To be sure, The Prince was written in response to a balkanized and eruptive state which Machiavelli was much a part (certainly his abdication from office by the Medici in 1512 precipitated the writing as well). However, as with most political treatises, the context is not the sole influence of the work. The Prince is a reflection on the rational, original thought of the author. As well as a reflection of the classical eduction he received in his youth (ie-allusions to Aristotle's 'golden mean' appear in infinitum). Machiavelli summarily wrote his treatise on gaining and maintaining rule of a principality as a clarion call of rationality in a political atmosphere full of pseudo-virtuosity.