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Machiavelli's Cruelty

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A truly powerful leader is cruel and shows little to no accounts of mercy but rather use cruelty to bring order and restore peace and obedience in societies; moreover, while avoiding being hated. Machiavelli argues that a prince should not worry about the criticism of cruelty when it is a matter of protecting his citizens and ensuring they are united, loyal, and obedient. Furthermore, excessive mercy allows for disorder to arise and prosper while creating a dysfunctional society that hurts the future of a prince’s power and credibility. A prince should avoid being hated, but still show no mercy as it establishes him respect and shows his strength, influence, and compassion as a good leader; also, institutes more peace, harmony, and order in …show more content…

(285) Leaders who show mercy, love, and establish friendships are taken advantage of and lose their power. It is important to be seen as a cruel and with an army to exemplify the strength and unity of your army; therefore, being seen as fearful and cruel on a greater and global level. A prince should not be worried about being considered cruel “for without reputation he will never keep an army united or prepared for any combat” (Machiavelli, 284); moreover, while this attains respect for him and he is now perceived as terrifying, he benefits greatly from acting inhumanly cruel. With cruelty comes major respect and nobody will question the prince or his decisions, instead he will be met with pure obedience and reach stability and harmony in society. Thus, a prince maintains his power through the act of mercilessness and is reciprocated with high esteem and fear from his citizens. Cruelty is more important than mercy because it maintains a prince’s power and establishes order and sustainable peace within society. Moreover, a leader must be feared as he will be taken more seriously and never be questioned by his disciples. Cruelty preserves more respect while shows more compassion towards citizens than mercy and love; thus, a leader is better off being feared and respected immensely than loved and susceptible to his own

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