Would you support Machiavellian philosophy

Machiavelli had a mean mother and a bad father

yes I would support machiavellian philosophy but only if all people would support it too. it is only way how to be machiavellist and not to hurt other people...

to be Machiavellian is to hurt people before they hurt you

I honestly admire the man. Have any of you read his book, The Prince?

I found the Prince a truly great book, and Machiavelli something of a social genius. He understood his time perfectly, and knew what was needed to maintain overall state power and security, the benefits of which usually have a knock on effect by benefiting society. That said, I would say that I do support his theories and philosophy in context. Certainly aspects are applicable in all societies, but others are more specific.

I heard a quote today from the 1500's on the History chnl., don't ask his name. He was Italian and it was a hard name, But he said "Is it better to be loved or feared? It would best to have both, but since they are not so close to each other, it is better to be feared."

Interesting.

Since theres not much posted in Philosophy forum, I thought I would throw something out there.

I think its like a spectrum.. you have love on one side... respect in the middle... and fear on the opposite side.. so you really cannot have both

Both would be great wouldn't it? I mean if I was a ruler. But to the right extend both are really useful and can serve the same purpose so I dunno.

Both love and fear would have the same effect on people. If you are feared people have to do what you want, if you are loved people will want to do what you want. You can never have both but you would never need both one is a s good as the other.

It was Niccolo Machiavelli.... the same man who said that "the good end justifies the means..." and that " the needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the few..."

Originally posted by SaTsuJiN
I think its like a spectrum.. you have love on one side... respect in the middle... and fear on the opposite side.. so you really cannot have both

Like on Doni Darko 😱

Originally posted by big gay kirk
It was Niccolo Machiavelli.... the same man who said that "the good end justifies the means..." and that " the needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the few..."

I think you might be right!!

Originally posted by SaTsuJiN
I think its like a spectrum.. you have love on one side... respect in the middle... and fear on the opposite side.. so you really cannot have both

I argee with what you are saying.You have a choice for either one.It is really up to that person through.JM

tiz not.....it is all relevant to the one putting the question.

it is good to be loved by those you love
and it is goo to be feared by those you hate

Originally posted by big gay kirk
It was Niccolo Machiavelli.... the same man who said that "the good end justifies the means..." and that " the needs of the many far outweigh the needs of the few..."

that's the point 🙂

It seems tyrants want both, but you can't. They eventually get so paranoid about everyone, which leaves only to be feared.

To be feared = to be greatly respected. Am I right?

Respect are only wanted by warriors-like characters,
and love are wanted by everyone, except those who dodge it...

Which is better? I say, I want love... I don't really care about reputations...

I agree with this Italian guy, to be feared it better to be loved, fear brings you power love give you nothing useful.

Originally posted by peterKSL
To be feared = to be greatly respected. Am I right?