Machiavelli brings up many points as to how to be a great leader. He discusses many ways a leader can rule their people. Machiavelli talks about how to become a ruler, then how to stay on their thrown. Machiavelli through out his paper talks about many opposites that can keep a ruler in charge, but they must choice one side of doing things.
Machiavelli brings up the arguement is it better to be feared or loved by your followers. I believe the answer to this question is both and also lies with the responsibility you hold. For some leaders such as bosses and CEOs they must have the suppport of their workers but also must remain in charge. The question also comes up alot in parenting is the question, is it better to be their parent or their friend. Again one must be both to grow a healthy relationship.
If a leader is very loved they have the respect of their people, but may not always have their obidience and control over them. For a prince he must be able to control his country so he may choose fear. However if the people are scared of their leader they may not trust them. This will lead to many problems for a prince and his country.
It also seems like it can be so much easier to lose someone’s love and support than it is for someone to stop fearing someone else. Some combination of both would be ideal however. I think his conclusion that focusing on not being hated is the best thing to do.
What i thought was very interesting was how the fear one should have toward the Prince as described in the reading can and is very similar to the fear the bible says one should have towards God while he is still liked and loved.
how to become a ruler, then how to stay on their thrown. Machiavelli
As a follower, it is interesting to think of the thought process of how to stay a leader. It made a lot of sense to me when you drew connections to parents and business leaders, the question to be feared or loved is a hard one but overall respect is the most important to be a good leader and to stay a leader.