Question

Document 1: Machiavelli, The Prince. 1513

"Here the question arises: whether it is better to be loved than feared or feared than loved. The answer is that it would be desirable to be both but, since that is difficult; it is much safer to be feared than to be loved, if one must choose. For on men - in general - this observation may be made: they are ungrateful, fickle, and deceitful, eager to avoid dangers and avid for gain and while you are useful to them they are all with you, offering you their blood, their property, their lives, and their sons so long as danger is remote, as we noted above, but when it approaches they turn on you. Any prince, trusting only in their words and having no other preparations made, will fall to his ruin.
n your own words - summarize what is being said in the text above.
A) The text discusses the preference of being loved or feared. It suggests that being both is ideal but being feared is safer. People are ungrateful, fickle, and deceitful, showing support when it's safe but turning against you when danger approaches.

Answer 1

The text explores the choice between being loved and feared, indicating that while being both is preferable, it is safer to be feared if one must choose.

It highlights the general traits of people as ungrateful, fickle, and deceitful, emphasizing how they show support when conditions are secure but may turn against you in the face of imminent danger. The passage also warns against relying solely on people's words without adequate preparations.

The reasoning behind this assertion lies in Machiavelli's view of human nature. He describes people as generally ungrateful, fickle, and deceitful. According to him, individuals may express loyalty and support when conditions are favorable, offering things like their blood, property, and lives.