Rational decision-making advocates eliminating threats to prevent conflict, yet this approach makes everyone a potential enemy.
Meanwhile, game theory suggests ‘tit-for-tat’ for fostering self-interest-based cooperation, but this lacks genuine trust and loyalty. Leaders in such systems tend to become alienated and monstrous, knowing they will inevitably need to impose discipline.
Instead of a strict cost-benefit analysis, embracing mercy and kindness could offer a transformative paradigm shift: you no longer have to worry about the smart move (engaging the intellect and ego) when the smart move is to be foolish.