POLI 231 Lecture : POLI 231 - Machiavelli 2
19 Dec 2011
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The prince must be willing to be cruel and to maintain political order. Borgias used minister to oppress and maintain order. Once this was done, he executed the minister to cull resentment in the populace. Should be done upfront, so that the one may introduce less harsh policies after, thereby giving people hope. Should be done quickly, and all at once (like a band-aid!) Must be used for the good of the polity, and not for personal desires. Cruelty is bad when: it is progressive it attacks people"s property it goes after their women (family) it is without a reason visible to people. As glory depends on the opinion of others, there are limits to what a political actor can do: avoid being hated. It is better to be feared than loved. Love is precarious and flighty, and is quickly lost. Fear is controlled by the actor, while love is controlled by the people.
