it is perfectly possible to be feared without incurring hatred," shows that Machiavelli really thought over his writings. For it is highly possible that one who hates may to try to destroy that which he hates even if it means self destruction in the process.Even with seemingly ruthless tactics, Machiavelli recognized the importance of keeping the people you rule happy. This was strongly displayed in a chapter concentrating on "How rulers should keep their promises." Using a combination of Greek mythology and discussing animals metaphorically he first spoke of the centaur. Telling of the centaur raising the likes of Chiron and Achilles he wrote, "Having a mentor who was half-beast and half-man signifies that a ruler needs to use both natures, and that one without the other is not effective." Machiavelli went more in depth explaining,"Since a ruler, then, must know how to act like a beast, he should imitate both the fox and the lion, for the lion is liable to be trapped, whereas the fox cannot ward off wolves. One needs, then, to be a fox to recognise traps, and a lion to frighten away wolves. Those who rely merely upon a lions strength do not understand matters." Containing no true climax, The Prince ecstatically peaks in every paragraph. One who takes the principals and strategies of this book to be only political is missing the whole point. Ones life is very political. May it be socially, criminally, etceteras, life is a complexity of politics. From school to a working environment, Machiavellian tactics can be utilized. Some may even be employed in various types of relationships. Note, some may be used, and the type of relationship appropriates different tactics. For an intimate relationship would need to be approached differently from a competitive work environment. You wouldn't want to rule your "significant other" with fear. This book should be read and analyzed by all people in positions of power and those with a...
