The way the world is and the way the world ought to be are not the same. Life should be fair -- but it isn't. GP is not suggesting that OP goes down with the s

The way the world is and the way the world ought to be are not the same. Life should be fair -- but it isn't. GP is not suggesting that OP goes down with the ship; they're suggesting that they get in a life boat first. In these circumstances, IMHO, it's good advice.