Really? I agree that ethics doesn't really apply in this case, as what Tim Ferriss suggests is just basic capitalism (companies always profit off the backs of their workers... what has changed?) but you don't even consider it? i.e. professional assassin is fine as long as pays the bills?
Honestly? Yes, it is. That being said, were I planning to run for President, I probably wouldn't pick a job like professional assassin because if the public found out they likely wouldn't vote for me. I consider ethics only when my perception as ethical/unethical factors into my probability for success at a given task. In this case, Ferriss' success didn't hing on his ability to be ethical and/or not be an ass so it's irrelevant.
Take Google for instance; their Do No Evil mantra. Maybe they really are super ethical people and truly want to improve the world we live in. Or maybe its just really important to appear and be ethical when dealing with tons of information from the public in order to gain the trust necessary for them to use Google services. Either way, it's an important factor for their success.
I don't go out of my way to break social constructs or be a jerk, but my business partner can attest that I don't go out of my way not to, either. Its why he does most of the talking ;)
