Liber I, Pars III — Quomodo circa reges et principes se habere circa audaciam, et timorem. Cap. VI.

Liber I, Pars III — Quomodo circa reges et principes se habere circa audaciam, et timorem. Cap. VI.

According to the Philosopher in Book 4. Ethics concerning morals provide more significant insights into individual considerations. Indeed, what is clear to us is often confused, as it is said in Book 1. Therefore, in this first book, we must universally address the morals of kings; for in the second and especially in the third, we will delve deeper into specific circumstances. However, it is beneficial to cover these general principles, as knowledge of them will aid in understanding the subsequent details. In the third book, we will discuss the specific actions of the kingdom more thoroughly; however, it will not be necessary to descend entirely into particulars, as those experienced in courts, especially kings and princes, are already well aware of the significant events. Therefore, if any general principles in moral matters are presented to them, their experience with moral actions will sufficiently prepare them for understanding moral knowledge. Thus, having laid this groundwork, let us say that just as we have universally and generally instructed kings and princes, we must now consider how they should relate to hope and despair, which pertain to future good. Thus, according to the same method, we can instruct them on how they should behave regarding fear and boldness, which concern future evil. However, it seems to some that kings and princes should not be fearful at all, because such things are said to detract from royal majesty. Many, however, have become accustomed to inciting kings, persuading them to dare everything and fear nothing; but such people are flatterers, not truth-tellers: they teach kings not to be strong. For those who dare everything and fear nothing, as it is said, are foolish. A person who lacks moral strength is not strong, but foolish. Therefore, it is necessary to see how they should be appropriately timid and bold. However, if fear is moderate, it is beneficial for kings and princes. For with a moderate fear, all leaders should be cautious, lest something arise in the kingdom that could undermine its good state. We can investigate in two ways why a moderate fear is necessary for kings. The first way is taken from the aspect of having counsel. The second is from the aspect of carrying out actions. The first way is clear. For, as it is said, a moderate fear is necessary. Rhetoric. Cap. Regarding fear, fear makes one consult because someone fears it, and considers how to escape the evil that he doubts. Since a whole kingdom cannot be rightly governed without great counsel, it is necessary for princes and kings to have a moderate fear. Secondly, we can investigate this from the perspective of the actions to be taken. For it is not enough to be concerned about counsel and to judge those who are consulted unless we diligently carry out what has been decided and judged through actions. Moderate fear not only makes one consultative, but also acts to ensure that we carry out our tasks more diligently. For if a moderate fear is present, we act more diligently in our works, through which we believe we can escape that fear. It is therefore evident that it is fitting for kings and princes to have a moderate fear; however, to fear excessively is in no way fitting for them. For excessive fear seems to have four characteristics that altogether detract from a kingdom. For excessive fear first makes a person immobile and withdrawn. Secondly, it makes him unadvisable. Thirdly, it makes him tremble. Fourthly, it makes him ineffective. For when someone is afraid, the heat moves inward, while the outer limbs remain cold, which we can observe in human beings. Thus, when someone is afraid, the heat in the outer limbs immediately retreats inward. Therefore, because of this, a person retreats and becomes immobilized. So if it is inappropriate for the head of a kingdom or a king to be immobilized and paralyzed, it is also inappropriate for him to fear with excessive fear. Secondly, this is inappropriate because excessive fear makes a person unadvisable; for when someone fears excessively, they become completely stunned, and they are led into a state of confusion, not knowing what to do. Because of this, he doesn't remember to consult with others; and if advice is given to him, he doesn't grasp it due to his astonishment. Therefore, if it's inappropriate for the affairs of the kingdom to be conducted without counsel, and for the king to be unconsultative, it is also inappropriate for him to fear with excessive fear. Thirdly, excessive fear makes a person tremulous. For due to fear, as heat moves inward, the outer limbs remain cold. Therefore, they become numb and unable to support their limbs, which leads to trembling. Thus, if it is inappropriate for a king to be tremulous, who ought to be strong and steadfast, it is also inappropriate for him to fear with excessive fear. Fourthly, excessive fear renders a person ineffective. For a person, due to excessive fear, becomes trembling and astonished, immobilized, and doesn't know what to do; thus, when the entire kingdom is in the king as in a mover, and his authority is at stake, if the king is ineffective and unable to command due to excessive fear, it brings prejudice to the whole kingdom; therefore, if this is inappropriate, it is not fitting for a king to fear with excessive fear. When you see how kings should relate to fear, remember that it's harder to suppress fear than to moderate boldness, as was stated earlier in the chapter on courage; it can be easily seen how they should relate to boldness. Indeed, it is fitting for them not to have excessive boldness, but rather a moderate one. For if boldness is excessive, a person presumes more than they ought. It is not expedient for kings, for then they would expose the entire kingdom to danger. If, however, someone has no boldness at all, it is entirely unbecoming, for then they engage in nothing. Therefore, it is entirely appropriate for kings and princes to moderate their approach to fear and boldness.