For starters, I do believe that Machiavelli's suggestion that it is always better to take the initiative in political life and political struggle coheres with the rest of his advice. He is always saying it is better for you as the ruler to do things yourself, live in the regions you conquer yourself, and don't depend on foreign nations. He definitely maintains the same idea with this piece of advice.
Now the question: is it good advice? I think as a ruler and a citizen it is good advice to take your own initiative politically. For a ruler this means making laws, negotiating (or not) with other countries, and deciding what your country should be involved in on a global scale. As a regular citizen, it means getting involved in your government. Obviously the first thing you do is vote but you can do other things as well, especially in America. Work on a campaign. Protest. Write to your congressperson. Write letters to the editor. Volunteer with your political party. Anything you can do to be active, do it. Finally, you can buy products made in your country to stimulate its economy. In short, I do think Machiavelli's advice is good advice, even today.
You mentioned in your post that, “Finally, you can buy products made in your country to stimulate its economy.” Though you did not expand more on it, I am curious what you meant by this statement. Do you mean by immersing yourself in the economy, you are taking a stance and thus financially be ‘favored by fortune?’ Furthermore, through what means can you be bold in order to succeed? Potentially, this could mean becoming an entrepreneur or taking an interest in the national economy. A famous example comes to mind when speculating this idea: Bill Gates. He was someone who’s ingenuity and firm initiative landed him in a positive position. He took affirmative action by raising a new concept of Microsoft to the general public and most importantly, expanding their technological viewpoints. I think this is the most important aspect when concerning your initial comment. By engaging in the economy, an individual is providing new ideas and options and thus providing incentive to spur the demand. This is being “bold” and taking a strong political stance.
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