2007-01-11 15:22:47 · 24 answers · asked by Anonymous in Arts & Humanities ➔ Philosophy
Since Niccolò Machiavelli first asked the question in considering the qualities that made a good leader, it seems proper to consider his conclusion: “The answer is of course, that it would be best to be both loved and feared. But since the two rarely come together, anyone compelled to choose will find greater security in being feared than in being loved.” As Machiavelli asserts, "commitments made in peace are not always kept in adversity, however commitments made in fear are kept out of fear".
2007-01-11 15:49:00 · answer #1 · answered by tony200015 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I think it's better to be loved. To be feared usually implies you have some sort of control over someone. Usually this control is gained by wealth or status, both temporary things that can change in the blink of an eye. To be loved is far greater because, one, it is a basic emotional need of humans and two, it is not dependant on temporary material things
2007-01-12 00:03:07 · answer #2 · answered by phoenix 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loved. Anyone who gets their power from negativity, usually ends in a negative way. And really we're nothing unless we have an observing factor to relish our accomplishments. Would Alexander the Great be so great if he was the only human on earth? After he died after all, there'd only be other animals, and no memory of him.This is where one's personal perspective comes into play. Things would go back to their default and our opinions wouldn't matter if such was the case. But truly, to our minds innately our importance lies in other people. Humans are social beings. This is why principle is so important. It's why crowds have such a strange pattern of behavior. Other people truly do affect us on some level or another. Therefore one may get everything they want in this world, but it doesn't do much good if everyone hates or thinks badly of them. Thus, the answer is clear.
2007-01-12 00:09:52 · answer #3 · answered by Answerer 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It amazes me that anyone would want to be feared. I suspect that the only reason to get other people to fear you is because you fear them and that is how you can feel "safe" from them. How sad.
First loving yourself just as you are and then others just as they are is the solution to all the unhappiness and conflict in the world.
2007-01-11 23:42:58 · answer #4 · answered by flyingrosetb 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Better to be loved. Fear lasts as long as those under your power remain afraid of you, that is until someone stronger and more powerful comes along to take your place. Then you are no longer feared.
It is harder to betray someone you love. Fear brings a false respect, because they only respect that person out of fear.
If you are loved, you can be respected, and love brings honor, and honor brings rememberance.
2007-01-11 23:39:03 · answer #5 · answered by Joe 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
feared of love
2007-01-12 00:12:37 · answer #6 · answered by HEY boo boo 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
By being loved, you receive curtain respect. Love is long term existance. Fear is short term.
Take people who strike fear into people. They don't last for along time.
People who love others and are loved, live much longer.
2007-01-11 23:41:58 · answer #7 · answered by Stony 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loved for sure. If you hold a position of power and are loved great but if you are feared then you are targeted and your seat of power is threatened by those that fear you.
2007-01-11 23:31:31 · answer #8 · answered by DeepFriedBrain 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Much better to be loved than feared, Safer, more fun, just all round better.
But if you are not going to be loved, sometimes being feared is better than nothing if your goal is safety.
2007-01-12 00:45:15 · answer #9 · answered by TC 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Loved.
2007-01-12 01:44:29 · answer #10 · answered by concernedjean 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋