If you define success as monetary achievement, then it's been my observation that being *nice* is not generally one of the requirements. I think people get into roles in order to survive. I've done it and decided not to do it anymore. Being able to be myself is extremely important to me.
I think it is interesting that the only two things you comment on are employment and friendship. Maybe it says nothing. Maybe it says something profound about our world. Being nice is difficult to define but on the other hand how do you define achievements- they differ according to each person. Interesting analysis of integrity rather than deception. I know that to achieve what I want in life I just need to be me and everything else will work itself out.