One of the most intelligent things you can do is to keep it simple, stupid.

Historically speaking, it tends to work.

Since this comment section turned into an arena discussing how to rule, here’s an interesting relevant CGP Grey video title The Rules for Rulers.

The Machiavellian part was the fact he removed his rivals simultaneously without them gaining prior warning.

He was cunning like a fox to avoid detection and dangerous like a lion when action was required.

Historically speaking, it tends to work.

And for the record, Machiavelli didn’t exactly rule it out.