Loyalty at your own expense.

The biggest contradictory thought yet, someone who believes in loyalty, but agrees with the principles of Machiavellianism. Now I must admit, I'm not a Machiavellian scholar, hell I haven't started (what will be my second time) reading The Prince. But one theme that is very clear is "by any means necessary." You get the job done, and that's all that matters. Loyalty is not viable especially in a self-interested society. Many people, and I stress MANY, people use friendship as a means to an end. Hypothetical example, I call someone a friend because they ease the pain through each day, your friendship is nothing but a means of easing my pain. Had the pain not exist? you'd probably not be needed.

As well, loyalty is very one-sided. Loyalty can make a person one vulnerable target. Another hypothetical example, you and two friends rob a store, you were caught by the police while trying to escape. The police makes a deal with you, asking for the other two, for a lessor sentence. You remain loyal to your friends, and you keep quiet. You get charged with robbery. Couple of years later, you come out of jail, and the last person you'll every see are your friends who is out enjoying the time of their life. You pay them a visit, to see how they're doing - they won't even see you. Here, you got screwed by loyalty. You're loyal, but you pay the price.
Second scenario, you and two other friends went to rob a store. Your friend gets caught while he's trying to escape. Your friends give you both in so he can be let off with a slap on the wrist. You were screwed once again by loyalty, or lack thereof. Why? because your friend was just trying to save his own ass.

Of course loyalty is great. Hell, I believe it should be regarded as being virtuous - nevertheless we live in a self-interest liberal society. In certain scenarios where warranted, one would always pick what is self-advantageous over the well-being of another. Especially when you're with friends who ALWAYS talk about loyality first, and pretend to treat you like family. But when you're not looking, they will stab in your back all the same...over and over and over again. The next thing you know, he'll be by your bedside, holding your hand...wishing you wouldn't die so he can stab you a couple more times. But then again, you're loyal, and you deserve nothing better.

Key point: Be loyal only if you recognize the consequences.