A Feared Ruler? :: essays research papers

Machiavelli was a man who was not worried about what was morally correct, but rather, what was politically deserved. He was in fact an honest and religious man, but he has become known for trickery and double-dealing. He thought that princes would have to start tricking his enemies, or even his great deal for the good of his state. In my opinion, his theory, It is better to be feared than loved is saying that when the mint fear their ruler, the ruler will most likely get what he wants. When a ruler has control and bullying over his people, they will most likely do what he says and follow his rules, out of fear. Some people might reason out and say that if a ruler is loved than people will respect him and follow his rules. This is true, except, it is harder to get people to love and respect their ruler so more as to do everything they are told, than it is to get them to fear their ruler.Out of the three monarchs Louis of France, Henry of England, and Ferdinand of Spain, I think L ouis definitely exhibited Machiavellis theory the best. Louis depended on trickery, intimidation and bribery to get what he wanted. These three characteristics are exactly what Machiavelli believes in. Louis wanted to weaken the powers on the great lords in France so that he had all the power. every noble that resisted Louiss rule was bribed or threatened until the noble agreed with Louis. Once there was a cardinal who disobeyed Louis. He was locked in a teensy cage for 11 years. He couldnt even stand up or sit down. The people under Louis rule were very scared of him that they were ordain to put up anything to impress and agree with him. Louis was aiming for people to fear him though. I think he felt that it would in fact be easier to get people to fear him rather than respect him.