Essays

Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian prince as well as a writer who lived in Florence during the renaissance. One of his most famous wittings, “The Prince”, debates weather or not It is better for leaders to be feared or loved. Machiavelli’s book contains much evidence that shows how a leader who is feared makes a stronger leader. Others Interpret that “The Prince” describes that it is better for a leader to be loved. Although both positions have valid points I believe that there is more evidence towards why being feared makes a better leader.

“Men have less regret in offending one who is beloved than one who is feared, for love is preserved by the link of obligation which, owing to the corruptness of men, is broken at every opportunity for their advantage; but fear preserves you by a dread of punishment that never fails” This quote from “The Prince” shows how putting fear in others can be used to prevent one from getting hurt. People often take advantage of others kindness, but if there is some sort of punishment involved than they are less likely to go against one’s word and they become easier to control. This gives one the power rule over others without retaliation and one to be an effective leader. Alexander the Great for example conquered and controlled the vast empire of ancient Greece. In his conquest he destroyed many cities and killed many people, afraid of his tactics seldom few stood in his way and he became on of the most famous absolute leaders in history.

“We may learn the lesson that on seizing a state, the usurper should make haste to inflict what injuries he must, at a stroke, that he may not have to renew them daily, but be enabled by their discontinuance to reassure men’s minds and afterwards; win them over by benefits.” Machiavelli is showing how a leader should inflict complications on people to keep people in their place. This interprets as fear and punishment is the only way to control men. Hafaz al-Assad, a Muslim leader, had a long