For some reason I have been thinking about Machiavelli today. You know, there’s that whole section in The Prince where he is discussing whether a ruler should be feared or loved. It’s really a valid question.  Is it better to have people be afraid of you or to have people love you? Which is more likely to inspire loyalty? Which is going to keep people near to you? Fear or love? I’d never really thought much about the subject until today. I can see where the man was coming from on the subject of fear. To the emotionally stunted and immature it makes sense that fear would be the way. These are the people who equate fear with respect. These are the people who live by the kill or be killed philosophy—the people who believe that if they aren’t respected through fear, they have nothing. If only they knew love was the ultimate respect. It may seem like love is easy to take advantage of. But think about it. If you were a king, would you take the fear approach or the love approach? If you were feared, it may be more likely that you would end up without a throne or a kingdom to rule. Who doesn’t want to uproot a corrupt and dictatorial leader? Fear only works as a tactic but for so long. A leader who is loved is cherished and valued. If anyone were to attempt an insurrection or assassination it’s more likely that the people would rise up to protect their leader; Or, if that fails, to avenge the leaders untimely demise.  Who would do that for someone they feared? It’s not to say that you can’t rule with a firm hand and still be loved. There is a place to be level. I guess it all depends on emotional maturity and what kind of legacy you want to leave.

Today’s Task: Inspire love in someone. It would suck to find that your behavior caused you to go through life hated. No one wants to be hated or avoided. People pretend like they want to be but that is simply to avoid being vulnerable and rejected.  There is no sense in being a curmudgeon. It benefits no one, lease of all you. To be loved is much greater than to attempt to earn respect any other way. I want to leave a legacy of love.