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Lao-Tzu Vs Machiavelli

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Historical and political thinkers have pondered the question, whether it is better for a leader to be feared or to be loved, for centuries. Two writers, ancient Chinese philosopher Lao-Tzu and Italian Renaissance writer Niccolo Machiavelli, have presented considerably different opinions on how a ruler should run his, or her, country. In the "Tao the Ching", Lao-Tzu believes it is better for a leader to be loved, however in Machiavelli's "The Qualities of the Prince", he believes it is better for a ruler to be feared, without being hated. While contemplating the question, whether it is better for a leader to be feared or to be loved, there are several bases of comparison to analyze when arriving at a conclusion. One of the bases of comparison

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