Single Idea 6306

[catalogued under 24. Political Theory / C. Ruling a State / 2. Leaders / c. Despotism]

Full Idea

Men should be either treated generously or destroyed, because they take revenge for slight injuries.

Gist of Idea

People are vengeful, so be generous to them, or destroy them

Source

Niccolo Machiavelli (The Prince [1513], Ch.3)

Book Reference

Machiavelli,Niccolo: 'The Prince, selections from Discourses', ed/tr. Plamenatz,J [Fontana 1972], p.62


A Reaction

This sounds like good advice, and works quite well in school teaching too. It seems like advice drawn from the growth of the Roman Empire, rather than from dealing with sophisticated and educated people.