Chapter 17: Concerning Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether it is Better to Be Loved than Feared

Niccolo Machiavelli's The Prince

Key Themes:

• Cruelty vs. Clemency
• Love vs. Fear

Main Ideas:

1. The Role of Clemency and Cruelty:

• Every prince should strive to be considered clement, but not at the cost of effective rule.
• Cesare Borgia is cited as an example where cruelty led to positive outcomes (peace and unity in Romagna).
• The importance of maintaining order over avoiding a reputation for cruelty.
• Executions or actions that may seem cruel can sometimes be more merciful than allowing disorders leading to more significant harm.

2. Feared vs. Loved:

• Ideal to be both loved and feared, but it's safer to be feared if one must choose.
• Human nature is described as ungrateful and fickle, making reliance on love less secure.
• Fear is linked to a continuous dread of punishment which is more reliable than love based on obligation.

3. Maintaining Control:

• A prince should inspire fear but avoid hatred by respecting citizens' property and family.
• Justified actions against individuals can be necessary, but seizing property leads to lasting resentment.

4. Historical Examples:

• Hannibal: Used cruelty effectively to maintain control and respect among a diverse army.
• Scipio Africanus: Criticized for excessive leniency, which led to a lack of discipline.

Conclusion:

• A wise prince should focus on controlling fear while avoiding hatred, relying on factors within his control rather than the will of others.

Literary Reference:

• Quote from Virgil's Aeneid about the necessity of harsh measures in the early stages of a reign.

Important Quotes:

• "...it is much safer to be feared than loved..."
• "A prince ought to inspire fear in such a way that, if he does not win love, he avoids hatred."