Machiavelli Response

As stated by Machiavelli, rivers and men may be controlled, but cannot be trusted.  This is true, in the way that both may acquire great power or force, resulting in the ability to cause catastrophes.  Rivers flow freely, their waters appearing beautiful, but the swift undertow may sweep one's feet out and carry them away.  Men may seem strong and dependable, however from their position of power have the ability to abuse their title and bring people to their knees.  

However, who is to say that this power is always negative? If one lives their life devoid of trust in others, and the great things that may be achieved through their abilities, it may be damaging. While it is true that they can be controlled, they should not always be this way.  The release of control is bravely brought on by trust.  It is not an easy task to trust man, knowing our history in wars, slavery, and the many demons in the past we'd like to forget, however it is an act of courage to do so.  The coward lives in fear, the fear of trust and losing control.

 I believe the statement of Machiavelli's to be much too critical of the human race.  Unlike abiotic flowing rivers, we possess a conscious and morals that drive us through day to day tasks, power and endurance to achieve great things. To keep this under control out of lack of trust is simply ridiculous.  It is all a matter of taking aspects of reality into consideration.  Should we always trust man? No. But one should not always be devoid of trust either.

In today's society, lack of trust is a very common theme in everyday lives.  It may be applied to a sixteen year old girl with her boyfriend, to the president of a country fearing war.  Fear haunts the mind and poisons the heart, leading to many things, including the loss of trust.   Machiavelli's point of control being possible, and trust, not is a relevant point in today's leaders of every level.

In the United States,  currently a controversy has arisen on the grounds of surveillance.  The people do not trust the government to not intrude on their private affairs, and he government wishes to keep an eye on the country in fear of occurrences that are not in their best interests. This lack of trust existing between the government and people is  bringing much uncertainty and anxiety into the matter.

NSA's Eyes
http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-debate/editorials/the-nsa-has-too-many-eyes-still-prying/article16396124/