Who is Francesco Guicciardini?

The best example of the philosophy of keeping one's mouth shut is embodied by Italian lawyer, diplomat and historian from Florence, Francesco Guicciardini, who wrote a secret book entitled I Ricordi, which gives advice on managing through treacherous times. Guicciardini is a contemporary of another famous Florentine known for ruthless behavior and politics, Niccolo Machiavelli.Where Machiavelli was too much a dreamer to achieve practical results, Guicciardini was more focused on goals of prospering and wielding power. Guicciardini became a lawyer and went into Papal service in 1515 where he commanded respect with impressive shows of power and pomp. He served as governor and arrested and tortured those who disagreed with Papal decrees. After serving two more popes, Guicciardini returns to Florence and acts as local henchman for the powerful Medici family even though he despises them. Guicciardini retires as an elderly statesman never once betraying his personal beliefs in the service of those whom he detested.