It is better to be

“ It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. ”

Meaning

This quote means when love is unreliable, fear is the surer tool of control.

About Author

Niccolo Machiavelli

Niccolo Machiavelli was an Italian Renaissance political philosopher and author of The Prince, focusing on power and statecraft. His quotes often reflect strategy, pragmatism, and leadership. Machiavelli inspires politicians, strategists, and students to analyze power dynamics, political behavior, and governance with insight and realism.

Related Quotes

“ The ends justify the means. ”

This quote means outcomes are argued to excuse any method used to reach them.

“ A wise ruler ought never to keep faith when by doing so it would be against his interests. ”

This quote means power often breaks promises when advantage demands it.