Machiavell's, The Prince
.... A prince must be merciful enough to be loved so that people trust and follow him, but feared enough so that he can keep order. Machiavelli believes that if one who governs is cruel enough he may ultimately bring order and peace to his people. A governor must execute outcasts to become feared, but the execution only hurts one person. Machiavelli goes onto say the fear created from these executions helps the whole community. This makes the governor both loved and feared at the same time. Although, this theory seems profound it is in no way commendable. Treating people cruelly is simply not right. Many people may look at the facts and give credence to being cruel and feared, as long as it is to achieve a better community. If these people lived under that feared ruler, they might see otherwise. Still within the first paragraph Machiavelli states a cruel leader can unite and bring peace to his people. A cruel prince is better than a prince who is too merciful. If a leader is to merciful, he can not keep order amongst his people, or fight against his enemies. In the end, a merciful leader that is greatly loved will not be successful, as is shown by the case of Scipio. It is better for a prince to be able to unite people, than for him to let his people be destroyed, but being cruel and feared is not the only way to govern. The second focal point of Machiavelli’s piece deals with whether it is better for a ruler to be loved or feared. If a prince benefits men, by giving to them or by helping them, those men will help the prince in return. This bond can not be considered love. If another occasion comes along that will benefit the man better he will take it and leave the ruler. A ruler who believes he only has to give to men to have them at his service, will in the end be without an army to fight for him. In a relationship of this fashion, there is no...