Microsoft adds more back to the community than other companies I’ve worked for. In 500 years time, people will remember Bill’s philanthropy work before they think of the software company, and the impact on technology. This is in a similar way as the Medici in Florence.
Category: machiavelli
Valleywag Quote-of-the-Day
“Spending time with the family” is a quotation I’ve seen in every executive “so long, and thanks for all the fish” (alias: goodbye) email.
If you work in a large technology company, you’ve read those type of emails: they precede a round of organisational shenanigans, back-stabbing, nail biting and re-reading of Machiavelli.
Machiavelli
Reading a highly informative biography of Niccolo Machiavelli, the Renaissance thinker and writer on Power and Politics. Written by Michael White, from Perth, “Machiavelli: A Man Misunderstood” details the life-and-times of a man today renoun for the perjorative term Machiavellian. Whilst his most famous piece, The Prince, details the methods a prince (or leader) must undertake to gain and retain power in Renaissance Italy – it has modern day implications for all politcal operatives.
Note: For those in Sydney, Machiavelli’s also happens to be my favourite business lunching venue. Save up your dollars and head down to Clarence Street in the CBD for some hearty Tuscan/Italian food.