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Machiavelli is probably the most important political philosopher there is.

Here are some key insights.

* There are a certain group of people who seeks to obtain power, keep it, and expand it. They will literally do anything to do so. They are insane, and you just need to accept that fact, because power requires insane people to do insane things. Insanity and power are one and the same.
* If you are not one of those people, you are better off not associating with them at all. Raise your families, farm your fields, but leave politics alone. Be happy the tyrants aren't raping your wife.
* All politics and foreign policy is a pretense to war. The further we get from this concept, the more likely we'll end up killing each other. Remember that any political or foreign policy statement ends with "or else I will kill you." IE, "Vote for me (or else I will kill you.) Abolish abortion (or else I will kill you.)
* It's better to hire people to fight and die for you than use your own loyal supporters. You need your supporters to oppress the opinions of your detractors and keep your people in line. Hiring mercenaries also deprives your enemy of the same. If your mercenaries end up dying, at least you know they will not fight for your enemies.

What do we do about it?

If you are at all attracted to actually obtaining power and playing those games, then go for it, but remember you are going to go insane doing it. You don't have to sell your soul to the devil, only be ready to do insane things when it is time to do them. I recommend really reading the Bible and learning the true history of reality to try and avoid the mistakes other tyrants have made. You *can* be a "good" tyrant, you just have to be really, really good at it so that you have the luxury of not depriving your subjects of their property and liberty.

If you are not attracted to politics like that, then your best bet is to find the nearest person who is, and who aligns if only somewhat with your political opinions, and pledge your fealty. When they ask you if you want a favor, be honest with them, but make it clear that you are loyal to them whether or not they grant you such favors. Remember your place -- you are not attracted to power, so don't seek it, don't keep it, and don't expand it. Give it all to the person you swore fealty to and be happy you don't have to do insane things. Maybe they will pat you on the back or give you a medal, but don't expect much else.

The choice is yours: Either **YOU** become the tyrant, or you make peace with the tyrants we have.