Feared Quote by Niccolò Machiavelli
““Being feared and not hated go well together, and the prince can always do this if he does not touch the property or the women of his citizens and subjects.””
About This Quote
Source Book: The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli, 1513
A ruler can maintain power by being feared rather than loved, provided he respects private property and women of his subjects.
In simple terms: Fear works if property and women are untouched.
Key Takeaway
Rule without violating personal rights.
Themes
politics
power
leadership
Mood
cautious
strategic
Type
political
advisory
When to use this quote
- government
- authoritarian rule
- public policy
- civil liberties
Key Concepts
Machiavellianism
social contract
Questions to Reflect On
- Is fear a sustainable basis for loyalty?
- How to balance respect and authority?
A Different Perspective
Fear can breed resentment and rebellion if overused.
