Given that lot of politicking is socially damaging (but promotes interests of a person or a small group), it can be valid to feel good about not engaging in it(

Given that lot of politicking is socially damaging (but promotes interests of a person or a small group), it can be valid to feel good about not engaging in it(maybe not proud) - just like say one might feel good about being honest. Of course, one can use political skills in a beneficial way(for which purpose it is worth learning). That is rare. Secondly, being innocent or straightforward is itself a political strategy even if not deployed consciously. This signals that other people can read you directly and hence rely on your words and that you wont backstab etc. Societies which have this level of trustworthiness also tend to flourish.