Final answer:
In his book The Prince, Machiavelli examines whether it is better for a ruler to be loved or feared. He argues that it is safer for a ruler to be feared, as fear can be a more reliable source of control.
Step-by-step explanation:
In his book The Prince, Niccolò Machiavelli poses the question of whether it is better to be loved or feared. Machiavelli argues that it is safer for a ruler to be feared than loved. He believes that people are fickle and will easily change their allegiance, whereas fear can be a more reliable source of control. Machiavelli gives examples of rulers who were loved but ultimately lost power, such as Cesare Borgia, and rulers who were feared but maintained control, such as King Ferdinand of Spain.