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.
What scares people is not assuming you will win. It is knowing you will be functional even if you lose. You become outcome independent. Why this instills fear? Nothing moves you. Nothing scares you. You can't be competed against. You can't be negotiated against. A man who doesn't fear losing is exponentially threatening.
Many believe that by being honest and open they are winning people's hearts and showing their good nature.
They are greatly deluded.
Honesty is actually a blunt instrument, which bloodies more than it cuts.