Final answer:
Machiavelli advocated for treating subjects or opponents either very well or completely destroying them to prevent any risk of revenge and ensure the stability of the ruler's power.
Step-by-step explanation:
Machiavelli believed that when it comes to how rulers treat their subjects or opponents, they should opt for one of two extremes - either treat them very well or completely destroy them. This approach was grounded in the belief that anything in between would allow an opponent to recover and seek revenge, which could lead to instability and the downfall of the ruler. Machiavelli's perspectives were largely based on his observations of human nature, governance, and power dynamics, and are famously discussed in his work The Prince.