What does it take to be the best prince?

We continued on the journey through "The Prince" to see more of Machiavelli's views on how a prince should be.  In the midst of the issue of whether it is better to be loved or feared, a shocking statement about loss appears.  It says, "men are quicker to forget the death of a father than the loss of a patrimony."  Personally this is so disheartening and can be compared to our materialistic society today.  Why have objects become more important than even loved ones?  I guess this again connects to the idea that people at this time were more concerned about the ends versus the means.  While in some minor senses this might make sense like in order to protect a loved one, a small lie might have to be made.  However, by other examples, it can be seen this can get quite out of hand.

To again address the issue of whether to be feared or loved, I believe that there should be a mix between the two.  One should be feared to such an extent that he/she is respected, but the one in charge should present him/herself in such a way that the subjects admire the person in a loving way.  I can compare this to my belief of God because he should be feared because of all the power he does have to use as he sees fit, however, he is also so full of love and wants what is best for his children.  

One other part in the book that shocked me was the part comparing fortune and women.  It seemed offensive how they said women should be "jogged and beaten" because she will submit better to boldness versus cautiousness.  Obviously, this reveals the time period's view of women.  While I would like a man bold enough to pursue me, I definitely do not feel I need to be controlled to this extent.

We also watched another part of the video about the Medici family.  Wow, does it look like a dangerous family to be in or what?  I found it interesting to hear how they hired an artist to paint undergarments on the Michaelangelo's "The Last Judgement."  This kind of surprises me considering how much of the art at the time contained indecent elements.  Last, in the Scientific Revolution, I found it interesting how they described wine as light held together with something and then used a fish bowl to demonstrate the earth orbiting the sun.  The fish, like people on earth, can still live normally while revolving.  And to finish off the week, a beautiful spring day with cancelled class, so I enjoyed a walk through the slush! :)