The Prince

"It makes him contemptible when he is considered fickle, frivolous, effeminate, mean-spirited, irresolute, from all of which a prince should guard himself as from a rock;  and  he should endeavor to show in  his actions greatness, courage, gravity and fortitude; and in his private dealings with his subjects let him show that his judgments are irrevocable, and maintain himself in such reputation that no one can hope either to deceive him or get round him..." Niccolo Machiavelli in The Prince.  Does this not resonate today as we select our national leader again?