In his world renowned book The Prince, Machiavelli expresses what he thinks is the best way to rule a nation. In many ways, his policies reflect his cynical view of humanity. At multiple points throughout his writing, he criticizes human beings for their selfish, judgmental, and impatient nature. In chapter 17 he states that men are “ungrateful, changeable, simulators and dissimulators, runaways in danger, eager for gain.” Machiavelli also notes that men are very likely to turn against those they love for personal profit. Though I agree that human beings are selfish creatures and act primarily for themselves, most people are still bound by a set of morals that draw a line between good behavior and bad. I think the power of love and respect has a greater ability to keep people in line than Machiavelli thinks. There are many figures in the world today who are inclined to use fear …show more content…
However, if he were to only be one of these, it would be best to be feared. Again, Machiavelli bases his opinion on his disbelief in the integrity of human beings. In chapter 17, he states, “For love is held by a chain of duty which, since men are bad, they break at every chance of their own profit; but fear is held by a dread of punishment that never fails you.” This is another case in which Machiavelli’s point of view may work for his time, but not today’s. In Machiavelli’s day, a ruler had sole authority over his country, and obedience was expected from every one of his subjects. People could not speak up or challenge what the Prince had to say. However, in today’s society approval from the people is much more important for a leader. Word gets around fast through innovations in communication, and dissatisfied people are more able to organize and rise up against leaders. For this reason, leaders should be more concerned with being loved by their people than being