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How should mankind be governed? Philosophers throughout history have tried to answer this question to the best of their abilities through their writings. Niccolo Machiavelli and Lao-Tzu are examples of two philosophers with very different views on the issue. In their writings, Machiavelli and Lao discuss the qualities they think define a leader and allow him to stay in power.
One quality that both Machiavelli and Lao discuss is a leader’s relationship to his people. According to Machiavelli, mankind is naturally bad and must be forced to do good (41). A leader should be intimidating and feared (44). It’s better to be feared than loved when you must choose between the two (44). A prince must be a miser (41).Lao on the other hand, says, mankind is naturally good and if you leave man alone he will do good (25). “The best leader is loved. Next, one who is feared. The worst is one who is despised” (42). A ruler must be kind and not need to be the center of attention (29). A good ruler is unobtrusive according to Lao (29).
Another quality that both Machiavelli and Lao discuss is the leader’s position on use of weapons. According to Machiavelli, the more weapons the better because no one would challenge a well armed man (38). “Being disarmed makes you despised” (38). While Lao says, “weapons are the tools of violence; all decent men detest them” (25). Weapons are tools of fear (25) according to Lao. The more weapons you have the less secure people will be (27).
Another quality that both Machiavelli and Lao discuss is a leader’s perspective on war. Machiavelli says, “ A prince, therefore, must not have any other object nor any other thought, nor must he take anything as his profession but war, its institutions, and its discipline; because that is the only profession which befits one who commands; and it is of such importance that not only does it maintain those who were born princes, but many times it enables men of private station to rise to...