As an Italian diplomat, Machiavelli's views of leadership such as it being "much safer to be feared than loved"(79) seems contrary to the way many Americans view leaders, since many of his views go against what people see in a leader. Born in Florence, Italy, Niccolò Machiavelli was jailed whenever the Medici family acquired power in 1512("Niccolò..."). During this time, he wrote one of most famous works, The Prince, teaching his views of how to acquire and maintain their kingdom. Many of Machiavelli philosophies on how to lead may sound cold-hearted and cruel, but much of it is used by influential leaders, who have shaped our views of successful leadership skills. If we look closely, American president, Grant, and dictator, Musharraf, have
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Ulysses S. Grant has both of these attributes, which allowed him to be president. His lion and fox can be seen throughout the Civil War, such as his successful attack on Fort Donelson, which he was able to forcefully pressure and successfully capture("Ulysses..."). His lion heart that urged him to press forward and not act cowardly and his fox-filled strategy of maneuvering ahead brought him the win. This was one important early victory for the Union and helped Grant gain some popularity that would aid him and allow him to win when he ran for president; A lack of any of the two animals would have not made that possible. Grant had little experience with politics whenever he became president; however, his lion and fox spirit carried on. Whenever the KKK, terrorists that attacked and killed blacks, was rampant after the civil war, Grant demonstrated his lion and fox spirit again with the Ku Klux Act("Ku...") It would send the military to suppress the KKK, demonstrating that he is willing to use force to stop them just like a tough lion, but not acting too violent that would cause another Civil War just like a cautious fox. Ultimately, Grant successfully aided in the diminishing of the KKK, which would not come back until the 20th century, since disarming trouble and being fierce are what made him a strong leader. Machiavelli stresses that balancing the qualities of the fox and lion creates a better ruler and Grant has demonstrated that through his general and president
Ulysses S. Grant has both of these attributes, which allowed him to be president. His lion and fox can be seen throughout the Civil War, such as his successful attack on Fort Donelson, which he was able to forcefully pressure and successfully capture("Ulysses..."). His lion heart that urged him to press forward and not act cowardly and his fox-filled strategy of maneuvering ahead brought him the win. This was one important early victory for the Union and helped Grant gain some popularity that would aid him and allow him to win when he ran for president; A lack of any of the two animals would have not made that possible. Grant had little experience with politics whenever he became president; however, his lion and fox spirit carried on. Whenever the KKK, terrorists that attacked and killed blacks, was rampant after the civil war, Grant demonstrated his lion and fox spirit again with the Ku Klux Act("Ku...") It would send the military to suppress the KKK, demonstrating that he is willing to use force to stop them just like a tough lion, but not acting too violent that would cause another Civil War just like a cautious fox. Ultimately, Grant successfully aided in the diminishing of the KKK, which would not come back until the 20th century, since disarming trouble and being fierce are what made him a strong leader. Machiavelli stresses that balancing the qualities of the fox and lion creates a better ruler and Grant has demonstrated that through his general and president