Machiavelli

Machiavelli's book "The Prince" is an interesting read. Not that I would suggest following it as your guide to life, but he does make some interesting points. Here's a great quote from p.40 of the Penguin Classics edition:

So the Romans saw when troubles were coming and always took counter-measures. They never, to avoid a war, allowed them to go unchecked, because they knew that there is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.

Interesting don't you think?