How do someone handle office politics?

I’ve had my share of the worst work place politic-ing (backstabbing, gossiping, betrayal, etc) working at a certain bank which now (thank god) i refer to in past tense. The only conclusion that resulted from that horific experience is there is no way you could get rid of backstabbers. There are too many power hungry people out there and there are way too many incompetent ‘managers’ in the working world.

There are only 3 choices. Leave, play the game or live with it.

Leave and go to another place where maybe it isn’t as bad as it is in the current place. But maybe it’s gonna be worst. The definite thing is there will still be office politics where ever you go.

Or

Learn the game. Be power hungry. Be more than a survival and race to the top. Outstage the backstabbers with your own backstabbing but be better than them.

Or

Learn to live with it. Be a survivor. Let them say whatever they want. As long as you are doing your part. But the most important is do not let it impact you psychologically and emotionally. After all, you did nothing wrong. Communicate well with your superior and do not let it get you down. Do not let it affect your mood. It’s a lifestyle in a way. So, it’s how you choose your lifestyle.