“Orderint dum Metuant” are words that emanated from the mouth of the all-powerful ruler of Rome in his time, Emperor Nero. Its essence: let them (the people) hate, as long as they fear.
Nero, undoubtedly, stands out as the most renowned emperor in Roman history. Despite his popularity, he is known for being a ruthless dictator. His full name is Claudius Caesar Augustus Germanicus, born on December 5, 37, and died on June 9, 68. He was the last emperor of the Julio-Claudian dynasty, ruling from 54 to 68 AD.
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Throughout his reign, Nero was recognized as an authoritative ruler, handling everything with an iron fist and without mercy. Ruthless in his approach, anything that did not align with his desires was obliterated. His cruel actions included the execution of his own mother and brother.
One of the most striking events in Nero’s history was the burning of Rome. The fire, which devastated the city like hellfire, left a profound impact on society. Even in the modern world, Nero’s name is well-known, as seen in the data duplication program called Nero, symbolized by a flaming fire.
One of Nero’s famous principles was “Orderint dum metuant” (Let them hate, as long as they fear). This approach reflects an authoritarian leadership based on fear rather than respect.
It is crucial for a leader to consider how their actions and words can influence their people. Prioritizing policies that support the common welfare and avoiding actions that can hurt or harm the people are important steps in creating a positive and sustainable leadership legacy. As a leader, the priority should be to build strong relationships with the people, rather than instilling fear.
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Only a few countries in the modern era adhere to principles akin to Nero’s motto, marking an authoritarian style of governance. Historically, Nero served as an extreme example of leadership that relied on fear to maintain obedience. However, today, authoritarian states implementing a similar approach are becoming increasingly rare.
In the context of the modern era, leadership approaches that are more democratic and prioritize human rights have become the norm. Countries tend to recognize the importance of openness, community participation, and the protection of individual rights. While some nations may still exhibit authoritarian characteristics, their scarcity indicates a growing global rejection of leadership models based on fear and repression.
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The presence of only a handful of countries with authoritarian characteristics suggests that the majority of the modern world prefers inclusive governance systems that respect individual freedoms. Current leaders are more often measured by their ability to build positive relationships with their people and promote justice rather than instill fear. This reaffirms that democratic values and human rights are increasingly dominating the global political stage.
