of any kind, let alone execution, for opinions honestly held (Wu Ching, 70). Tai-tsung is also concerned about making the right decision every time, he says:It is impossible for one person, however intelligent and capable, to be able to make wise decisions by himself. Acting alone, he may be able, if he is fortunate, to make five right decisions out of ten each dayHow, in that case, can he not lose his country or throne? Instead he should delegate authority to the most able and virtuous men he can find and supervise their work from above most diligently. When he makes clear to them that he will not tolerate any violation of the law,k it is doubtful that they will abuse the authority with which they have been entrusted (Wu Ching, 70).Another factor which makes him an outstanding leader is Tai-tsung fully recognizes the fact that the fate of the country resides in him. Tai-tsung says he has not relaxed for a moment while he has had this responsibility. Niccolo Machiavelli writes about two rulers, the Duke of Valentine and Agathocles, in his book The Prince. When Machiavelli describes the Duke of Valentine, he talks about how he used cruel methods to establish his power. He appointed ministers who would do his dirty work, and then kill them to recover the affections of the people (Benjamin ,171). He also labels Agathocles as inhumane and cruel. Machiavellis portrayal of Agathocles is as follows:Nevertheless it cannot be called virtue in him to kill his fellow-citizens, betray his friends, and be without faith, pity, or religion; these are ways that may get a man empire, but no glory or reputation. Yethis dexterity in encountering and overcoming of dangers, his courage in supporting and surmounting his misfortunes, I do not see why he should be held inferior to the best captains of his time. But his unbounded cruelty and barbarous inhumanity, added to numerous other vices, will not permit him to be numbered among the most ex...
