'The Prince' is a political treatise written by Niccolò Machiavelli in 1513 that outlines strategies for political leadership and the acquisition and maintenance of power. This work is often associated with the Renaissance's embrace of humanism, as it reflects a shift toward a more pragmatic approach to politics, focusing on real-world applications rather than idealized versions of governance. Machiavelli's insights challenged traditional notions of morality in leadership, emphasizing effectiveness over ethical considerations and marking a significant departure from classical ideals of virtue and justice.