Today, I would like to reflect on the following saying that belongs to Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian Renaissance historian, a philosopher, a diplomat, and a writer who said, «It is better to be feared than loved, if one cannot be both.»
What do you think about his saying? Was he right or wrong? Why or why not? Could you explain your position?
You may leave your comments only in English. That's for you practice.
So, here we go!
In a movie «A Bronx Tale» there was a dialog between a young man named Calogero and the local Mafia boss Sonny.
During a conversation Calogero asked Sonny if it is better to be feared or loved. Here is how he replied,
«- It's nice to be both, but it's very difficult. But if I had my choice, I would rather be feared. Fear lasts longer than love. Friendships that are bought with money mean nothing. You see how it is around here. I make a joke everybody laughs. I know I'm funny, but I'm not that funny. It's fear that keeps them loyal to me. That's why I treat my men good, but not too good. I give them too much then they don't need me. I give them just enough where they still need me, but they don't hate me. Don't forget what I'm telling you.»
Sonny chose to be feared rather than loved, and he was really feared on the street. However, those who watched the movie know that he got killed in the end.
Do you remember Russian tough guys from «the Dashing 90's» (Btw, I wonder how you would translate «лихие 90-е».)? As you know, many of them were either killed or ended up behind bars for long terms. But on the other hand, I don't remember any criminal, political leader or a head of a big company who became successful without being feared first and only second (maybe) loved.
So In my view, if you're a boss of a criminal organization, a political leader or the head of a big company, then it's definitely better to be feared rather than loved, if you cannot be both. People will think twice before betraying you. However, if you're a regular person or the head of a small organization , then love is the right emotion to develop from people in your life.
В фильме есть диалог между молодым парнем по имени Калоджеро и местным боссом мафии Сонни. В какой-то момент Каоджеро спросил Сонни о том, что лучше, чтобы тебя любили или боялись.
Сонни предпочёл, чтобы его боялись, чем любили. Его действительно очень боялись на улице.
Помните русских крутых ребят из «лихих 90-ых»? Как Вы знаете, многие из них были либо убиты, либо оказались за решёткой на долгие сроки. Но с другой стороны, я не знаю ни одного преступника, политического лидера или главу большой компании, который стал бы успешным без того, чтобы его в первую очередь боялись, а уже потом любили.
По моему мнени, если Вы глава опг, политический лидер или глава большой компании, тогда определённо лучше, чтобы Вас боялись, чем любили, если не получается, чтобы и так и так. Люди будут думать дважды прежде чем принять решения, чтобы Вас предать. Однако, если Вы обычный человек или глава небольшой организации, тогда лучше, чтобы люди Вас любили.