Machiavelli, having lost the one vocation he understood, turned to writing, the closest thing to being in office he could now experience. In his writing he drew off his years of experience and understanding of the working of a successful ‘prince.’ "The Prince", published in 1513, was a how-to book on securing and maintaining political power. He did not censor his occasional inhumane methods and was entirely honest in his political advice, earning him an infamous reputation. In his work he talked about the use of trickery and artfulness and how a ruler is sometimes compelled to act evil in order to maintain power.