Several of the most famous stories told to young children were Aesop's fables, creative stories designed to teach valuable life lessons. One of the most memorable for me was the fable of the lion who spared the life of a mouse and was then saved by the mouse. Skeptical of this tiny creature's ability to do anything for him, the lion's pride in his size and strength almost prevented him from showing kindness. This tale particularly resonates in my mind because it teaches the moral that kindness and virtue are never wasted. Machiavelli's controversial treatise, The Prince, proposes a method of ruling by fear. His cynical view of human nature makes him lose trust in others. He fails to recognize humans as relational beings, so his methods prove effective only temporarily. On the other hand, understanding and illustrating Aristotle's definition of true virtue in his Nicomachean Ethics will bring respect, love and happiness to a leader. Therefore, the community will thrive when this individual believes in the common good and genuinely cares about others. Because love ultimately overcomes fear, compared to Machiavelli's cynicism and skepticism, Aristotle's beliefs about virtue would provide a better guide to achieving long-term success. First, I will discuss Machiavelli's and Aristotle's contrasting views on human nature and virtue. Next, I will discuss the effectiveness of Aristotle's advice versus Machiavelli's fear tactics and provide hypothetical examples. Finally, I will explain how virtue brings long-term success to both individuals and communities. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay “If you must destroy those who can or might do you harm, reorganize the old laws with new measures, be severe and lenient, magnanimous and Liberal, disband the old armies and replace them with new ones, while managing your relationships with other princes and kings in such a way that they will be happy to help you and will refrain from harming you. »[1] Throughout the treatise, Machiavelli demonstrates his cynicism. and little faith in human nature. Because he believes everyone has bad intentions, he distrusts and dislikes others, simply forming relationships that promote personal gain. Cynicism causes individuals to constantly feel insecure and anxious, which eventually leads them to make rash decisions based on their emotions. Because there is a constant fear of failure, people may act on even the slightest suspicion or doubt about a person's loyalty. These types of people can essentially only form meaningful relationships with others as useful friendships which are lost when services are no longer provided.[2] Obsession with power can consume the individual, so that their most important goal is to maintain power instead of caring for those they lead. Showing little control, these individuals may act out of anger, causing something that could actually lead to their downfall. If people are willing to help their neighbors out of pure altruism rather than obligation, a well-functioning society can develop. Indeed, everyone can contribute through their efforts to improve the standard of living. Unlike Machiavelli, Aristotle believes that humans can achieve true virtue as long as they possess a willing and open heart. Rather than believing that people always intend tocommit evil, he views virtue as a cycle and "by abstaining from pleasures we become masters of ourselves, and once we are mastered we are better able to abstain from pleasures." (36) One of the most key factors for a successful leader according to Machiavelli is cunning, or the ability to deliberate well and choose the best means to achieve what is evil but humanly achievable.[3] Demonstrating his complete lack of sympathy for others, this informs the leaders that the methods are negligible as long as the end goal is achieved. However, Aristotle emphasizes the art of prudence, or deliberating and choosing the best means to achieve what is good and humanly achievable.[4] People who strive to do as much good as possible can become a source of light and hope to those who may have never known virtuous love or friendship. Spreading goodwill can induce gratuity in people, so that a domino effect occurs and they are driven to help others. Furthermore, people are not as inherently evil as Machiavelli believes, although they may sometimes lean toward evil because of temptations. Believing that people are and will always continue to be sinful and evil demonstrates a lack of hope in society. On the other hand, if one believes in human nature, communities can strive to improve themselves and help others. If people are willing to help their neighbors out of pure altruism rather than obligation, a well-functioning society can develop. Indeed, everyone can contribute through their efforts to improving the standard of living. “People care less about offending the one who makes themselves loved than the one who makes themselves feared: for love is a bond of obligation which men, because they are rotten, will break each time they think that it serves their advantage; but fear implies fear of punishment, from which they can never escape. »[5] One of The Prince's most notable arguments is Machiavelli's discussion of using cruelty and fear tactics to rule. Completely unaware of the long-term effects of deception and harm, he possesses a narrow view of maintaining power. He only realizes the immediate effects of fear and does not consider any of the consequences of his suggestions. He is absolutely preoccupied with how people are immediately affected and ignores the important fact that fear breeds hatred. Although his treaty may prepare an individual for immediate success, this success will be temporary and will eventually result in a loss of power. Fear seems effective at first because at first, no one has the courage to act. However, once people realize that everyone feels the same way, trust is restored through numbers. This mutual distrust is extremely dangerous because those who are supposedly loyal can conspire against their leader and formulate plans for uprising. Revolts damage the state or whatever is being protested and the leader's reputation is permanently damaged. Punishing an individual with extreme cruelty is also ineffective because it only breeds more fear than loyalty. For example, consider a situation in which an employee of a large company fails to fulfill his duties or responsibilities to that company. Firing this employee to demonstrate that there is a “zero tolerance” policy will only breed more resentment among other employees and create an increasingly hostile environment. There is no admiration for the boss and employees are apathetic about their responsibilities. This means that neither the company nor the boss benefits. Workers will be reluctant to work for theresponsible or to do anything that could benefit the company outside of their immediate employment. Concerned only for their own safety, they would be ready to overthrow their boss if the opportunity presented itself. Fear must constantly be renewed because its effects are temporary, but when a leader is loved, that love can grow over time. Unlike deception and fear, love causes people to serve their leaders out of admiration. Becoming a figure of respect, those around this person will possess a heart willing to serve and may sincerely desire to act in a way that benefits their leader. For example, being a good parent involves teaching young children to practice virtue rather than deception and cruel punishment through fear. It is crucial that evil is not ignored because children must be exposed to both sin and goodness. Additionally, it is the responsibility of parents to emphasize virtue so that children choose to do good. Parents should show love to their children so that they strive to please rather than disappoint their parents. Fear only breeds resentment in children, so they grow up and develop a rebellious nature. Teaching and instilling virtue in young minds also creates new generations of compassionate, cooperative and effective communicators. Without this virtue, no one would believe in morality and the world would be chaotic because of self-righteousness. The hope of moral progress in society would be lost, thus increasing cynicism, which is never favorable. “For fortune does not determine whether we are well or ill, but is, as we have said, a mere accessory to human life…the higher is the virtuous. activities, the more enduring they are, because supremely happy men devote their lives to these activities most intensely and continuously, and this seems to be the reason why such activities cannot be forgotten. »[6] Machiavelli's thirst for power is obvious. through his idea that power guarantees happiness. Stating that a person's innermost desires can be realized through the acquisition of power, he believes that love is overrated and that "men forget the death of a father more quickly than the loss of a heritage”.[7] Believing that the effects of confiscation of property exceed those of the loss of a loved one, Machiavelli depicts his own feelings toward relationships. He does not realize that people are capable of loving others for reasons other than wealth or profit. It is precisely for this reason that he advocates the exploitation of men. Machiavelli emphasizes materialistic fulfillment which ultimately does not satisfy the void filled by human companionship. However, Aristotle's advice can bring true happiness, as his views lead to a life with far fewer regrets. When an individual strives to do good for the community, he is more satisfied with himself. A life of hatred and deception can cause constant bitterness and dissatisfaction that, ultimately, can never be resolved by any material wealth. In contrast, virtue increases an individual's capacity to love and transmit that love to others. Virtue can motivate an individual to serve the community because happiness, friendship, and kindness generate generosity and compassion. Similar to the cycle that leads to self-control, this in turn leads the community to feel a sense of adornment towards that individual. As the community shows appreciation for that person, they become more and more virtuous and content, then the cycle repeats. In the long term, people, 46.