That's pretty calculating though. Essentially you're saying 'be nice' because there is money in it. But actually people should just be nice even (or maybe especially) if there is no money in it.
That is not my intent at all, and I certainly don't think of it as calculating. I think you are conflating a quote highlighting a benefit of being nice (or really, the dangerous of being ruthless), with describing the moral reason to be nice.
Naturally character is better highlighted by what you do that has no tangible reward, and done in the dark, where you think no one will see it. And being nice, and compassionate, and charitable are things that should be done because it is the right thing to do, regardless of reward.
The quote is in the same vein as the original article; the general thrust of the article is that being nice pays dividends, which could be interpreted as being calculating as well, I suppose.
But I don't think that is the intent. I think the intent is the same as my comment - to just highlight the benefits and renewable nature inherent in being nice, not saying that is the reason to be nice.
I think I understand what you are saying, and you are right, it is difficult to find the exact words to express it. But I think you articulated it well. I just wanted to highlight that my intent was not to promote the idea of being artificially nice :)
I wouldn't think of it that way. Being nice actually adds value to the transaction, for both sides.
It sweetens the deal without actually costing anybody anything. Even if nobody takes home any additional dollar bills when the business is concluded, if everyone is trying to be nice, it may be worth going ahead with it anyway, just to build mutual trust and confidence for some future transaction. Though you can't ever spent it directly, and it is difficult to measure, reputation does have monetary value.
Essentially, it's like having a magical purse of silver coins that is never empty, but you can't ever spend even one of them yourself. You can only give them away to other people. Is it better to hoard those coins to yourself, or to give one to everyone you meet?
