Of the Need for Princes to Keep Their Word (Pt. 2, Thursday)

"Men in general judge more with the eye than with the hand, because everyone can see, but few can feel" (Machiavelli 83).

In our country, one can always find someone who is 'dogging' out the current president. One reason may be because the present president did not follow through with his word. Every time there is a new presidential race there is someone who 'is going to change things.' This is particularly directed towards Obama. We all know that the presidents are not going to keep their word fully, but we insist on acting bran-new to the idea that this next time will be different. We keep thinking that there is going to be change, when I personally don't think that this time is going to be any different than any other time. In the event that Obama does win, 8 months from now the majority of people will be saying, "Man, Obama sold out." Albert Einstein said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results. According to that, the majority of people in this country are insane. It's not that I want to pick on Obama, I personally have no preference for any of the candidates; it's just that people should not get excited at Christmas time when they know they are getting the same 'gift' every four to eight years. Especially if the people are obviously tired of the 'gift' they keep receiving.

"He must have a spirit that can change depending on the winds and variations of Fortune, .... he must not, if he is able, distance himself from what is good, but must also, when necessary, know how to prefer what is bad" (Machiavelli 83).

Machiavelli here makes a good point. Princes/government officials must learn to keep some of their word, but at the same time must earn the respect of the people by using what is considered bad. It alludes back to "Whether it is Better to be Feared Than Loved"(Machiavelli 77). One cannot expect to be successful as a leader if he is not respected. The people do not know what is best for them, because most of them are not the most intelligent, but a leader needs to be known to do what is considered good and bad for the reason that Machiavelli vaguely, but clearly states, to be a successful leader.

1). Do all leaders start out sincere, and eventually realize they cannot keep all their word, or do they come in with knowledge that they cannot?

2). Is the deception of men necessary to all leaders to become successful?