Inspire Dread, Avoid Hatred

This is the eternal question a ruler always ask themselves. To be feared or to be loved?

Any great ruler should strive to be both

However, it is difficult to unite these two traits in one person

And if one to choose, which one is safer, to Jayeux it is much safer to be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be dispensed with. 

Because this is to be asserted in general of men, that they are ungrateful, fickle, false, cowardly, covetous, and as long as you succeed they are yours entirely

they will offer you their blood, property, life, and children, when the need is far distant; but when it approaches they turn against you. 

And that ruler who, relying entirely on their promises and benevolence, has neglected other precautions, is ruined; because friendships that are obtained by payments, and not by greatness or nobility of mind, may indeed be earned, but they are not secured, and in time of need cannot be relied upon