Political Philosophy and Machiavelli Essay Example for Free

Political Philosophy and Machiavelli EssayNicolo Machiavelli is a well know philosopher of the Italian Renaissance from the sixteenth century. The return of the Medici family in Florence in 1512 forced Machiavelli out of office, and he wrote The Prince after(prenominal) retiring from the public. The Prince is one of his nigh famous works, it describes the means by which a new leader whitethorn authorise and maintain power. His ideas can be applied to new rulers ranging from a new principal to a new president of a new country. While discussing his ideas for new rulers, Machiavelli says Upon this a question arises whether it be get around to be loved than fe ard or fe atomic number 18d than loved? (Machiavelli 98). If a ruler is non able to do both, it is unwrap to be loved than feared. Machiavelli answers his own question through his ideas of what makes a successful ruler. He argues that a prince is a lot safer being feared than loved. Machiavelli says for love is preserv ed 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. (Machiavelli 99). He says that being loved creates opportunity for being taken advantage of and being feared doesnt fail. pitch fear to his peck with cruelty would make them united and loyal. Most state who are fearful of either authority fear punishment, so they are more inclined to non cross the line of dis reward. Without a doubt, being loved is more desired from the nation and has a grander value compared to being feared, hitherto though the perks of being feared can make a leader successful. Since its amend to be loved than feared, at that place are three important characteristics to have to ensure that the new people youre ruling love you these characteristics are being honest, having respect, and being evasive.Honesty is an important characteristic to have because the body of people y oure ruling and the federal agency they act is a reflection of yourself. If you make honest and straightforward(p) behavior a key value, your people will do the same. If you dont make honest and good behavior a key value, your people habit presumption that you are always doing the right thing and telling the truth. Machiavelli says, Everyone sees what you appear to be, few experience what you actually are. (Machiavelli 106). His quote shouldnt be true if youre an honest and truthful leader.Machiavelli says in his quote that a leader does non show his complete self to everyone, that he displays an act of goodness to his people and only reveals what he really is to those who ask for it. Being an honest leader inside and out will only help gain your peoples trust and true love. This quote also ties into the one that reads it is unnecessary for a prince to have all the good qualities I have enumerated, but it is very necessary to appear to have them. (Machiavelli 250).Machiave lli says that a leader mustiness put on a false face to his people and pretend to have qualities that he does not actually have. Its not acceptable to hide yourself from your people because if you say youre going to protect them no issuing what and you back out when something bad happens, your people will be disappointed and wont have trust in you. A successful leader who wishes to be loved should be honest to his people for who he really is because it will flow him respect. You cant gain respect without giving respect.Respect is one of the most important characteristics to have when being a leader because people always fatality to be in an environment where they intuitive flavoring valued. A leader isnt going to be successful if their people arent happy and feel as if they arent important. If a leader is genuine with respect, his people will be more willing to give back respect and do as he says. Though, the truth is that it is important to give respect whether they feel the leader deserves it or not. As Machiavelli says, A prince is also respected when he is either a true takeoff rocket or a downright enemy. (Machiavelli 250). It doesnt matter the relation you have with your leader, whether theyre a true friend or a downright enemy, youre going to respect them just because theyre your leader. Your people may not the like what you do, but you will be respected. Its obvious that being respected out of actual love is the better than being being respected out of fear, and that good respect should lead to good confidence at heart the leader. The feeling of being protected is desired from a lot of people. If youre a new principal, your students and staff want locks on doors and an officer nearby.If youre the new president of a country, your nation wants to know that they have a true and strong army fighting for and protecting the country. A successful leader should always be machinate for whatever points may come. Machiavelli says, He who does otherwis e, either from timidity or evil advice, is always compelled to keep the spit in his hand. (Machiavelli 61). A leader should always be ready for quick action if some situation should arise. Your people will love and admire you if they know youre protecting them and is always cautious for quick problems.It takes great courage and confidence to take full responsibility for your peoples safety and well being. Being honest, having respect, and being protective are characteristics of being a successful but loved leader that have applied to people from before Machiavellis time all the way up to present day. Its easy to spot feared leaders such as Hitler apart from loved leaders like Martin Luther King Jr. Being loved not feared is better to be if you cannot be both because the people youre leading actually like you for who you are and are willing to do what you say, they arent scared into doing it.Martin Luther King Jr. led his people with the same respect they gave him, he was honest a nd true with his feelings, and he went above and beyond to change the worlds way of how they treated colored people to protect them from getting hurt and discriminated any longer. His people loved and admired him for who he really was, he didnt hide anything. Martin Luther King Jr. was a successful leader because he was loved and possessed honesty, respect and protectiveness.