It is better to be feared than loved

bizz · March 9, 2006, 4:29am

Niccolo Machiavelli, in his book - The Prince, says that "It is better to be feared than loved."

Mind you, this books is read by almost all the leaders, from Hitler to Bush to Musharaf and many others. It was a book specially written for a prince, anyone who was on the throne at that time. And it has been since used by many leaders.

Here is a quote that explains his thinking:

Upon this a question arises: whether it be better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it is difficult to unite them in one person, is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they will offer you their blood, property, life and children, as is said above, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you. And that prince who, relying entirely on their promises, has neglected other precautions, is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by greatness or nobility of mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon; and men have less scruple in offending one who is beloved than one who is feared, for love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the baseness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment which never fails.

From: http://etext.library.adelaide.edu.au/m/machiavelli/niccolo/m149p/chapter17.html

To find out more about Niccolo Machiavelli: Niccolo Machiavelli Biography

So do you think it is better to be loved than feared or feared than loved.

Grumpy · March 9, 2006, 4:36am

Re: It is better to be feared than loved

Machiavelli is an excellent example of modern day society. Its basically a simple question. Do you believe in idealism or realism? If you believe in realism then power is your goal and fear is the best way to gain power. If your goal is idealism then harmony is your goal and love is the best way to get there.

Equality is an issue of love. Tolerance is an issue of love. You see the picture i am painting.

I would prefer to be loved.

However to add a twist to this, which segment of society or society would you prefer loved you and which hated you? Not everybody can love you and not everybody can hate you.

bizz · March 9, 2006, 5:05am

Re: It is better to be feared than loved

Looking from a leader's perspective, I think its best to be feared than loved. I think there is alot of weakness in being loved. You can see many leaders nowadays, applying more of Machiavelli's ideas and it has proven to be in their favour.

From personal experience, I like to feared, and not the other way around. Its true that not all will fear you. But that doesn't at all mean that its not good. You have to look at it as a whole.

This book was published in 1515, and back then there used to be many problems rising and overthrowing of governments. And this was a golden example for leaders to take lesson from. And started applying Machiavelli's ideas. And I support his idea of being feared than loved.