1 Concerning Cruelty & Clemency and whether it's better to be loved than than feared

"Even though a good and upstanding ruler can lose his country, one who seized his state through vile and treacherous means may, thereafter, live out the rest of his life in peace, without facing any rebellion from his people."

That said

"I believe that this follows from cruelties being badly or properly used."

It reasoned that men are self-serving creatures, and if asked to harm one of two people, they would choose to harm a person that they love over a person they fear.

This meant

"It is much safer to be feared than to be loved"

It also said, " when a ruler is with his army, it is quite necessary for him to disregard the reputation of cruelty".

"What is the meaning of this? Recommending that rulers, who should rule through virtue, engage in acts of cruelty!" said the others.

but "Even if a ruler has just cause, he shouldn't lay hands on his subject's land, assets, or women and killing is only permissable with a proper cause (which is to say, killing without a proper cause is not permissible)

In other words, "the act of cruelty" it limited it to "the killing of those for whom you have just cause" therefore, how far can those justifiable killings can be permitted? Was he saying, as the church condemned him for, that you should "kill all your enemies"?

I am well aware that opinions are divided on that point, but i beliecve the answer is "no."

"rulers, especially new ones, have found more fidelity and assistance in those men who in the beginning of their rule we're distrusted than among those who in the beginning were trusted."

"With those who may have been hostile at first, if they came to need support themselves, they could be won over with ease, once they had been won over, they would work desperately to dispel the bad impression they had left, and so they were much more useful than those who, having not opposed the new ruler at first, lived in security."

"Dont trust opportunists who join whichever side is winning at the moment."

"All cruelties should be carried out with one stroke."

"A ruler need not concern himself over a reputation of cruelty."

"In order to avoid destruction, it is much better to choose to fight."

"When the time of your demise comes, it is too late for regrets"