The Necessity for Rulers to Avoid Hatred and Contempt
The most important attribute of a good ruler is the avoidance of hatred and contempt. The avoidance of these must be his first concern, and success in it his first duty to himself. The other grounds for reproach are trivial by comparison.
If he succeeds in this he will be highly esteemed, and when it is known that he is a great man and very respected, others will think twice about conspiring against him. These are the two threats to a ruler, internal conspiracy and external attack. Loyal supporters and efficient forces will avert the dangers, and there will be no lack of loyal supporters where there are efficient forces.
Moreover, conspirators against a ruler must believe that the people will rejoice in his death. If they believe the people will be angry, they are less likely to have the heart for the enterprise, because conspiracy is a dangerous game.
Indeed, the way of conspiration is so beset with fear, suspicion, doubt and trouble that his mind must be in turmoil, but the ruler has behind him the pomp of power, the law, the support of his friends and the forces of the state. When popular approval is added to ail these, no one will be rash enough to start conspiring.
(Adapted) Machiavelli, N. The Ruler: A Modern Translation
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