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    Niccolò Machiavelli’s Advice on Parenting

    Readers may or may not know that I moonlight as a semi-professional philosopher. While classical philosophical discussions about undead cats and bat-life might seem a little other-worldly, Niccolo Machiavelli’s (1469-1527) advice on parenting has always seemed right down to earth. And so, in anticipation of today’s parental holiday, some words of encouragement:

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    On Modus Operandi
    “It is better to be feared than loved, if you cannot be both.”

    On Discipline
    “If an injury has to be done to a (person), it should be so severe that his vengeance need not be feared.“

    On Positive and Negative Reinforcement
    “Severities should be dealt out all at once, so that their suddenness may give less offense; benefits ought to be handed ought drop by drop, so that they may be relished the more.”

    On Negotiating Bedtime
    “There is no avoiding war; it can only be postponed to the advantage of others.”

    On Santa & The Easter Bunny
    “One who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived.”

    Why Being Your Child’s Friend is Overrated
    “Hatred is gained as much by good works as by evil.”

    Why We Can’t Go to the Zoo Because It’s Raining
    “The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present.”

    Yes, We Have to Go to Church
    “There is no surer sign of decay in a country than to see the rites of religion held in contempt.”

    Do NOT Tell Them that They Get Shots Today at the Doctor’s Office
    “No enterprise is more likely to succeed than one concealed from the enemy until it is ripe for execution.”

    Final Words
    “The distinction between children and adults, while probably useful for some purposes, is at bottom a specious one, I feel. There are only individual egos, crazy for love.”

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    Miriam Bowers Abbott
    Miriam Bowers Abbotthttps://columbusunderground.com
    Miriam Bowers Abbott is a freelancer contributor to Columbus Underground who reviews restaurants, writes food-centric featurettes and occasionally pens other community journalism pieces.
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