A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and loyal; for, with a very few examples, he will be more merciful than those who, from excess of tenderness, allow disorders to arise, from whence spring murders and rapine; for these as a rule injure the whole community, while the executions carried out by the prince injure only individuals.
— Machiavelli Early Modern

The Prince, political philosophy

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Details

Context

The Prince, Chapter XVII: Cruelty and Clemency, and Whether it is Better to be Loved or Feared

Date / Period

1532

Category

Controversial

Source

https://www.gutenberg.org/files/1232/1232-h/1232-h.htm#link2H_4_0016

Verification

Unverifiable

Explanation

Found in 1 providers: grok

Method

Cross Reference

Sources Checked

1 source

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