(Untitled)

[x_autnihil]

*what an interesting book someone has found in the library*

Do you think it is better for a ruler to be feared or to be loved?

(Sorry, fell asleep. Back!)

Comments

[tobethemiracle]

Oh that. This says the same thing, only it's shorter.

[x_autnihil]

Shorter isn't always better. *skims it, though*

What's plexiglass?

[tobethemiracle]

It makes the tone easier to spot.

Plexiglass is polymethyl methacrylate and it's a transparent plastic that you can bend when it's heated.

[x_autnihil]

The logic and flow of the argument is missing. But it is a cute reiteration of some of the more emphasized points.

What does 1.45 Mb mean?

[thekingsgambit]

[Oh hay, my favorite.]

Neither. Fear fosters discontent and love fosters unrealistic dependence.

[x_autnihil]

Unrealistic dependence on the part of your hypothetical subjects?

[thekingsgambit]

Precisely. Should they believe their leader is infallible, as such blind love so often asserts, the slightest deviation from that image could lead to unrest and eventually division.

[x_autnihil]

What about love on a lesser scale? Perhaps the translation could read not as "blind love" but as "loyalty based on general appreciation and gratitude"?

[chewitover]

An equal measure of both would be the best, I'd think.

((placeholderish))

[x_autnihil]

I believe the expression is "to use both the carrot and the stick"?

[chewitover]

Exactly. A good ruler has to know the best time to use each, after all.

[x_autnihil]

Do you think the king of your realm accomplishes this?

[booksaretouchin]

Well you ain't gonna get much results if you're just feared.

[x_autnihil]

If no one fears your authority, how will you get unpopular tasks accomplished?

[booksaretouchin]

This ain't really my sort of thing, but I guess you gotta have some balance huh? I dunno.

[x_autnihil]

That seems the be the conclusion most people here have come to. Everything in moderation.

[sharpasfire]

A ruler should be what is necessary for the people.

You should know, the author wrote that while in exile. I doubt his account is without bias.

[x_autnihil]

I agree.

I met him once, although before he wrote this. His writing has bias in other respects as well.

[sharpasfire]

When has a historical account ever been without bias? I think that's part of that makes reading interesting.

[x_autnihil]

When has any account been without bias? Many of the texts I have found here are particularly slanted. His angle is more useful, if nothing else.