Would you support Machiavellian philosophy

hm..i like that alot...whoa it's made my brain rattle alot and for that i thank you

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

But....wouldn't you be the loneliest person in the world...And become
QUITE MAD?????? 😱

Machiavelli was talking about the ideal way to govern, rather than the ideal way to live... he was pragmatic rather than evil.... in his philosophy, it was better for a ruler to be feared, as he was then less likely to trust those who feared him, and therefore less likely to betray his subjects by falling foul of treachery himself... stability was not a widespread thing in Machiavelli's Italy, and so he outlined ways to ensure some sort of stability... as he said, any ruler should govern for the good of the state and the people, even if the needs of the people were contrary to the desires of the ruler... in other words, the ruler should put personal happiness aside in order to wield power in the best possible way...

*Insert Donnie Darko's argument here*

I'm serious, that pretty much sums up my views on this.

To be loved is greater than to be feared, for fear will get you overthrown.

Originally posted by Dexx
err...no

To be feared, is to be greatly respected...

Look at animals, I take lions for an example...

A lion snatches a meal from another lion.. The smaller size lion, backed away, because of the respect/fear towards the other lion...

Originally posted by debbiejo
But....wouldn't you be the loneliest person in the world...And become
QUITE MAD?????? 😱

I am already the most lonly person in the world, and i proberly have gon mad

Fear
A feeling of agitation and anxiety caused by the presence or imminence of danger.

A state or condition marked by this feeling: living in fear.

A feeling of disquiet or apprehension: a fear of looking foolish.

Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power.

A reason for dread or apprehension: Being alone is my greatest fear.

Respect

A feeling of appreciative, often deferential regard; esteem. See Synonyms at regard.

The state of being regarded with honor or esteem.

Willingness to show consideration or appreciation.

respects Polite expressions of consideration or deference: pay one's respects.

A particular aspect, feature, or detail: In many respects this is an important decision.
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fear is the feeling of being concerned for ones mortality.. while respecting someone is sort of exhalting them.. placing them on a pedestol because 'you' think 'they' are great.. not that they force their greatness off on you ( like a 'supreme power' would do)

I know what you mean, but I mean to be feared, is to be greatly respected...

Fear
"Extreme reverence or awe, as toward a supreme power."
Respect
"The state of being regarded with honor or esteem."

When you honor something, you are holding back, because you feel that one should have the right of the position given... when you fear something, that is what you will react too... isn't it?

If you fear something, it's because of the supreme power...
If you respect something, it's also because of the supreme power...