What does Machiavelli have to say about being loved rather than feared? How do his theories in this regard make his politics modern and distinguish his advice from Greco-Roman notions of good rulership? Are Machiavelli’s comments in the excerpt at all relevant to today’s democratic politics? (page 325)Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Machiavelli: "Is It Betther to be Loved than Feared?"
What does Machiavelli have to say about being loved rather than feared? How do his theories in this regard make his politics modern and distinguish his advice from Greco-Roman notions of good rulership? Are Machiavelli’s comments in the excerpt at all relevant to today’s democratic politics? (page 325)
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Machiavelli is saying that it’s better to be feared than loved due to reality. For example, he says that “Men are less nervous of offending someone who makes himself lovable, than someone who makes himself frightening.” He also mentions that when men are obligated by love they will eventually break that love once there’s something at stake.
But fear stays with you forever.
The way that Machiavelli feels about: it is better to be loved than to be feared or the other way around. He felt that its better to be loved and feared, but he said that he rather be feared than loved. As for me i think that it is better to be loved than feared, for the fact that love is warm and kind. While being fear makes people hate you and be scared of you but in that way being loved people will take advantage of you. While being feared people will respect you for the fact that they are scared of you. Even though the best thing to do is to be both loved and feared. It will equal both out but as Machiavelli said it is hard to be both loved and feared.
-Belsa Roldan 6th
Machiavelli states in his book The Prince that it is better to be feared then loved. He makes a good point on that because in his book he says that if your loved then your loved ones can do things to you and know it will be okay, Unlike if they fear you: they will show respect and not ever do anything to bother you or cause you harm because in Machiavelli's p.o.v the ends justifies the means.
Even though maybe not Everything applies completely Machiavelli's ideals are still relevant Especially to our Politics and our form of government because Machiavelli wrote these things as a form of instruction and of guidance. From language, laws, public affairs, war, and becoming a successful country.
Lisette's comment is the soul brevity -- in a few words she gets to the heart of one of the prompts, whether it is better to be feared than loved.
Belsa points out the conundrum -- we all want to be loved, but that opens us up to being taken advantage of. However, we need to look at it from Machiavelli's point of view and his purpose: to advise rulers how to rule! As Stephanie points out, for Machiavelli, the ends justify the means. He is, as Lisette hints at in her first sentance, the ultimate realist.
But, do we agree that a leader must be feared more than loved to rule effectively? Stalin and Hitler were certainly feared -- and rightly so. But did they rule effectively because of this?
Machiavelli wrote the book the book "The Prince". He saids is better to be fear than loved.
Its beter to be fered than loved. Because if you fear someoen you wont undermind them. but if you love them then you might only think once about hurting them. Its like if you fear the nazis your not going to take mutch of a stance agast them(frenchies)
but if you love someone like selena then your president of your fan club will back stab you
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