How do you reconcile Jesus' teachings of altruism and kindness when we live in a world where you can only get ahead by being more dominant, aggressive and ultimately more self-interested than the next person? Don't misunderstand. When I say "get ahead" this has nothing to do with accruing wealth or living cozy without experiencing hardships. What I mean is simply living with decency and self-respect.

>Any man who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great number who are not good. Hence a prince who wants to keep his authority must learn how not to be good, and use that knowledge, or refrain from using it, as necessity requires.”
―Niccolò Machiavelli,The Prince

>But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you;
―Jesus,—Matthew 5:44

Who do you agree with?