Leaders We Admire

Think about a leader you admire, either from history, current events, or even your personal life. What qualities make them a good leader? List 2-3 qualities below.

Excerpt from The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli

Chapter XVII: Concerning Cruelty And Clemency, And Whether It Is Better To Be Loved Than Feared

The Dilemma of a Prince

Upon this a question arises: whether it is 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, it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with.

Why Fear is More Reliable

For this is to be asserted in general, that men are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely; they offer you their blood, property, life, and children, as is shown above, when the need is remote; but when the need 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, are bought, but not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon. 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.

Avoiding Hatred

Nevertheless, a prince ought to inspire fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred; because it is quite possible to be feared and not hated, and this will always be the case when he abstains from taking the property of his citizens and subjects and from their women. But above all, when he is obliged to take life of anyone, he should do it only when there is proper justification and manifest reason for it. But above all things he must keep his hands off the property of others, because men more quickly forget the death of their father than the loss of their patrimony.

Conclusion

And in conclusion, I say that, since fears depends on the will of the prince, and love depends upon the will of the subjects, a wise prince should establish himself on that which is in his own control and not in the control of others.

Machiavelli's Dilemma: Feared or Loved?

After reading the excerpt from Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, let's discuss his provocative ideas on leadership and power. Share your thoughts with the class, citing evidence from the text and connecting it to your own understanding of the world.

Discussion Questions:

1. Machiavelli asks whether it is "better to be loved than feared or feared than loved?" How does he answer this question, and what are his main reasons? Refer back to the text to support your answer.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

2. Machiavelli states that "men are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous." Do you agree with this cynical view of human nature? How might this view influence a leader's actions?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

3. What does Machiavelli suggest a prince must do to avoid being hated, even if he is feared? Why is avoiding hatred so important to him?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

4. Consider leaders throughout history or in the modern world (e.g., politicians, business leaders, coaches). Can you identify leaders who seem to prioritize being feared? What about leaders who prioritize being loved? What were the outcomes in each case?
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

5. In today's society, which quality—being feared or being loved—do you think is more effective for a leader to maintain power and achieve goals? Explain your reasoning.
   
   
   
   
   
   
   

My Machiavellian Takeaway

Reflect on today's discussion about Machiavelli's The Prince.

What is one key idea or concept about leadership and power from Machiavelli that resonated with you or surprised you the most? Explain why.