In the excerpt, Machiavelli argues that Upon this a question arises: whether it is better to be
loved than feared or feared than loved? It may be
answered that one should wish to be both, but, because it
is difficult to unite them in one person, it is much safer to
be feared than loved, when, of the two, either must be
dispensed with.
- The Prince,
Niccolo Machiavelli,
1513
O being loved is more important.
• being loved and being feared are equally important.
being feared is more important.
O being loved and feared are unimportant.