AP Success - AP European History: The Prince: Secular Theories of Ruling
Concerning Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether it is Better to be Loved than Feared Upon this a question arises: whether it is better to be loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be answered that one should wish to be both, but...it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with...And that prince who, relying entirely on their promises, has neglected other precautions, is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by nobility or greatness of mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon...Nevertheless a prince ought to inspire fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred; because he can endure very well being feared whilst he is not hated, which will always be as long as he abstains from the property of his citizens and subjects and from their women.
Niccolo Machiavelli, The Prince, 1513
Question 1
Identify one perspective about ruling expressed in the excerpt.
Question 2
Describe one historical change that made ideas like those in the excerpt popular.
Question 3
Explain one way the ideas in The Prince influenced the development of secular governments.
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