PARENTING LESSONS FROM MACCHIAVELLI. “Like all moms, I was struggling to meet their every material need. Yet as I read ‘The Prince,’ I realized that the more things I gave them, the more they expected and less grateful they became.” On the other hand, you can take things too far. And others can read “The Prince.” She should wonder what happens when her husband adopts the same approach — as, to be fair, he should have all along.