'Tis Better to Be Feared

Is it more effective for a ruler to be feared or loved? This question has arisen ever since the birth of human civilization, yet it has never been answered and agreed upon unanimously. In 1513, political philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli wrote that "it is much safer to be feared than loved if one of the two has to be wanting," because "human beings are by nature selfish, cowardly, and dishonest." Many people would disagree with Machiavelli and …

…end to all civil wars, and made China strong enough to resist Japanese invasions. He had unified China under Communism, and liberated China from intense political conflicts with the exile of all other political parties to Taiwan. Hence, the stories go on into infinity. Ruling by love is just too risky and can be easily broken due to human nature, while ruling by fear has never failed or will ever. 'Tis better to be feared.