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It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both. Men offend one they love more readily than one they fear. Love is held by a chain of obligation, which, because men are wretched creatures, is broken whenever it serves their advantage to do so. Fear is maintained by a dread of punishment that never fails. Nevertheless, the prince must avoid being hated. He who is both feared and not hated has achieved the optimal position. He who is feared and hated will be assassinated at the first opportunity.