership and organizational stability in a lawless and competitive environment.