Quote:
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Originally Posted by Mojo_PeiPei
Machiavelli said it is better to be feared than loved, you can control other people fearing you, whereas their love for you changes at their whim.
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To elaborate: Machiavelli strongly suggests that above all, the prince must not be hated. He does give a concise answer on whether or not a prince should be feared or loved. He states, "..a wise prince should establish himself on that which is his own control and not in that of others; he must endeavor to avoid hatred, as is noted." He also says "It is best to be both feared and loved; however, if one cannot be both it is better to be feared than loved."
While the last portion is the one everyone knows, it is bound to be misapplied if one does not understand the preceding portions.