Ruling with a Gentle Heart or Iron Fist

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Morality plays a big role in society and determines the way we view each other. We judge people based on their beliefs and ethics, which determines their actions. Severity of punishment is also determined by what our society believes to be morally correct. In the justice system, a verdict is given for the defendant’s crime by an accumulation of the jury’s opinion of morality. The result is typically the worse the crime the harsher the punishment according to the jury’s collective moral beliefs. With that being the mentality of others, when placed in a position of leadership, the costs of being successful are questioned. Is it better to follow the golden rule and lead people with a gentle heart or to create a façade portraying certain characteristics wanted by the people, but ultimately ruling with an iron fist? The comparison of Beowulf and Machiavelli’s The Prince display both aspects of this argument. Always doing the right thing by others led Beowulf to his death, showing that what is believed to be a virtue will not help a kingdom to thrive, but destroys it. However, the Prince was willing to cross the lines of moral goodness in order to maintain his leadership and increase opulence of his kingdom. People are not always committed, and when they don’t believe, they must be made to believe by force. (Bondanella and Musa 258). The Prince’s authority was more effective than Beowulf, due to the nature of morality, or lack thereof, necessary to be a prosperous leader and his judgment was directly affected by the environment and size of the community. In Beowulf, morality and ethics play a central role in how the community behaves. The golden rule “Treat others as you wish to be treated” is displayed by the people. Generosity, loyalty, respect and your word are what make an excellent leader, according to Beowulf. The king is generous to those that support him and

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