Appearances Can Be Deceiving

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According to Mind ToolsTM website, “It takes just a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you meet for the first time. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your demeanor, your mannerisms, and how you are dressed” (“Making”). This is a very disturbing thought. Imagine being judged after three seconds: a thousand 1, a thousand 2, a thousand 3. In that short amount of time, an opinion has already been formed. And a lot of times, the opinion that is formed is a lasting one, despite evidence contrary to the belief. Appearances are very important, even more so for leaders in our society. In “The Qualities of the Prince” Machiavelli explores what traits it takes for a leader to obtain and retain his position. One of the traits he explores is a leader’s appearance to his people. Therefore, physical appearance, intellectual appearance, and virtuous appearance are imperative if a leader wants to be effective. A physically attractive leader will have more support from the people. This is due to the fact that humans are attracted to and seek out beauty. For this reason, the more attractive leader has an advantage. Since “ordinary people are always deceived by appearances (Machiavelli 49), it is more difficult for them to judge an attractive leader objectively. It’s no secret that the more attractive are treated better in almost every situation, including those that are in a position of power. One thing that can add to physical appearance, and in many instances substitute for a lack of attractiveness, is a sense of fashion. People as a whole always try to look better than everyone else. In most cultures, one’s dress is an... ... middle of paper ... ...nce, which helped him win the 1960s election. Franklin Roosevelt is known for his intellectual appearance in keeping the United States afloat during the great depression and World War II. Abraham Lincoln is known for his virtuous appearance by ending slavery. These leaders realized the importance of appearance to the public. They learned what Machiavelli contends “it is not necessary for a [leader] to have all the above-mentioned qualities, but it is very necessary for him to appear to have them (49). Works Cited Machiavelli. “The Qualities of the Prince.” A World of Ideas: Essential Readings for College Writers. Ed. Lee A. Jacobus. 8th ed. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2010. 37-53. Print. “Making a Great First Impression.” Mind ToolsTM. Essential skills for an excellent career. Mind ToolsTM. 1996-2011. Web. 14 Nov. 2011.

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