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Great question! The key difference lies in intent and values. Machiavelli’s advice isn’t about being a ‘cruel jerk,’ but about understanding human nature and adapting strategically-without abandoning your principles. It’s not about emulating TV characters but learning how to navigate the complexities of real-life relationships. What do you think? Can adaptability coexist with integrity?"

Simple: To get the life you want, you may have to be a bit of a "cruel jerk" (from time to time) - especially to those who willfully impose on your on life in a negative way. So, use internal metrics to determine how to deal with that person/situation. Weigh your internal metric vs. external metric (society's value system) then decide which "tool" you want to use to get the result you want. Different social situations requires different a perception/procedure. We don't use a hammer for every situation, we only use it when necessary. So, look into your (internal) "tool box" and decide which tool can best help you arrive at the result you want. Then once the result is achieved, you put it back in the toolbox and call upon it whenever a situation demands it. ..A tortured metaphor, I know. But I hope this clarifies.

​@@upsurgeagency3593 Well said, I'd add, also, one have to seek knowledge in psychology and human behaviors, learn how to read people and it takes many research, takes time, and many painful experiences and flash backs to know who to avoid, how to trust the gut instinct, and how to be surrounded with the good decent people so you don't have to always be a "cruel jerk" nor a "manipulative loser" ... over the years thanks to studying psychology and human behaviors for years and years, I've learn to leave them toxic and cruel people immediately, I don't even have to burn down their house, endure pain, nor seek revenge, I simply leave them forever. Those narcissists and psychopaths are already their own worst enemy, they are very miserable alone, and they are already terribly cursed. Often times, the good and decent people simply have to leave and avoid bad situations, save time, save energy. Know this fact: mistakes are treasures, so, don't be harsh on yourself, all mistakes and all failures are incredibly powerful life lessons to learn, wise up, and strengthen.

It's true that cruelty and ruthlessness often lead to inner torment. People who act with malice may appear powerful, but their lack of empathy often causes their own suffering. Machiavelli might argue that power without virtue eventually crumbles. What do you think is the root cause of this inner turmoil?

Thank You

Great breakdown! Strength and kindness create a powerful, balanced individual-resolute yet empathetic. Machiavelli might say that without strength, kindness can be exploited. How do you think we can cultivate that balance in real life?

​@@TheStoicHeretic Psychology and coaches have many good answers such as: Learn from mistakes, don't be harsh on yourself, learn how to read people and trust the gut instinct, don't be carried away with office politic because they are all fake and miserable, know when to leave any situations, simply walk away or don't go in the first place, avoid bad locations, study social skills, because, knowledge will help good decent people find balance.

Interesting perspective! It’s true that leadership sometimes requires tough decisions, but does becoming 'evil' truly serve the greater good? Maybe it’s more about bearing the burden of responsibility while staying true to core principles. What do you think-can a leader navigate this balance without losing themselves?

@TheStoicHeretic no. To fight monsters you must become the monsters of monsters. Leave no doubt that whatever they may do, you will do worse. It is the highest sacrifice of all. To risk being vilified by your own people so that they may know peace.

That's a great point! Machiavelli himself argued that a ruler should aim to be both loved and feared, but if you must choose, it's better to be feared than loved, as fear is a more reliable motivator. However, balance is key-too much fear leads to resentment, and too much love can lead to weakness. How do you think a leader can maintain that delicate balance?"