In which work would you find discussions surrounding the role of rulers and their ethics?

The work you would find discussions surrounding the role of rulers and their ethics is indeed "The Prince" by Niccolò Machiavelli. This treatise, written in the early 16th century, examines the qualities and strategies a ruler must possess to effectively govern and maintain power. Machiavelli does not shy away from controversial topics; he discusses the necessity of pragmatic, often ruthless, decisions for the benefit of the state. The text encourages rulers to understand the reality of political power and ethics, often challenging conventional moral perspectives by advocating for results over traditional morality when it comes to leadership and governance.

In contrast, the other works mentioned focus on different themes. "Night" by Elie Wiesel addresses the horrors of the Holocaust and personal survival, while Henry David Thoreau's "Walden" is a reflection on simple living and nature, emphasizing individualism and self-reliance rather than political ethics. "Up From Slavery" by Booker T. Washington deals with themes of education, self-improvement, and racial uplift within the context of the African American experience rather than the qualities of rulers or political ethics. Thus, "The Prince" is the most relevant work for discussions surrounding rulers and their ethics.