Lao-Tuz and Machiavelli have opinions on leadership that differ immensely. Lao-Tuz and Machiavelli have similar but differing points of view on the subject of if it is better for a leader to be feared or loved. Lao-Tuz states ". . . the people are hardly aware that he exists. Next is a leader who is loved. Next, one who is feared. . ." However, Machiavelli says "I reply one should be both one and the other. . . it is much safer to be feared than to be loved when one of the two must be lacking." There is one thing when comparing fear and love that Machiavelli and Lao-Tuz both agree on, that is a leader should never be despised. Lao-Tzu and Machiavelli both disagree on their view of humanity. Machiavelli believes that people are naturally bad,
