Political realism says “If you want to survive, even be successful, start by studying how people behave, not how they are ought to behave.” There is indeed a difference from how we behave within ourselves and in an association. It is a desire to placate; for the other and I have more or less power as persons to do each other harm. The desire for the good of others passes from potential to actual and issues in a working morality so soon as we can be sure of reciprocity. Thus, Niccolo Machiavelli shared this 10-Point prescription for an effective politcal leadership and I just wanted to share this to you. You might have that heart or interest in politics, this might help.

10-Point Prescription on Effective Political Leadership

1. The good prince(i.e. leader) must avoid being despicable and hated.

2. The best fortress for a state and its prince is the love of the people.

3. It is safer to be feared than to be loved, but it is best to be feared as well as to be loved.

4. The “good” prince should abstain from taking the property of others, for men forget more easily the death of their father, than the loss of their patrimony.

5. It is better to trust in your power than in the goodwill of others.

6. Legislate good laws and back them with good arms.

7. Laws are the ways of men and force is the way of the beasts, but you can not rely on law only.

8. Imitate the fox and the lion. The fox is shrewd and cunning, the lion is strong and brave. If you want to be one or the other, it is better to be the fox.

9. Do not put your trust on your mercenaries, for they can easily be bought by your adversaries.

10. Be prudent. Prudence is the ability of knowing the nature of difficulties and making that which is least harmful as good.