I dont think its so black and white. This world runs on much deception, nice can be seen as weak or fake. Mean can be a put-off or a defense. Thats why trying to make a connection is so difficult and makes people selfish to the point where they only look at what they can get out of an interaction and nothing more. Communication is key.
I don't consider nice putting up with any crap. I'm pretty nice when you get to know me though. All my imaginary friends say so.
I tease, but it is always in good fun. I hate to be mean, and as personality is affected by the people one associates with, I avoid assholes like the plague.
Last time I tried out that Machiavelli stuff I got detained in the embassy in Italy. Diplomats don't know how to have fun.
better to be feared than loved....as basic as you can get when it comes to Machiavelli....hows that a poor choice? I wish someone told me that when I was young.
