What are the elementary rules for survival in Italian society?

It is always prudent to understand which group a man belongs to so that unintentional offenses are not made. This information is not published publicly but is instinctively known by peers and residents. There are three elementary rules for survival in Italian society: "One must cultivate one's family, entertain as many useful friends and as few dangerous enemies as one can, and therefore perfect the art of being obliging and simpatico at all times and at all costs. One should always be on the qui vive, watch the horizon for the smallest cloud and people's faces for the smallest variation of mood; one should join a powerful group, sail with a safe convoy; one should beware of History." How to Succeed, Page 226