This is a very deep subject and there will always be multiple opinions about it and unfortunately many conflicts on it (the need of human beings to be right).
In my humble opinion there is a problem (lack) of leaders in our society in all levels... Starting from governments, going to school and corporations, almost all of the have them machiavellian approach you describe above.
I believe that change can only happen one person at a time... We need to make sure that we are ethical and we have morals in a world that does not. And eventually we will hit the critical mass needed to make the change... I believe in humanity :)
You wrote a very good article, with very interesting ideas and approach. Well done! :)