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Comparing Machiavelli And Lao-Tzu: The Role Of A Leader

685 Words3 Pages

In today’s society, the roles of a leader not only provide the governmental structure that maintains said society but provides decisions from the mind and soul that are fundamental and essential. Even though fear can install unlimited power to the leader, a leader should rule with honesty and integrity. The government is necessary to society, but many people may question the way it is governed. Whether it is by being feared or by being loved, fear can only get someone so far in life. Love may be something strong, but it is better than to be feared. Because having a leader that is not feared will not bring hatred, love does not weaken in the way fear does, and fear will only darken the soul while love enriches and enlightens. (T) (TS) First, …show more content…

However, if people fear, you are only dealing with one factor in governing. Moreover, it has a limited one. Fear is a natural response to danger. As a leader, if you want people to make a change, make a difference, you need their love. On the other hand, Machiavelli believes that the necessity for a successful leader is to take control and that it is necessary to maintain power, at any cost. While Lao-Tzu believes that letting things flow on its own without taking control will have a better effect, not only in being a good leader but having a good relationship with the people. Many can agree that fear will achieve more than love, or that fear will only get a leader to some degree of power. …show more content…

This can cause people to get together and conspire to try to overthrow the government. Because a leader can have power by using fear, but in the end, the people of the country have the most power. Lao-Tzu believes it is far off better to have a relationship that is good for the people, which is. What Lao-Tzu says is “Next best is a leader who is loved, next one who is feared, the worst is one who is despised.” (Lao-Tzu 207). The bond a leader has with his people will lay a base for the backbone of his land. If people do not like whoever the leader is, they will presumably not follow the orders or listen. Which will result from the fall of the country. A leader should always try to encourage his or her people instead of using fear. A leader should be able to cast significant influence the people into doing what is right instead of punishing them for making them do what is right. Most definitely people will listen to someone that they respect, and the only way to gain respect from someone is to have a good relationship with them.

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