Machiavelli stated that he would choose fear when given the option of fear or love, and I have to agree with him. Fear is a strong emotion that when employed correctly against others can be a powerful tool to gain the power over a great number of people. Love can be lost readily; especially if not carefully monitored, nourished fittingly and/or taken by another. Fear can freely be applied and needs less monitoring and nourishing by the fear-instilling ruler of choice. Fear can be doled out by others who might try to take said power from the current ruler but the fear of the unknown ; the unknown of what will happen to the people if they disobey the residing ruler is what keeps them under the power and control of the current fear-instilling
