@sheilatebra I think there's some practical use to what you have asserted, however, Machiavelli did not say what you've quoted, which makes me question if you actually read the Prince or you're rewording someone else's opinion. This is disengenious & a slap to others who actually read books.
I finally understand what Machiavelli meant when he said, “Never play fair in a game where others cheat.” It doesn’t mean become evil. It means stop being naive. Stop bringing honesty to people who study manipulation, stop giving access to people who weaponize closeness, and stop expecting clean hands from people who already showed you they’ll throw dirt. Sometimes wisdom is not revenge. Sometimes wisdom is learning the rules of the room before the room uses your goodness against you.