Loved or Feared

[shadow29]

What is better to be?

[nothumb]

In life: loved.

In poker: feared.

NT

[Mayhap]

I don't think anyone can top this answer.
/M

[daryn]

from A Bronx Tale:


C: Is it better to be loved, or feared?

Sonny: That's a good question. It's nice to be both, but it's very difficult. But if I had my choice, I would rather be feared. Fear lasts longer than love. Friendships that are bought with money mean nothing. You see how it is around here. I make a joke, everybody laughs. I know I'm funny, but I'm not that funny. It's fear that keeps them loyal to me. But the trick is not to be hated. That's why I treat my men good, but not too good. I give them to much, then they don't need me. I give them just enough where they need me, but they don't hate me.

[deacsoft]

It occurs to him that if he died that night he would die happy because he was loved.

[toots]

Love is a bunch of crap.

Of the two, fear is much more enduring and reliable. And, if you're a pedantic misanthropic douchebag, as I am, being feared is a heck of a lot more entertaining, too.

[Zeno]

Neither; It is always best to be misunderstood.

-Zeno

[ACW]

I think you just proved Mayhap wrong!

[Malarky]

See: the Prince

[Kurn, son of Mogh]

Once again, sir, you have nailed it.

[kyro]

wait, i don't understand...

[StellarWind]

At ring poker it is best to be ... unnoticed.

[Al Schoonmaker]

Machievelli asked that same question in "The Prince." He said it's better to be feared.
I believe his point applies to poker. Ours is not a warm-fuzzy game. If you want love, play party bridge. Poker is based on power, and fear adds to your power.
Machievelli died several centuries ago, but his ideas are as relevant today as they were then.
Regards,
Al

[ACW]

I'd rather be loved by the fish and feared by the sharks.

Having fish afraid of you is bad for business.

[Lawrence Ng]

In real life I consider myself a sweetheart. So yes, i want to be loved and respected by my peers. /images/graemlins/grin.gif

In the game of poker, I want that respect shoved out the door. There is no love in poker. If you play with love in poker then may god have mercy on your bankroll. /images/graemlins/laugh.gif

Fear is the driving force into making other players make mistakes. Fear is what a great poker player can capitalize on. It's an intangible benefit that can make a huge difference. So why not use it, but use it wisely.

[TiK]

I heard a great quote once about being loved or hated. I suppose it could be applied to Loved/Feared as well...I most definitely would agree though that it is best to be loved in life, and to be feared in poker...

"To be loved is to be fortunate, but to be hated is to achieve distinction."

--Minna Antrim