In an unofficial self report of self-made multimillionaires (with a subset that have a networth of $10m+) in the $10m+ group a 98% rate of "machiavellianism" was found via the characterisation of a set of questions. (So not the best evidence in the world, but still indicative.) The results from it concluded that middle class people are the least manipulative on average, whilst rich people are the most manipulative with everyone in-between falling within a spectrum. You can't even make this shit up. Seeing as we need money to thrive and exercise power, this suggests machiavellianism is an adaptive psychosocial trait beneficial to the continual of the species, if not an evolutionary advantage. Read the 48 Laws of Power, and in addition, my exemplified and in-depth essays on the laws which can be found here (currently 2/48, got a ways to go - haven't forgotten my commitment to machiavellian research and analysis despite my recent quietness on the topic but have been incredibly busy.)

Indeed, the survey research for my book Business Brilliant revealed enormous disparities between self-made millionaires and people with ordinary middle-class incomes when it comes to unscrupulous, "Machiavellian" behavior.

Almost 90 percent of the millionaires in the survey agree that "it's important in negotiations to exploit the weaknesses in others." The middle class? Just 24 percent. About 80 percent of the millionaires say that "coming out on top in business dealings is paramount." For the middle-class, just 31 percent agree. And a full 77 percent of millionaires say, "I do not have any problems confronting my business associates." Fewer than 13 percent of the middle class say the same. On this particular point, the multi-millionaires, those who have a net worth higher than $10 million, are nearly unanimous. More than 98 percent say they have no problem with confrontation in business.

Get the picture? The numbers suggest that what separates the super-successful from everyone else is that they play to win, exploit weakness when they find it, and defend their interests even if it requires a showdown with a partner or friend. Does this mean that the super-successful are maestros of Machiavellianism? Most super-successful people think so. Almost 78 percent admit that "being Machiavellian is essential to becoming wealthy." The middle-class, though, prefer to think the business world is a kinder, gentler place. Fewer than 17 percent say that Machiavellianism is essential to becoming wealthy.

Random: Once had a rich guy attempt to debate me that all I was trying to do was demonise the rich when I mentioned this in passing awhile back (manipulative in and of itself - shaming tactic, doesn't address the arguments made) when that is not the case. If you're familiar with my writings, I have the utmost respect for machiavellians, if you're rich and manipulative, don't get butthurt by what you're reading, truth is truth, this is the internet and reading this and realising it's true about yourself isn't going to ruin your contracts, contacts, reputation or anything else which you will act devilishly to protect and sustain.