This is true. I just don't think Machiavelli was well known for his positive humanitarian outlook towards things. I suppose it's assuming bad faith. You do make a good point though, and it's probably better to try and take a positive message out of it.
Are you confusing Machiavelli for Hobbes? Machiavelli was largely a proponent of liberty, and his patrons whom he gifted the Prince, the Medicis, don't even make the top 5 list for inhumane behavior as far as powerful Italian ruling families go.