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‘It is better to be feared than loved’

(16 Posts)
hollysteers Fri 30-Jul-21 11:25:39

What do you make of this expression from The Prince by Machiavelli and have there been times when it has applied to you?

Whitewavemark2 Fri 30-Jul-21 11:28:03

Yes, but only in my job, and the businesses and people iI investigated.

nanna8 Fri 30-Jul-21 11:30:32

Never in any circumstances.

Smileless2012 Fri 30-Jul-21 11:31:50

I agree nanna8.

Chewbacca Fri 30-Jul-21 11:37:02

Same as Whitewave; only in my professional life. And not always, but it was sometimes necessary unfortunately.

hollysteers Fri 30-Jul-21 12:09:09

I myself prefer to be loved, as most people do, but as stated upthread, in one’s job or sometimes in exceptional circumstances, the reverse is true.
People like Margaret Thatcher didn’t care if you loved her and that is a great help in politics or some professions. Caring too much can hold you back.
I believe in child rearing, there needs to be a speck of fear, only a speck, outweighed by great love as discipline cannot be imposed without it.

Caleo Fri 30-Jul-21 13:30:00

It is good advice for people who have to get unquestioning and immediate obedience from others, such as first aid workers, surgeons, and army officers and NCOs when a situation is urgent.

Kim19 Fri 30-Jul-21 13:35:48

Think I would prefer respect to fear.

timetogo2016 Fri 30-Jul-21 13:36:22

Absolutely not.

MawBe Fri 30-Jul-21 14:24:58

It was about being a leader- not “ornery “ people like us.
There is a reason for the definition of the word “Machiavellian” !

Jaxjacky Fri 30-Jul-21 14:51:02

I agree Kim19 and that was my target at work. But to acknowledge the OP’s quote I certainly didn’t expect or want a site full of builders, or an office to love me, so fear would be the closest. I was known as firm but fair.

BlueBelle Fri 30-Jul-21 16:02:11

Never not even in a work situation, I hope I was an understanding manager
I would NEVER want anyone to be fearful of me can’t think of anything worse

Rosie51 Fri 30-Jul-21 17:00:00

No never. Fear is a primitive emotion, appropriate to engender a suitable response in a dangerous situation, not something I'd ever want as a response to me.

AGAA4 Fri 30-Jul-21 17:11:47

I would hate to think anyone feared me but I'm sure nobody does.

Grandmafrench Fri 30-Jul-21 17:13:09

MawBe

It was about being a leader- not “ornery “ people like us.
There is a reason for the definition of the word “Machiavellian” !

Do hope you meant 'ordinary' and not 'ornery'. ?

hazel93 Fri 30-Jul-21 17:20:26

Only when they are teenagers.