I think it's important to understand Machiavelli's work for many ambitious people--consciously or unconsciously--are already following this advice. It seems to work----a lot.

I would like to "debate" several points here. But it would be long response. May I suggest that you post one point in one article--and see where this goes?

I think I can make this article into a series for my alternative democracy. This article might be referenced eight times in the next few months.

PS: I just posted this article on Mastodon.