Government was not to serve the interest of any one
group to the prejudice or neglect of the rest, for then discord
and sedition would occur. Furthermore, a ruler should try to
become loved and not feared, because men hated those whom they
feared, and wished dead those whom they hated. Therefore obedience
proceeding from fear could not last, whereas that which was the
effect of love would last forever. An oppressor ruling by terror
will be resented by the citizens, who in secret will choose a
worthier person. Then liberty, having been chained up, would be
unleashed more fiercely than otherwise. To obtain the peoples'
love, a ruler should be kind and bountiful. To obtain the peoples'
trust, a ruler should be just, wise, and faithful. To demonstrate
this, a ruler should be eloquent in showing the people an
understanding better than theirs, the wisdom to anticipate events,
and the ability to deal with adverse events. And this
demonstration should be done with modesty. One cannot get the
peoples' trust by vain shows, hypocritical pretenses, composed
countenances, and studied forms of words. The first goal of a
ruler is to take care that each individual is secured in the quiet
enjoyment of his own property. The second goal is to impose taxes
that are not burdensome. The third goal is to furnish the people
with necessaries. The law should be enforced keeping in mind that
its fundamental purpose is to keep up agreement and union among
citizens.
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