So, in the interest of weaving some of the text in a sub-plot in How to Succeed in Evil, I’ve been re-reading the Prince by Machiavelli. And when I got to one of the better known passages- the sound bite to which this great and complex book is often distilled- (and why distill this work, it is for all purposes essential already?) the idea that it is better to be feared than loved.
The section section entitled “Of Cruelty, Clemency and Whether it is Better to be Loved or Feared” begins with,
“I say that every Prince should be desired to be accounted merciful and not cruel. Nevertheless he should be on guard against the abuse of this quality of mercy. Ceasar Borgia was reputed cruel, yet his cruelty restored Romangna, united it and brought it to order and obedience; so that if we look at things in their true light, it will be seen that he was in reality more merciful than the people of Florence, who, to avoid the imputation of cruelty, suffered Pistoja to be torn to pieces by factions… For he who quells disorder by a few signal examples will in the end be more merciful than he who from too great a leniency permits things to take their course and so to result in rapine and bloodshed.”
This hit me like a board in the face. Are we loved or feared in Iraq? Have we, in a desire to be accounted merciful, suffered Iraq to be torn apart by factions?
This is a disturbing line of thought – not just because it leads to questions like, what if we adopted the methods of the Mongol Hordes who sacked Baghdad in 1215? – but because, for all the debate over our current predicament, no one seems to be asking these kinds of questions.
Policy should be based on analysis. And for analysis to be valid, it should be complete.
Every so often, the press seizes on the planning activity of the armed services as a sensationalist rallying cry that we are planning to invade (insert hotspot of the moment)
I hope with all my heart that we do not have to engage in conflict with Iran or Korea- but if some where in the Pentagon there are not detailed, robust, vibrant and competing plans of how we might do so – Someone needs to be fired.
But our public debate over policy does not take this into account. I wonder would Machiavelli think that we as a country have abused the quality of mercy?
WWMD? Scary thought. Funny Bumpersticker.
It’s amazing how poignant Machiavelli turns out to be – how timeless. So many people refer to his work, either directly or indirectly (”how Machiavellian”), and usually quite inaccurately.
This same point was said slightly differently by another timeless sage:
“Walk on right side of road – safe,
Walk on left side of road – safe,
Walk down middle of road – squish like a grape”
Mr. Miagi
I first learned of and subscribed to the Evil podcast via Podiobooks.com. They never mention that this is actually a comic book. It all makes so much sense now! The shorter chapters, action broken up by powerful dialog; it’s textbook comic.
I was immediately taken in by the sophistication of your writing; deep and complex, but clean and slick. After a few chapters, I changed my subscription from ever other day to every day.
I produce the Zen and the Art of Triathlon podcast and recommended this one on my show. I really can’t say enough about how good it is. I hope there’s more in the works.
Keep it Evil,
Brett
Hey man, just wanted to drop you a line to say the srries is great.. the plot, voice, intonation, music and effects all kick ass… =)
I couldnt find that flavour foundation track on the web for some reason, do you have a link for it?
Also, if you like dark music, check out mp3.com.au/devnull/ it’s kind of dark, kind of electronic industrial.. you may enjoy it// =)
or, alternatively… just clicky and have a listen to this http://www.mp3.com.au/track.asp?id=127407
from listening to your soundtracks i think you would enjoy..
Anyway, keep it up man, it’s awesome stuff. =)
when you say it’s ove. Stacy Fabian.
damn all these beautiful gir. Joey Hadassah.
Keeping order in Iraq may be no different than raising children. If you are either too lenient or too strict the results are bad.
When we beefed up our forces in Iraq and became a little more aggressive (the surge) things immediately started getting better and have continued to improve as the Iraqis themselves take over security. Perhaps, we have achieved the proper balance. We do not want the roads lined with people being crucified which was the manner in which the Romans maintained order but on the other hand we do not want terrorists to be free to run around blowing people up.
Machiavelli always gets a poor shake just for advocating pragmatism over and over.
After all, a full summary of that bit on love and fear is that it is best to be loved AND feared but simply that you cannot rely on the masses’ love if there is no fear there.
That makes sense given that people have to know that there are consequences to crossing you if you want to hold your enemies at bay. And a ruler will always have enemies.