A prince ought also to show himself a patron of ability, and to honour the proficient in every art. At the same time he should encourage his citizens to practise their callings peaceably, both in commerce and agriculture, and in every other following, so that the one should not be deterred from improving his possessions for fear lest they be taken away from him or another from opening up trade for fear of taxes; but the prince ought to offer rewards to whoever wishes to do these things and designs in any way to honour his city or state.
Niccolo Machiavelli
Considering Machiavelli’s historical reputation, I don’t usually expect enlightenment from him.
His sympathies are with the Prince. But we can learn some of the tactics of the tyrant. In fact the power politics he describes are on display by our own adversaries. And sometimes he displays a respect for the republican model. If you are careful you can even learn something from Satan.
Next up, some George Patton.