Question

In The Prince, Machiavelli says: "It is safer to be feared than to be loved." Which is the best description of his meaning?

Rulers should only treat their own people with kindness; all others should live in fear.
Rulers will have more success by demonstrating power rather than goodwill.
Rulers should constantly watch out for traitors.
Rulers will succeed only if they make their subjects feel frightened.

Answer 1

B. Rulers will have more success by demonstrating power rather than goodwill.

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Answer 2

The best description of his meaning would be that "Rulers will have more success by demonstrating power rather than goodwill," since Machiavelli was a pragmatist in this sense.