According to the Mind ToolsTM website, “All it takes is a quick glance, maybe three seconds, for someone to evaluate you when you first meet. In this short time, the other person forms an opinion about you based on your appearance, your body language, your behavior, your mannerisms and how you are dressed” (“Making”). This is a very disturbing thought. Imagine being judged after three seconds: a thousand 1s, a thousand 2s, a thousand 3s. In that short period of time an opinion has already been formed. And many times, the opinion that is formed is lasting, despite evidence against the belief. Appearances are very important, even more so for the leaders of our society. In “The Qualities of the Prince” Machiavelli explores what characteristics a leader needs to obtain and maintain his position. One of the traits he explores is what a leader looks like to his people. Therefore, the physical aspect, the intellectual aspect and the virtuous aspect are indispensable if a leader wants to be effective. A physically attractive leader will have more support from the people. This is because humans are attracted to and seek 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 objectively judge an attractive leader. It's no secret that more attractive people are treated better in almost all situations, including those in positions of power. One thing that can improve physical appearance, and in many cases replace unattractiveness, is fashion sense. People as a whole always try to appear better than everyone else. In most cultures, one's dress is a...... middle of paper......nce, which helped him win elections in the 1960s. Franklin Roosevelt is known for his intellectual aspect 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 understood the importance of public appearance. They learned what Machiavelli argues “it is not necessary for a [leader] to have all the qualities mentioned above, but it is absolutely necessary that he 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, 2010. 37-53. Press.“Make a great first impression.” Mental ToolsTM. Essential skills for an excellent career.Mind ToolsTM. 1996-2011. Network. November 14. 2011.