Niccolo Machiavelli: "It is Better to Be Feared Than Loved... If You Cannot be Both"

[@pyromania1018]

People like to quote that line, yet conveniently forget (or ignore) that the very next line stresses that, if you must be feared, you must also take care not to be HATED.

[@SEAZNDragon]

Probably due to fear and hatred usually going together.

[@ilkkarautio2449]

Not always tho. 🤔 You can be firm but just.

[@kekero540]

SEAZNDragon I’m afraid of grizzly bears doesn’t mean I hate them. They do not go together. Respect is a better term than fear to describe it.

[@millardwashington6216]

Fear, to be used as a deterrent

[@joseestrada8656]

(Or ignore)

[@Dubbudha]

Fun fact: King Friedrich II the Great from Prussia wrote a book critizising the writings and ideas of Machiavelli as a young, idealistic prince. Later on, when he became king, he acted several times exactly as Machiavelli proposed.

[@ilkkarautio2449]

Yeah, young ideologist gets hit head with reality. 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂 (Sorry, i had to put them all bc they are best friends. Dividing them wouldnt be right :/ )

[@joshuatoms7664]

This would be exactly what Machiavelli would have praised. Talk about him negatively while secretly following his principles.

[@taylortanner37]

An ancient example of Do as I say and not as I do.

[@allenscott9836]

Proof a prince and a king can be the same person and yet not be.

[@seankrkovich2869]

This kind of hypocrisy is excellent. Virtue signal and backstab!

[@haniwadog]

"It is not the well being of individuals that makes cities great, but the well being of the community." - Niccolo Machiavelli

[@cammarc]

@@C-Doge7577 Except liberalism doesn't impair the well being of the community.

[@SteveNibiru]

Aussie Patriot isn’t unregulated capitalism as advocated by conservatives , particularly libertarianism, the ultimate individualist philosophy? You see how your argument against liberalism reads as that it’s not communist enough.

[@thebx-substack-com]

Oh man. In what way is he le eragi g commu tiy if the framework of the argume T is human nature is flawed and values power over others vs empowerment with others? This competitive power mindset is stupid. Empowerment, through both competition and collaboration to achieve excellence is far more important.

[@thelitmango6333]

@@C-Doge7577 I'd rather have neither, seems you've come complacent with one and allowed your hatred for one extreme to allow that. Sad to see

[@apalahartisebuahnama7684]

@@C-Doge7577 There's ideology that hate both capitalism and communism and put national benefits above individuals but also view negatively by society today, just saying tho I'm not one of them.

[@GameNubQuin]

Having read The Prince, I think it has a reputation that is a bit unfair. It is a book about political power and I think most of its points hold true in regards to valid ways to hold such power. Because it does not focus on morality, evil men can and obviously have benefited from it. But I do not think that is exclusively who it can help. The idea you cannot rule on love alone makes sense, and it is the "better to be feared" thing where I think most people's judgement begins and ends.

[@Bluesit32]

GameNub Quin Exactly. The whole lesson is that in order to rule for the greater good, morality must take a backseat. It should not be disregarded entirely, but anyone attempting to rule on morales alone will find themselves deposed rather quickly.

[@zachmcmillan4060]

Have you read 'The 48 Laws of Power',by Robert Greene? If you liked 'The Prince' give it a look.

[@haniwadog]

People also tend to ignore the fact that Machiavelli also wrote another political treatise called The Discourses, a pro republic book that almost completely goes against everything he wrote in The Prince.

[@ShadowOfCicero]

Yeah, a lot of people forget two points: 1) At least in some translations, the word is "safer" not better. 2) He immediately goes on to also emphasize that you should seek to be "feared but not hated", and cites maintaining property rights as the #1 way to make sure this doesn't happen. Machiavelli was writing at a time when foreign invaders had recently nearly conquered Italy and the Italians were still infighting. The Prince was his "Make it stop" appeal.

[@tommyodonovan3883]

It's business....It's not personal (feelings) it's just business.

[@kurington.blogspot7876]

Machiavelli is my favourite political philosopher just for the fact that he was the first to separate virtue from action. He looked and saw how things work and for that was damned till this day. His name is used as a synonym of devilishness and that makes me certain that those who speak truth will forever be damned by the masses of idiots.

[@bludbought]

You cannot separate action from virtue, it's a deceptive concept. Your actions tell of your virtue not the thing going on between your ears. It is demonic in that it elevates power above Jesus.

[@acelyasummer422]

"One of the most celebrated and notorious books in the history of western political thought." You can say that again!

[@TTH247]

He could, and he did.

[@toddkurzbard]

"One of the most celebrated and notorious books in the history of western political thought."

[@johnnychico7052]

I had to rewind it to make sure I didn’t just have a stroke

[@LeglessWonder]

“A government which does not trust its citizens to be armed is not itself to be trusted.” Niccolo Machiavelli

[@martindion8554]

Imgladandrew gillumisnotmykang386 wrong. Democrats just don’t agree with the quote, like most of what Machiavelli writes.

[@hecateswolf6007]

Yes.

[@seankrkovich2869]

@@martindion8554 Democrats don't get reasonable politics. They just get the power part and forget the rest. They just ride by through spewing nonsense which should not be coming from above but rather from below

[@tamllinn]

“And whereas all subjects cannot be armed, yet when those whom you do arm are benefited, the others can be handled more freely, and this difference in their treatment, which they quite understand, makes the former your dependents, and the latter, considering it to be necessary that those who have the most danger and service should have the most reward, excuse you.”

[@diosdadoapias]

Niccolo, that depends on the situation. If the citizenry or some segment or groups is going to rebel against the government, Whether or not this government is good or evil, then the government should not trust its citizenry, It must do so to survive.

[@jakesaunders6015]

Why no mention of his friendship with ezio

[@Dudeonwheels]

The activities of the brotherhood don't appear in history books. Remember, they work in the dark to serve the light.

[@unknownfury7672]

Dudeonwheels sssh man, the Templars cannot know

[@crowstar5484]

You guys = when gamers go mad.

[@mr.k4311]

We keep that info on the down low.

[@Dcskin21]

Where's that dang viewpoint. No, no, nooooo don't desychronize.......

[@shadowpresident4203]

I'd have to say that The Prince is undoubtedly one of the best books on dating advice I've read.

[@mysteryjunkie9808]

Dating Advice?

[@ponderwonder4458]

@@mysteryjunkie9808 DATING ADVICE!!!????

[@Stacey24101]

😳😳😳😳

[@inquisitorofkek2472]

ShadowPresident 420 bravo

[@cat7688]

Lol

[@SheevPalpatine66420]

Is it better to be feared or loved? I say it is lovely to be feared and scary to be loved. The moment the people love you they will kill you when you mess up.

[@slowpezmia]

I have been loved, and my love has been lost and is scary to be left alone after being loved as deep as her love has been

[@snoop11080]

Fear also will make someone kill you

[@CreativeLaelAsif]

Even if people love you they will try to take advantage of u and get over if you are feared u don’t have to worry about that

[@sethdickey5218]

I think neither matters. People love what is important to them in the moment, fickle love. People fear what is the most imminently oppressing idea, fickle as well. Both are derived from public perception, and that is where power truly lies. When live in an age where pandering for the win, gets the win. Name on country this is untrue for!

[@shesaknitter]

Sometimes they'll kill you even if what you do is the opposite of messing up.

[@karlp8484]

You listen to your audience! Machiavelli was probably the father of politics as we understand it today, the Renaissance being the turning point for so many fields of endeavour. I love that you highlighted how much his writings were a real threat to monarchies across Europe - him being a Republican. He was effectively a senior public servant in a non-monarchial state (Florence) and the Medicis and Borgias were not royalty - unusual for the time.

[@karlp8484]

Max Weber in the 19th Century had a huge impact on modern thinking about industrialisation and organisation. We can thank Max for most of our beaurocratic principles today (for example). Adam Smith is generally named the "father" of economics, but I think Max Weber has a longer reach. Also a senior public servant

[@zachmcmillan4060]

The Borgias weren't even Italian;they were minor nobility from southern Spain.

[@AeneasGemini]

@@karlp8484 They weren't royalty but they had more or less the same power. The Pope's had an even greater sense of divine right than kings, and the Medicis had power in a way that was almost more stable than a king. Flimsy concepts of succession are ultimately less appealing to ordinary people than money

[@muder0989]

I love Machiavelli. He opened my eyes to how corrupt the government's of the world really are and how to judge a ruler of said country and thus with this insight let's me peak into how strong a leader really is

[@vedantkale1163]

I never thought anyone would have the guts to write something that is so true. He clearly shows what actually works in the higher level political games. The people who deny it are horribly naive and yet they wonder why all bad things happen to them.

[@masonwhite9781]

A smart man fascinated with power. I like this guy. I see why he's remembered

[@EmoBearRights]

Not true Machaievieli had intelligence and humour.

[@millardwashington6216]

He was a chronicler of his time (of which his writings,transcends time)the rich and the powerful simply didn’t want the “masses “ to understand what they were dealing with, knowledge understanding, wisdom, just because you understand (see) a thing doesn’t mean you have to be it, it provides you with a better understanding of how to deal with it, when it comes upon you. Fire is terrible until you understand it, then you decided how you want to us it, wish to share it. The light and the dark are within you.

[@longforgotten4823]

Do Thomas Hobbes, John Locke, Thomas Aquinas, Saint Augustine of hippo, Russo, and the other Western thinkers.

[@Amalineth]

"The third type of minds don't understand anything with itself and also can't understand anything what the first type of minds has understood" - these words were also said by Machiavelli. His book is not about how to be evil, his book is about how to handle in the real world to make it better.

[@Owlr4ider]

Machiavelli, thanks to its work, is one of the most misunderstood people in history and The Prince arguably the most misunderstood work in history. Many people read many different things from The Prince without actually trying to understand it. The issue is that when you hear about something you already form an opinion on it, than when you actually read the work itself you already have your opinion based on what you've heard about it, which in turn colors the way you read the work. Machiavelli was one of the wisest and most brilliant people in history, and his works are timeless. Even today The Prince has a ton to teach us, despite all the changes that happened in the world since his time. Whether you're a tyrant or a democratically elected president/prime minister you have a lot to learn from The Prince, and so do the rest of us who aren't leaders of nations. The hardest part today is to read The Prince without any foreknowledge about it, as to not make the same mistake most people who read it have made, which in turn colored their interpretations of it and lead to its unjust infamy.

[@elizabethjenkinsswaney3219]

As a history buff, I love this channel. And simons voice is oddly calming.

[@lesliecalvert3458]

Better to be loved..not feared..love makes people want to take a bullet for you..fear makes them want to put a bullet in you...

[@MichaelHarto]

he was neither evil nor ruthless, he was just being honest in writing that book. that's just how it works. he merely observed, studied and put it into writings just like how scientists usually do. only idealists and hypocrites would find him evil.

[@Nasir3623]

So you are supporting his claim of killing innocent man,women and children when it suites the interest of the people in powers

[@lugo_9969]

Machiavelli....a genius. Nice guys always come last.

[@melissajackson79]

I absolutely love your biographies, keep up the good work.

[@cedricgist7614]

In high school I developed the impression that Machiavelli was a "chronicler" as you mentioned in the video - an astute observer who shared with us his witness of how statecraft was practiced. From watching an episode of "The Time Tunnel," and prior impressions gained from others, I thought the man was evil. Surprisingly, this year the shared impressions of others have caused me to wonder whether he was truly an advocate of the ways and means of achieving and maintaining power that he outlines in his work. I knew that he had suffered at the hands of princes as Cervantes suffered. I still hold that his treatise was written in bitterness and if not satirical, it is cautionary. "If you want to gain and maintain power, do this - if you don't mind being labeled evil." Thanks for this examination of a man who remains misunderstood to this day.

[@lokenontherange]

Having read the Prince, it's very much not about being unscrupulous. It's about being realistic in whatever situations you find yourself in. Machiavellianism is realpolitik upon a national scale, instead of it upon an international scale. Focused more upon what works, than what is 'right' and what is needed to be done if one is to rule with any level of success.

[@Nasir3623]

So you are supporting his claim of killing innocent man,women and children when it suites the interest of the people in powers

[@tochukwuifeanacho3843]

If they will be a threat yes

[@chriswhitenack5446]

Your use of the English language both in commentary and the inserts from other commentarians is to be applauded, Simon. Kudos.

[@joeltheswingman]

The version of "The Prince" that I read stated that it is better feared as long as you are not hated because rulers who are hated will be overthrown by the people. That is like saying "overthrow hated rulers". The entire book is a collection of historical examples of the principles that he was trying to put forward. Moreover, the book is deliberately written from the perspective of someone who is clearly underneath the pinnacle of power. Anyone who does not acknowledge the validity in Machiavelli's assertion that mankind is fundamentally capable of evil is someone who does not want to openly acknowledge their own imperfections the way that Machiavelli did.

[@yochanan770]

There is a lot of misinformation on the internet about Vlad III aka Dracula. Could you make a Biohraphics that dispells the false propaganda.

[@Biographics]

He is on our list of upcoming bios.

[@yochanan770]

Biographics Huzzah!

[@scottydu81]

Cobra Commander What is a man?! A miserable pile of secrets!

[@ignitionfrn2223]

0:45 - Chapter 1 - Formative years 1:50 - Chapter 2 - Political career 6:55 - Chapter 3 - The prince 15:35 - Chapter 4 - Personal life & legacy

[@sunbrah]

Fun fact. The Prince helped me a lot. It's a great book but as far as the principle goes you shouldn't take it too far

[@R_Caine]

Not everyone has the mental and emotional acuity to balance themselves as Machiavelli intended.

[@tuattiuri]

Medici is pronounced me-deechee not me-deesii

[@CanuckGod]

It's Simon. He butchers names in every nationality imaginable :)

[@OneMo1]

Also its Lucre-tzia, i cringed every time 😂

[@reeech_]

It kind of ruined it for me.

[@brendanward2991]

Actually, it's pronounced MEDD-i-chee, with the stress on the first syllable.

[@danstiver9135]

Also Borgia, we're not talking about Star Trek here.

[@stevenjohnsrud4655]

Fear only works in your presence or influence but love works all the time.

[@williamfisher7509]

One of the only good youtube history channels. Keep up the good work!

[@JebemTiZivot]

2:30 “Among them, Keanu Reeves, who even after 600 years is still alive today.”

[@soda5891]

Absolutely adore your videos! Well done once again!

[@soda5891]

Owen Kahn Yes my dude.

[@soda5891]

Owen Kahn I personally would choose Afrika Korps. Up to you tho my dude.

[@soda5891]

Owen Kahn Nice dude!

[@michaelbaughman4017]

The Prince and the Art of War Two of my favorites

[@charlieblah]

At 15:47 there's an editing error and Simon repeats "most celebrated and notorious books in the history of western political thought" a second time.

[@Biographics]

Sorry for that. The video editor will be properly beaten with wet noodles.

[@charlieblah]

Biographics wow you replied I feel blessed , it's actually my birthday so this is a great day for this to happen PRAISE SIMON

[@sagesheahan6732]

@@Biographics aaaahhhh. Justice. XD

[@kevinedwards8213]

It really doesn't matter. Once the video is uploaded to KZbin, you can't replace it without losing all the statistics you've garnered.

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

Kevin Edwards I think it is possible to change a video a bit even after it has been uploaded. For example, the Queen music videos have been remastered without losing the view count. So it might be possible, if not then hopefully sometime in the future.

[@johnminehan1148]

I have always thought it was better to be respected than to be either loved or feared. To be respected is to cultivate a reputation of doing the right thing predictably, with neither fear nor favor. That appears to be Machiavelli's larger point.

[@hjalmarfreidenvall1655]

I like how ive been looking thru the comments for 10 minutes and still havent found a mention of Assassins Creed 2 Brotherhood

[@gonzalodohrmanngareis2493]

Pichkalu Pappita the why is there an Ac 3?

[@Texano5-0]

I’ve always found it hard to read the prince myself but that was when I was a freshman in highschool and I’m out of it now so I think I’ll give it another shot

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

Kaptain Kid 🍊 👨 bad

[@michaelbaughman4017]

I read it and Shakespeare in 6th. I liked them both. Next was the Canterbury Tales. Could recite the prologue from memory.😷👍

[@sixjhontongalamar979]

I had a copy of a translated version of it for about 4 years now but have never read it lol. It was a hard read for me. Although recently I found Eudaimonia's summary of all the parts so I just listened to that one instead. I'll probably give it another shot as well tho now that I have an idea about each part.

[@northumbriabushcraft1208]

The Prince - inspirational, my favourite book as a teen. Only got good words to describe it, what a masterpiece.

[@undecidedmajor1664]

If you encounter this advice and decide to aim for being feared, you have missheard the message

[@iliyano567]

One word: Visionary!!!

[@rayhinto]

To be loved is truly better. With the bond of love someone will sacrifice their own life for their beloved. With fear that will clearly not happen...

[@klenkes74]

Well, I read an english translation of the prince and thought, that it is a handbook for stability. Every chaos at that time mostly hit the "normal people". So stability is good. Example: if you need to do cruel actions (like exterminate complete families) to have a stabile government, then do it at once instead of killing every single person trippling throughout the reign. So the chaos is at the start of the reign and not scattered. It sounds hard, but for the "common people", that means long terms of stabiity.

[@bcubed72]

Roland Thomas Lichti Interesting thought. What is your opinion of Pinochet?

[@tommyodonovan3883]

Kill it before it grows....British foreign policy 1600 to 1945.

[@jessiehermit9503]

Wow. Would you really advocate killing off a whole family?

[@BorrisBackyardigan]

Jessie Eermit, Roland is clearly not advocating killing off whole families. He is simply stating that all types of governments throughout history and current did have to do this. You’re probably not being ignorant purposely but how do you think parties and family’s take control of countries? He is reciting Machiavelli’s writings on how to do it *sufficiently* and *successfully.*

[@jeremykiahsobyk102]

Machiavelli: I'm calling out your impiety, brutality and callous manipulation of public perception of your Christian morality, and pointing out when it was able to get you power and help you retain it. Aristocrats: How dare you, sir. That's wrong. Machiavelli: Yep.

[@visheshveera3242]

Thank You soo much Biographics team :) A perfect researched video :) Each video makes me feel Happy :)

[@Wolfhammered]

Italy is doing so great now.

[@jeodee]

Many years ago, my boss asked me this question and while he stated he would rather be feared, I said I’d rather be loved because then you know it’s genuine. Today, I would much rather be feared. Fear is good. It keeps people in order and gets things done. With love, people have a tendency to take advantage of a person. With fear, they wouldn’t dare. Fear keeps you alive, it drives you and keeps you out of trouble. Fear is extremely useful so today, I would much rather be feared. Love has brought me nothing but constant disappointment. Just my thoughts on this subject. This video clearly states if you can be both.

[@nanadrawslot]

Very true. I concur on your stand. In this modern age one must adopt such means

[@TransRoofKorean]

The other thing I never hear mentioned that both Machiavelli and Sun Tzu made clear is that when you consider warfare as inherently harmful to people, and that longer wars are necessarily more damaging than shorter ones, there is essentially a humanitarian aspect to ensuring victory before a war even starts, and vanquishing your prospective foes as soon as possible, or (in the case of Machiavelli specifically) preventing them from ever arising and gaining a foothold to challenge you in the first place. One could say that as a prince, it is *morally good* to be absolutely decisive in politics and war, because *being a weak and hapless leader hurts everyone.* ⁿᵒᵗ ᵗʰᵃᵗ ᴵ ᶜᵃⁿ ᵗʰᶦⁿᵏ ᵒᶠ ᵃⁿʸ ᶜᵘʳʳᵉⁿᵗ ᵉˣᵃᵐᵖˡᵉˢ But that leads to another thing that should be mentioned more: while there are things for anyone to learn from it, these aren't treatises meant for everyone, but specifically The Prince is meant for, well, prospective _princes,_ particularly those in a factious, perpetually war-torn country where upstart warlords looking for conquest are a dime a dozen. There was never a question, as far as I ever got from reading those, that Machiavelli was ever advocating amorality or immorality in one's personal life, but was solely advising what is most likely to give optimal outcomes as a ruler... which means avoiding the tragedy that occurs when you fail. Again, that's why the full quote of "it's better to be feared than loved" is important: to Machiavelli, there's no question that *it's a good thing to be loved.*

[@hassandiallo5326]

I think it is better to be loved than feared if you cannot be both.

[@mustafa2001ali]

I go to sleep listening to your biographies. You have a very soothing sound Simon . Love from Pakistan

[@mikahborneo9754]

I’ve watched like 15 of these in two days 😂😂rlly interesting especially the one about Pablo Escobar

[@sangitasarminkatun7335]

I’ve watched like 15 of these in two days 😂😂rlly interesting especially the one about Pablo Escobar

[@BarbarosaAlexander]

Another episode that makes me so glad I found this channel. Excellent work!

[@tiagodixnunes]

Great video, I was just bothered by the way he pronounced "Medici" and I'm not even italian ahaha

[@EchoF10]

JohnQDude it's meh-dee-chee

[@PongoXBongo]

Meh-du-ccine

[@tamlandipper29]

And 'gwerra'

[@madmandan1982]

I really like Simon's work and appreciate the amount of effort and research that goes into these videos. But whenever he tells us that he does look up the pronunciation of foreign words I don't quite believe him. Like here, for instance: Italian is not that exotic a language, especially for a European as Simon, that you can't have Google help you out in a jiffy. If only he would put that same effort into the pronunciation as into the rest, I could hardly flaw him for anything else.

[@bryanc1975]

There are several different videos where he mentions them, and the mispronunciation is there every time, but nothing like when he referred to the MK-ULTRA program as "McUltra". I''m still a big fan of his videos, but he definitely bones some pronunciations pretty hard.

[@MegaRBeaT]

most of us students of politics merely sees The Prince as Machiavelli's third party account on politics itself. The book is not meant to instruct, but to inform. Easily misunderstood, because most statesmen, politicians and those involved in governance already employ the book without realizing it.

[@williamlinares7223]

Now we need one on the borgia family

[@GravitonCA]

Most people would only pretend to love you. Love is truly a mystery.

[@presence9745]

It sounds like you spend to much time on things that don't concern you.

[@darrylb.roberts7181]

My copy of "The Prince" is one of my most prized possessions.📚

[@libertygiveme1987]

BRILLIANT WORK as usual Simon!!!! NOT a BIG Machiavelli FAN, but he was certainly an INTERESTING Character!!!!!

[@TiberiusTormentia]

I've always read 'The Prince' as being one part satirical lampoon and one part scathing indictment of the ruthless, soulless, unethical pursuit of power and influence. However, in doing so, he crafted one of the most insightful treatises on that which he was attempting to portray as farce. I think he was a disillusioned man, trying to write the poison out of him.

[@glynndraper437]

One of the best channels on here . By an Englishman naturally .

[@grahamturner2640]

My English I teacher once even had his students read his book.

[@A_Dopamine_Molecule]

+AsapNicky Bars Be nice to the disabled....

[@purposevibe8693]

Interesting video on Niccolo Machiavelli

[@theflaggedyoutuberii4311]

Machiavelli the forefather of the world's dictators and a hell of a nickname for Tupac

[@A_Dopamine_Molecule]

I was about to say this and yeah... Good name for someone that influential.

[@ripred42]

John Thomson Unfortunately most people don’t understand how to read sources critically.

[@tibfulv]

+ John Thomson Heh, Nietzsche, denialist of virtue and logic? His reputation hasn't been mismanaged, it's well-deserved. The only consequence there can be for denying virtue is vice, or evil. It's part of why modern academia has descended into madness. Next you're going to tell me there's nothing wrong with Marx, I'm sure.

[@fuzzydunlop7928]

The Prince is satire and subtext incarnate. It's not meant to be taken literally.

[@tibfulv]

+John Thomson He also criticised the correct theory, Stoicism, based on nothing but flowery expressions. I'd throw his theory in the bin. It clearly lacks the accuracy you so crave. In fact, it's so embarrassing that were I to copy it here, you would cringe.

[@kidgay3730]

People forget, it is not the ends justify the means, and more desperate times call for desperate measures. He used this book to tell the people the tricks of those in power, get himself back into power, and to help train the current, note CURRENT government how to get out of trouble. He was a genius

[@rexadebayo3380]

His work in the prince is not evil in anyway. He simply explains how an effective dictatorship works and the misconceptions people have about them. I have read and re-read my copy times without number.

[@millardwashington6216]

Rex Adebayo yes.

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

Rex Adebayo Not evil and not good, just helpful advice for rulers.

[@dugglebay3483]

Dictatorship? Eh it is far more wide reaching than that. If you think humans have somehow become more civilized, you’re mistaken. The most horrendous atrocities were committed during ww1 and ww2, peaks of industrial power-the reason why that ended, nuclear bombs. The current global trade is based on fear, a general fear that every government and person feels equally.

[@YasukeKomiya]

My teacher believed that "The Prince" may not have strictly aligned with what he believed but rather what he observed work. Certain parts may have shocked his peers, but the truth was certain rulers were already following the book.

[@godsangel67able]

This is exactly what it boils down to, what works is more favorable

[@FreshlyBakedMixes]

Makaveli in this Killuminati, all through your body The blow's like a twelve gauge shotty

[@koolworldmemphis3228]

Feel me💯💯💯

[@carlosoropeza116]

gacha Freddy “come with me, Hail Mary “

[@seanmcguire7974]

Tupac grand father

[@saeedvazirian]

Ah, the spellings that gave me stage IV KZbin cellular carcinoma.

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

Hermann Schloffer von Graz ?

[@misaelfraga8196]

You see a friend will backstab someone they love, but not someone they FEAR.

[@Hollows1997]

Really like the work, incredibly researched and brilliantly made. Don't think they'd be really well received but I'd love to see an episode on Bismarck, Wilhelm II, Ike or Reagan (as a Brit I'd say Thatcher but don't really think our us cousins would appreciate)

[@garrettallen7427]

aegian48 I would love to see a non-biased video done by Simon and crew about Margaret Thatcher! I hear she is quite the polarizing force!

[@Hollows1997]

Garrett Allen to say she's a polarising figure is an understatement! She had a state funeral but on the other hand people held street parties when she died

[@bcubed72]

aegian48 As an American, I'd LOVE to hear a Thatcher bio! Maggie is alternatively loved or hated here, mostly related to what one's opinion of Reagan is. The dynamic of the Reagan/Thatcher relationship is second only to FDR/Churchill in popular interest.

[@Hollows1997]

bcubed72 that is why I think it'd be a great video as the FDR/Churchill relationship has been covered extensively. Also I think it's more interesting as those growing up in the 80's who maybe didn't know who this woman all over their TV was so it adds that dynamic of it being so fresh in people's minds like the video on Saddam Hussain

[@Hollows1997]

Garrett Allen yeah, she was a really divided character. Ike mainly because of how much influence he had on post war America having just come off leading the allies, the suez crisis and Vietnam. Reagan because it's so recent in people's minds. From Hollywood to Washington is quite a story and then the fact he set in motion to help end the Cold War. Not to mention the war on drugs/contras/supplying the mujahideen. There is arguably nobody in the last 50 years who has changed the world quite like Reagan

[@MC-gj8fg]

Money is the ultimate goal, not power. Power can be valuable as a means to an end, or as a method to protect or acquire resources, but too much power can prove a liability.

[@MegaTrivial]

Maciavelli was a genious to describe governments how they work even today, and probably a lots of princes and kings; or other political candidates....

[@kristoffer2250]

It's not that acquiring power by any means necessary is the goal but that it is a necessity to maintain a stable principality until the next reign. That stable reign is the goal not the power, the power is merely the means.

[@spankyx813]

Always great videos! I want a signed Simon Whistler picture.

[@FrantiC119]

He's a great presenter, but does anyone ever get the feeling that he's just that? There's always parts in the videos for people who already I know well where it becomes clear to me that he's just reading lines and this really takes me out of it.

[@sixjhontongalamar979]

"It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both." Many, if not most, focuses on the "it is better to be feared than loved" part, but misses the "if you cannot be both" part which is a huge indication that being feared alone is a mere secondary objective if you cannot be both. Following this train of thought, it is more ideal to be loved despite being feared rather than being feared alone. This quote alone is an indication that being cruel alone is not the all in all solution, but only when necessary and that time alone. As such, being loved is a must and only disregard it when necessary.

[@MockTrialWeems]

Why do the subtitles so wildly vary from what he is actually saying?

[@ethlynfrancis6560]

Would I rather be feared or loved? Easy. Both. I want people to be afraid of how much they love me. - Michael Scott

[@emperorpicasso8732]

DO AUGUSTUS CAESAR! love ya Simon

[@Biographics]

He is on our list of upcoming bios.

[@emperorpicasso8732]

You absolute LEGEND. This is without a doubt my favourite channel on KZbin

[@Random_Art822]

But it is even better to be both feared and loved

[@tauqeertazwarsiam9649]

Do a biography on Anthony Bourdain

[@stefanavic6630]

Now that is a thoughtful suggestion.

[@KamiRecca]

Thank you for including the last part of the citation. So many dont, and it changes the entire message.

[@lukezuzga6460]

Simon, feared and loved...

[@jacobklein8156]

He also said that TOO MUCH fear leads to hate that is counterproductive.

[@Bluesit32]

Jacob Klein To rule is to maintain a careful balance.

[@peter-radiantpipes2800]

And you got decently appropriate music! Lol. Awesome

[@hestikakala3027]

Peter Who ? Medieval English? At least it's close to the period.

[@mtngrl5859]

Remember first time I read The Prince, it resonated that this was the principles that ran the world. He based the classic prince on Cesare Borgia. Not one of the easier times to live in history.

[@Edax_Royeaux]

Can you do Charles de Gaulle one day? His documentary-movie is only available in the US in French so I can't understand it.

[@erso5172]

ltflak ooo what's it called? I can speak French so I'd be able to watch it lol

[@Edax_Royeaux]

Le Grand Charles

[@helmutswetglanz2590]

An honest man of his time with lessons for the leaders of today …

[@callumoffler3942]

I feel like I just got 10 thesauruses thrown at my face

[@YouTubeViolates1A]

Be careful or Simon will take up a minute and a half of your time telling you about Skillshare.

[@forcedtohaveahandle]

Harold Flannigan Not if you fast-forward. However... when it comes to making me have to look up words in the dictionary Simon is ruthless...

[@maphyous228]

Listen to Aesop Rock

[@CallieMasters5000]

The "better to be feared" comment needs to be researched further. If you read on, he talks about being fearful of your father, for example, not that he will hurt you, but the fear of disappointing him or not living up to the goals of a loving son or daughter.

[@2Falchion]

You guys should do a bio on Albert Speer next!

[@rodya255]

Thanks V Sauce!

[@peter-radiantpipes2800]

Cool. Been asking for him or any of the Medici

[@davidlucey1311]

I agree with what Bayle said. Machiavelli looked at what worked and described it. He did not invent anything, he was really just a messenger.

[@bouncyking7568]

Can you do Oskar Schindler

[@pamelajoy6037]

This is fascinating, since it is a useful reflection of this very moment we are living in. Thank-you Simon👍🏻

[@georgebody2275]

Please do Giacomo Casanova! An unbelievable life.

[@KarlUrbahn]

I'd rather be loved than feared. Love is constructive; fear is destructive

[@brigeen1]

enjoy your shows Simon - Medici pronounced Med-ichi - keep up the good work.

[@dillonb5317]

Ideal means perfect, idea is the word you're looking for.

[@twitchytrippy3339]

ones ideals are basicly their ideas. so....