48 laws of power

The 48 Laws of PowerThe 48 Laws of PowerRobert Greene Robert Greene

&&Joost ElffersJoost Elffers

IntroductionIntroduction

History was made in the court of the History was made in the court of the KingsKingsCourtesans had to influenceCourtesans had to influenceWithout offending or being overt about itWithout offending or being overt about itVelvet gloves & sweet smiles vs. coercion Velvet gloves & sweet smiles vs. coercion & treachery& treacheryBasically a never ending gameBasically a never ending gameToday the world is like one big Kings Today the world is like one big Kings courtcourt


The feeling of no power is unbearableThe feeling of no power is unbearable““Any an who tries to be good all the time is Any an who tries to be good all the time is bound to come to ruin among the great many bound to come to ruin among the great many who are not goodwho are not good”” Niccolo MachiavelliNiccolo MachiavelliMost social interactions are deceptiveMost social interactions are deceptive•• Be many people, hide many peopleBe many people, hide many people

Deception is everywhere in natureDeception is everywhere in nature•• ColoursColours, size, sound, etc, size, sound, etc

If deception is a weapon, patience is a shieldIf deception is a weapon, patience is a shieldJudge all not by their intentions but the result Judge all not by their intentions but the result of their actionsof their actions


Beware the person to who games are Beware the person to who games are considered bad considered bad -- worst manipulators worst manipulators

1.1. They play their weakness & lack of power as a They play their weakness & lack of power as a moral virtue (Law 22)moral virtue (Law 22)

2.2. A non player demands equality when what it A non player demands equality when what it means is distributing rewards from those who means is distributing rewards from those who deserve itdeserve it

3.3. Pretend to be perfectly honest Pretend to be perfectly honest –– that would that would offend many peopleoffend many people

4.4. Portray naivetPortray naivetéé to protect them from seeming to protect them from seeming to want power to want power –– like children (Law 21)like children (Law 21)


Most important is to master your emotionMost important is to master your emotionEmotions cloud reasonEmotions cloud reasonAnger is most destructiveAnger is most destructiveLove is also potentially destructiveLove is also potentially destructiveDistance yourself from the present & Distance yourself from the present & think objectively about the past & futurethink objectively about the past & futureFrom the past, learn From the past, learn –– not grudges & hurtnot grudges & hurt


Half the mastery comes from what you do not Half the mastery comes from what you do not allow yourself to be dragged intoallow yourself to be dragged intoJudge everything by what it costs youJudge everything by what it costs you•• Your goals may not be worth the priceYour goals may not be worth the price•• Opportunities are many & you have limited energyOpportunities are many & you have limited energy

Master player is master psychologistMaster player is master psychologistNever trust anyone completelyNever trust anyone completelyAlways study everyone you deal withAlways study everyone you deal withFinally, always take the indirect route to powerFinally, always take the indirect route to power

1. NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER

Always make those above you feel Always make those above you feel comfortable in their sense of superiority. comfortable in their sense of superiority. In your desire to please or impress them In your desire to please or impress them do not go too far in displaying your do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the talents or you might accomplish the opposite opposite -- inspire fear and insecurity. inspire fear and insecurity. Make them appear more brilliant than Make them appear more brilliant than they are they are -- and you will attain the heights and you will attain the heights of power. of power.

1. NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER

ReversalReversal•• DonDon’’t worry about not upsetting everyone t worry about not upsetting everyone

you meetyou meet•• If the star is falling, do not worry about If the star is falling, do not worry about

outshining himoutshining him•• If the star is falling, let nature take its courseIf the star is falling, let nature take its course

Outshining a feeble master appears spitefulOutshining a feeble master appears spiteful

•• Everyone falls somedayEveryone falls somedayIf you play right you will outshine themIf you play right you will outshine them

Be wary of friends Be wary of friends -- they will betray you they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. In fact because he has more to prove. In fact you have more to fear from friends than you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them. find a way to make them.

2. 2. NEVER PUT TOO MUCH TRUST IN FRIENDS, LEARN HOW TO USE ENEMIES

2. 2. NEVER PUT TOO MUCH TRUST IN FRIENDS, LEARN HOW TO USE ENEMIES

ReversalReversal•• For dirty workFor dirty work•• Scapegoat Scapegoat –– fall of the favouritefall of the favourite

Lose a friend forever so do not use close onesLose a friend forever so do not use close ones

•• If both people understand the dangers it can If both people understand the dangers it can be good to work togetherbe good to work together

3. 3. CONCEAL YOUR INTENTIONS

Keep people off balance and in the dark Keep people off balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind by never revealing the purpose behind your actions. Without a clue as to what your actions. Without a clue as to what you are up to, they cannot prepare a you are up to, they cannot prepare a defense. Guide them far enough down defense. Guide them far enough down the wrong path, envelop them in enough the wrong path, envelop them in enough smoke, and by the time they realize your smoke, and by the time they realize your intentions, it will be too late. intentions, it will be too late.

3. 3. CONCEAL YOUR INTENTIONS

ReversalReversal•• Will not work if you have a deceptive Will not work if you have a deceptive

reputationreputation•• Need to own up as a repented rogueNeed to own up as a repented rogue•• As you get older, it is harder to hideAs you get older, it is harder to hide

4. 4. ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY

When you are trying to impress people When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you're saying something control. Even if you're saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, openvague, open--ended, and sphinxlike. ended, and sphinxlike. Powerful people impress and intimidate Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something more likely you are to say something foolish.foolish.

4. 4. ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY

ReversalReversal•• Sometimes silence causes other meanings & Sometimes silence causes other meanings &

suspicionssuspicions•• Imitate the court jester to seem harmlessImitate the court jester to seem harmless•• Smoke screens for other deceptionsSmoke screens for other deceptions

5. 5. SO MUCH DEPENDS ON REPUTATION GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE

Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Through reputation alone you can Through reputation alone you can intimidate and win; once it slips, intimidate and win; once it slips, however, you are vulnerable, and will be however, you are vulnerable, and will be attacked on all sides. Make your attacked on all sides. Make your reputation unassailable. Always be alert reputation unassailable. Always be alert to potential attacks and thwart them to potential attacks and thwart them before they happen. Meanwhile, learn to before they happen. Meanwhile, learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations. Then stand aside their own reputations. Then stand aside and let public opinion hang them. and let public opinion hang them.

5. 5. SO MUCH DEPENDS ON REPUTATION GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE

ReversalReversal•• There is noneThere is none

6. 6. COURT ATTENTION AT ALL COSTS

Everything is judged by appearance; Everything is judged by appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing. Never what is unseen counts for nothing. Never let yourself be lost in a crowd, then, let yourself be lost in a crowd, then, buried in oblivion. Stand out. Be buried in oblivion. Stand out. Be conspicuous, at all costs. Make yourself a conspicuous, at all costs. Make yourself a magnet of attention by appearing lager, magnet of attention by appearing lager, more colourful, more mysterious than the more colourful, more mysterious than the bland and timid masses.bland and timid masses.

6. 6. COURT ATTENTION AT ALL COSTS

ReversalReversal•• Do not let the air of mystery to be a Do not let the air of mystery to be a

reputation for deceitreputation for deceit•• Do not outshine the masterDo not outshine the master•• Appearing greedy for attention signals Appearing greedy for attention signals

insecurity, which drives away powerinsecurity, which drives away power

7. 7. GET OTHERS TO DO THE WORK FOR YOU, BUT ALWAYS TAKE THE CREDIT

Use the wisdom, knowledge, and legwork Use the wisdom, knowledge, and legwork of other people to further your own of other people to further your own cause. Not only will such assistance save cause. Not only will such assistance save you valuable time and energy, it will give you valuable time and energy, it will give you a godlike aura of efficiency and you a godlike aura of efficiency and speed. In the end your helpers will be speed. In the end your helpers will be forgotten and you will be remembered. forgotten and you will be remembered. Never do yourself what others can do for Never do yourself what others can do for you.you.

7. 7. GET OTHERS TO DO THE WORK FOR YOU, BUT ALWAYS TAKE THE CREDIT

ReversalReversal•• Let people above you take the short term Let people above you take the short term

creditcredit•• If your talent is not good it will seem like If your talent is not good it will seem like

pushing people out of the limelightpushing people out of the limelight

8. 8. MAKE OTHER PEOPLE COME TO YOU USE BAIT IF NECESSARY

When you force the other person to act, When you force the other person to act, you are the one in control. It is always you are the one in control. It is always better to make your opponent come to better to make your opponent come to you, abandoning his own plans in the you, abandoning his own plans in the process. Lure him with fabulous gains process. Lure him with fabulous gains --then attack. You hold the cardsthen attack. You hold the cards

8. 8. MAKE OTHER PEOPLE COME TO YOU USE BAIT IF NECESSARY

ReversalReversal•• Surprise the enemy with an attackSurprise the enemy with an attack•• If time is against youIf time is against you•• If the enemy is weakerIf the enemy is weaker

9. 9. WIN THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS, NEVER THROUGH ARGUMENT

Any momentary triumph you think you Any momentary triumph you think you have gained through argument is really a have gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory: the resentment and ill will Pyrrhic victory: the resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion. than any momentary change of opinion. It is much more powerful to get others to It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.not explicate.

9. 9. WIN THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS, NEVER THROUGH ARGUMENT

ReversalReversal•• Covering up deception or a lieCovering up deception or a lie

10. 10. INFECTION: AVOID THE UNHAPPY AND UNLUCKY

You can die from someone else's misery You can die from someone else's misery --emotional states are as infectious as emotional states are as infectious as diseases. You may feel you are helping diseases. You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster. The precipitating your own disaster. The unfortunate sometimes draw misfortune unfortunate sometimes draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on on themselves; they will also draw it on you. Associate with the happy and you. Associate with the happy and fortunate instead. fortunate instead.

10. 10. INFECTION: AVOID THE UNHAPPY AND UNLUCKY


11. 11. LEARN TO KEEP PEOPLE DEPENDENT ON YOU

To maintain your independence you must To maintain your independence you must always be needed and wanted. The more always be needed and wanted. The more you are relied on, the more freedom you you are relied on, the more freedom you have. Make people depend on you for have. Make people depend on you for their happiness and prosperity and you their happiness and prosperity and you have nothing to fear. Never teach them have nothing to fear. Never teach them enough so that they can do without you.enough so that they can do without you.

11. 11. LEARN TO KEEP PEOPLE DEPENDENT ON YOU

ReversalReversal•• Making others dependent on you makes you Making others dependent on you makes you

in some measure dependent on themin some measure dependent on them

12. 12. USE SELECTIVE HONESTY AND GENEROSITY TO DISARM YOUR VICTIM

One sincere and honest move will cover One sincere and honest move will cover over dozens of dishonest ones. Openover dozens of dishonest ones. Open--hearted gestures of honesty and hearted gestures of honesty and generosity bring down the guard of even generosity bring down the guard of even the most suspicious people. Once your the most suspicious people. Once your selective honesty opens a hole in their selective honesty opens a hole in their armor, you can deceive and manipulate armor, you can deceive and manipulate them at will. A timely gift them at will. A timely gift -- a Trojan a Trojan horse horse -- will serve the same purpose.will serve the same purpose.

12. 12. USE SELECTIVE HONESTY AND GENEROSITY TO DISARM YOUR VICTIM

ReversalReversal•• With a history of deceit, no honesty will workWith a history of deceit, no honesty will work

If you need to turn to an ally for help, do If you need to turn to an ally for help, do not bother to remind him of your past not bother to remind him of your past assistance and good deeds. He will find a assistance and good deeds. He will find a way to ignore you. Instead, uncover way to ignore you. Instead, uncover something in your request, or in your something in your request, or in your alliance with him, that will benefit him, alliance with him, that will benefit him, and emphasize it out of all proportion. He and emphasize it out of all proportion. He will respond enthusiastically when he will respond enthusiastically when he sees something to be gained for himself.sees something to be gained for himself.

13. 13. WHEN ASKING FOR HELP, APPEAL TO PEOPLE’S SELF-INTEREST, NEVER TO

THEIR MERCY OR GRATITUDE

13. 13. WHEN ASKING FOR HELP, APPEAL TO PEOPLE’S SELF-INTEREST, NEVER TO

THEIR MERCY OR GRATITUDEReversalReversal•• Some people prefer giving charitySome people prefer giving charity•• Some people give to feel powerSome people give to feel power

14. 14. POSE AS A FRIEND, WORK AS A SPY

Knowing about your rival is critical. Use Knowing about your rival is critical. Use spies to gather valuable information that spies to gather valuable information that will keep you a step ahead. Better still: will keep you a step ahead. Better still: play the spy yourself. In polite social play the spy yourself. In polite social encounters, learn to probe. Ask indirect encounters, learn to probe. Ask indirect questions to get people to reveal their questions to get people to reveal their weaknesses and intentions. There is no weaknesses and intentions. There is no occasion that is not an opportunity for occasion that is not an opportunity for artful spying.artful spying.

14. 14. POSE AS A FRIEND, WORK AS A SPY

ReversalReversal•• Since others will spy on you, give out Since others will spy on you, give out

protective false informationprotective false information•• Truth is so precious that she should always Truth is so precious that she should always

be tended by a bodyguard of lies be tended by a bodyguard of lies –– Winston Winston ChurchillChurchill

15. 15. CRUSH YOUR ENEMY TOTALLY

All great leaders since Moses have known All great leaders since Moses have known that a feared enemy must be crushed that a feared enemy must be crushed completely. (Sometimes they have completely. (Sometimes they have learned this the hard way.) If one ember learned this the hard way.) If one ember is left alight, no matter how dimly it is left alight, no matter how dimly it smolders, a fire will eventually break out. smolders, a fire will eventually break out. More is lost through stopping halfway More is lost through stopping halfway than through total annihilation: the than through total annihilation: the enemy will recover, and will seek enemy will recover, and will seek revenge. Crush him, not only in body but revenge. Crush him, not only in body but in spirit.in spirit.

15. 15. CRUSH YOUR ENEMY TOTALLY

ReversalReversal•• Should be rarely ignoredShould be rarely ignored•• It possible let them crush themselvesIt possible let them crush themselves•• Cornered in war makes people fight harderCornered in war makes people fight harder•• Giving escape routes uses their energyGiving escape routes uses their energy•• Any bit left will come back for you laterAny bit left will come back for you later

16. 16. USE ABSENCE TO INCREASE RESPECT AND HONOR

Too much circulation makes the price go Too much circulation makes the price go down: the more you are seen and heard down: the more you are seen and heard from, the more common you appear. If from, the more common you appear. If you are already established in a group, you are already established in a group, temporary withdrawal from it will make temporary withdrawal from it will make you more talked about, even more you more talked about, even more admired. You must learn when to leave. admired. You must learn when to leave. Create value through scarcity. Create value through scarcity.

16. 16. USE ABSENCE TO INCREASE RESPECT AND HONOR

ReversalReversal•• In the beginning make yourself omnipresentIn the beginning make yourself omnipresent•• Useful only if you have established presenceUseful only if you have established presence•• Leave too early and you will be forgottenLeave too early and you will be forgotten

Humans are creatures of habit with an Humans are creatures of habit with an insatiable need to see familiarity in other insatiable need to see familiarity in other peoplepeople’’s actions. Your predictability gives s actions. Your predictability gives them a sense of control. Turn the tables: them a sense of control. Turn the tables: be deliberately unpredictable. Behavior be deliberately unpredictable. Behavior that seems to have no consistency or that seems to have no consistency or purpose will keep them off balance, and purpose will keep them off balance, and they will wear themselves out trying to they will wear themselves out trying to explain your moves. Taken to an explain your moves. Taken to an extreme, this strategy can intimidate and extreme, this strategy can intimidate and terrorize. terrorize.

17. 17. KEEP OTHERS IN SUSPENSE: CULTIVATE AN AIR OF UNPREDICTABILITY

17. 17. KEEP OTHERS IN SUSPENSE: CULTIVATE AN AIR OF UNPREDICTABILITY

ReversalReversal•• May not work as a subordinateMay not work as a subordinate•• Predictability can be favourable by putting Predictability can be favourable by putting

others at easeothers at ease•• Predictability is a good setup for doing a rare Predictability is a good setup for doing a rare

unpredictable thingunpredictable thing•• When you need a smoke screenWhen you need a smoke screen

The world is dangerous and enemies are The world is dangerous and enemies are everywhere everywhere -- everyone has to protect everyone has to protect themselves. A fortress seems the safest. themselves. A fortress seems the safest. But isolation exposes you to more But isolation exposes you to more dangers than it protects you from dangers than it protects you from -- it it cuts you off from valuable information, it cuts you off from valuable information, it makes you conspicuous and an easy makes you conspicuous and an easy target. Better to circulate among people, target. Better to circulate among people, find allies, mingle. You are shielded from find allies, mingle. You are shielded from your enemies by the crowd. your enemies by the crowd.

18. 18. DO NOT BUILD FORTRESSES TO PROTECT YOURSELF - ISOLATION IS

DANGEROUS

18. 18. DO NOT BUILD FORTRESSES TO PROTECT YOURSELF - ISOLATION IS

DANGEROUSReversalReversal•• In thought, isolation blocks society noise and In thought, isolation blocks society noise and

lets you see the big picturelets you see the big picture•• However, beware to come back to societyHowever, beware to come back to society

There are many different kinds of people There are many different kinds of people in the world, and you can never assume in the world, and you can never assume that everyone will react to your strategies that everyone will react to your strategies in the same way. Deceive or in the same way. Deceive or outmaneuver some people and they will outmaneuver some people and they will spend the rest of their lives seeking spend the rest of their lives seeking revenge. They are wolves in lambs' revenge. They are wolves in lambs' clothing. Choose your victims and clothing. Choose your victims and opponents carefully, then opponents carefully, then -- never offend never offend or deceive the wrong person.or deceive the wrong person.

19. 19. KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH - DO NOT OFFEND THE WRONG PERSON

19. 19. KNOW WHO YOU'RE DEALING WITH - DO NOT OFFEND THE WRONG PERSON


20. 20. DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE

It is the fool who always rushes to take It is the fool who always rushes to take sides. Do not commit to any side or cause sides. Do not commit to any side or cause but yourself. By maintaining your but yourself. By maintaining your independence, you become the master of independence, you become the master of others others -- playing people against one playing people against one another, making them pursue you.another, making them pursue you.

20. 20. DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE

ReversalReversal•• Taken too it will go against youTaken too it will go against you•• Play with too many factions and they will Play with too many factions and they will

gang up against yougang up against you•• Sometimes a stand is needed to show Sometimes a stand is needed to show

strengthstrength•• If you do not commit the opportunity for you If you do not commit the opportunity for you

may be closedmay be closed

No one likes feeling stupider than the No one likes feeling stupider than the next person. The trick, then, is to make next person. The trick, then, is to make your victims feel smart your victims feel smart -- and not just and not just smart, but smarter than you are. Once smart, but smarter than you are. Once convinced of this, they will never suspect convinced of this, they will never suspect that you may have ulterior motives.that you may have ulterior motives.

21. 21. PLAY A SUCKER TO CATCH A SUCKER -SEEM DUMBER THAN YOUR MARK

21. 21. PLAY A SUCKER TO CATCH A SUCKER -SEEM DUMBER THAN YOUR MARK

ReversalReversal•• At the start of the climb to the top it does not At the start of the climb to the top it does not

pay to look stupidpay to look stupid•• Be an expert to cover deception Be an expert to cover deception

22. 22. USE THE SURRENDER TACTIC: TRANSFORM WEAKNESS INTO POWER

When you are weaker, never fight for When you are weaker, never fight for honorhonor’’s sake; choose surrender instead. s sake; choose surrender instead. Surrender gives you time to recover, time Surrender gives you time to recover, time to torment and irritate your conqueror, to torment and irritate your conqueror, time to wait for his power to wane. Do time to wait for his power to wane. Do not give him the satisfaction of fighting not give him the satisfaction of fighting and defeating you and defeating you -- surrender first. By surrender first. By turning the other cheek you infuriate and turning the other cheek you infuriate and unsettle him. Make surrender a tool of unsettle him. Make surrender a tool of power.power.

22. 22. USE THE SURRENDER TACTIC: TRANSFORM WEAKNESS INTO POWER

ReversalReversal•• If the enemy will not relent, then martyrdom If the enemy will not relent, then martyrdom

may be the optionmay be the option•• When power deserts you, it is better to When power deserts you, it is better to

ignore the reversalignore the reversal

23. 23. CONCENTRATE YOUR FORCES

Conserve your forces and energies by Conserve your forces and energies by keeping them concentrated at their keeping them concentrated at their strongest point. You gain more by finding strongest point. You gain more by finding a rich mine and mining it deeper, than by a rich mine and mining it deeper, than by flitting from one shallow mine to another flitting from one shallow mine to another -- intensity defeats extensity every time. intensity defeats extensity every time. When looking for sources of power to When looking for sources of power to elevate you, find the one key patron, the elevate you, find the one key patron, the fat cow who will give you milk for a long fat cow who will give you milk for a long time to come.time to come.

23. 23. CONCENTRATE YOUR FORCES

ReversalReversal•• Dispersion is often good for the weaker side Dispersion is often good for the weaker side

–– guerrilla warfareguerrilla warfare•• If your only source of power goesIf your only source of power goes……•• In the art world it is sometimes better to In the art world it is sometimes better to

experimentexperiment

24. 24. PLAY THE PERFECT COURTIER

The perfect courtier thrives in a world The perfect courtier thrives in a world where everything revolves around power where everything revolves around power and political dexterity. He has mastered and political dexterity. He has mastered the art of indirection; he flatters, yields the art of indirection; he flatters, yields to superiors, and asserts power over to superiors, and asserts power over others in the most oblique and graceful others in the most oblique and graceful manner. Learn and apply the laws of manner. Learn and apply the laws of courtiership and there will be no limit to courtiership and there will be no limit to how far you can rise in the court. how far you can rise in the court.

24. 24. PLAY THE PERFECT COURTIER


However never get a trick or deception caughtHowever never get a trick or deception caught

25. 25. RE-CREATE YOURSELF

Do not accept the roles that society foists Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. Reon you. Re--create yourself by forging a create yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image rather Be the master of your own image rather than letting others define it for you. than letting others define it for you. Incorporate dramatic devices into your Incorporate dramatic devices into your public gestures and actions public gestures and actions -- your power your power will be enhanced and your character will will be enhanced and your character will seem larger than life.seem larger than life.

25. 25. RE-CREATE YOURSELF


However do not overact or be too dramaticHowever do not overact or be too dramatic

26. 26. KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN

You must seem a paragon of civility and You must seem a paragon of civility and efficiency: your hands are never soiled by efficiency: your hands are never soiled by mistakes and nasty deeds. Maintain such mistakes and nasty deeds. Maintain such a spotless appearance by using others as a spotless appearance by using others as unwitting pawns and screens to disguise unwitting pawns and screens to disguise your involvement. your involvement.

26. 26. KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN

ReversalReversal•• If powerful enough, sometimes you can take If powerful enough, sometimes you can take

the blamethe blame•• It you want to show power, sometimes do It you want to show power, sometimes do

not disguise an attacknot disguise an attack

People have an overwhelming desire to People have an overwhelming desire to believe in something. Become the focal believe in something. Become the focal point of such desire by offering them a point of such desire by offering them a cause, a new faith to follow. Keep your cause, a new faith to follow. Keep your words vague but full of promise; words vague but full of promise; emphasize enthusiasm over rationality emphasize enthusiasm over rationality and clear thinking. Give your new and clear thinking. Give your new disciples rituals to perform, ask them to disciples rituals to perform, ask them to make sacrifices on your behalf. In the make sacrifices on your behalf. In the absence of organized religion and grand absence of organized religion and grand causes, your new belief system will bring causes, your new belief system will bring you untold power.you untold power.

27. 27. PLAY ON PEOPLE'S NEED TO BELIEVE TO CREATE A CULTLIKE FOLLOWING

27. 27. PLAY ON PEOPLE'S NEED TO BELIEVE TO CREATE A CULTLIKE FOLLOWING

ReversalReversal•• If you dupe a crowd and they find out, it is If you dupe a crowd and they find out, it is

harder to escape harder to escape –– deal one to onedeal one to one

28. 28. ENTER ACTION WITH BOLDNESS

If you are unsure of a course of action, If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubts and do not attempt it. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: better to enter Timidity is dangerous: better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. Everyone admires with more audacity. Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid.the bold; no one honors the timid.

28. 28. ENTER ACTION WITH BOLDNESS

ReversalReversal•• Although timidity has not place in power, use Although timidity has not place in power, use

it as a weapon to draw people closerit as a weapon to draw people closer•• Over audacity may become cruelty resulting Over audacity may become cruelty resulting

in failurein failure

29. 29. PLAN ALL THE WAY TO THE END

The ending is everything. Plan all the way The ending is everything. Plan all the way to it, taking into account all the possible to it, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles, and twists of consequences, obstacles, and twists of fortune that might reverse your hard fortune that might reverse your hard work and give the glory to others. By work and give the glory to others. By planning to the end you will not be planning to the end you will not be overwhelmed by circumstances and you overwhelmed by circumstances and you will know when to stop. Gently guide will know when to stop. Gently guide fortune and help determine the future by fortune and help determine the future by thinking far ahead. thinking far ahead.

29. 29. PLAN ALL THE WAY TO THE END

ReversalReversal•• There is noneThere is none•• However never have rigidity However never have rigidity

30. 30. MAKE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS SEEM EFFORTLESS

Your actions must seem natural and Your actions must seem natural and executed with ease. All the toil and executed with ease. All the toil and practice that go into them, and also all practice that go into them, and also all the clever tricks, must be concealed. the clever tricks, must be concealed. When you act, act effortlessly, as if you When you act, act effortlessly, as if you could do much more. Avoid the could do much more. Avoid the temptation of revealing how hard you temptation of revealing how hard you work work -- it only raises questions. Teach no it only raises questions. Teach no one your tricks or they will be used one your tricks or they will be used against you. against you.

30. 30. MAKE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS SEEM EFFORTLESS

ReversalReversal•• Partial revelation to show capabilityPartial revelation to show capability

The best deceptions are the ones that The best deceptions are the ones that seem to give the other person a choice: seem to give the other person a choice: your victims feel they are in control, but your victims feel they are in control, but are actually your puppets. Give people are actually your puppets. Give people options that come out in your favor options that come out in your favor whichever one they choose. Force them whichever one they choose. Force them to make choices between the lesser of to make choices between the lesser of two evils, both of which serve your two evils, both of which serve your purpose. Put them on the horns of a purpose. Put them on the horns of a dilemma: they are gored wherever they dilemma: they are gored wherever they turn. turn.

31. 31. CONTROL THE OPTIONS: GET OTHERS TO PLAY WITH THE CARDS YOU DEAL

31. 31. CONTROL THE OPTIONS: GET OTHERS TO PLAY WITH THE CARDS YOU DEAL

ReversalReversal•• In the short term, wait and listen to others In the short term, wait and listen to others

for their strategy and inputfor their strategy and input

32. 32. PLAY TO PEOPLE’S FANTASIES

The truth is often avoided because it is The truth is often avoided because it is ugly and unpleasant. Never appeal to ugly and unpleasant. Never appeal to truth and reality unless you are prepared truth and reality unless you are prepared for the anger that comes from for the anger that comes from disenchantment. Life is so harsh and disenchantment. Life is so harsh and distressing, that people who can distressing, that people who can manufacture romance or conjure up manufacture romance or conjure up fantasy are like oases in the desert: fantasy are like oases in the desert: everyone flocks to them. There is great everyone flocks to them. There is great power in tapping into the fantasies of the power in tapping into the fantasies of the masses.masses.

32. 32. PLAY TO PEOPLE’S FANTASIES

ReversalReversal•• Not when you cannot fulfill promisesNot when you cannot fulfill promises

33. 33. DISCOVER EACH MAN'S THUMBSCREW

Everyone has a weakness, a gap in the Everyone has a weakness, a gap in the castle wall. That weakness is usually an castle wall. That weakness is usually an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need; it can also be a small secret need; it can also be a small secret pleasure. Either way, once found, it is a pleasure. Either way, once found, it is a thumbscrew you can turn to your thumbscrew you can turn to your advantage. advantage.

33. 33. DISCOVER EACH MAN'S THUMBSCREW

ReversalReversal•• Certain emotional people may behave in a Certain emotional people may behave in a

way unpredictable or that goes against youway unpredictable or that goes against you

The way you carry yourself will often The way you carry yourself will often determine how you are treated: in the determine how you are treated: in the long run, appearing vulgar or common long run, appearing vulgar or common will make people disrespect you. For a will make people disrespect you. For a king respects himself, and inspires the king respects himself, and inspires the same sentiment in others. By acting same sentiment in others. By acting regally and confident of your powers, you regally and confident of your powers, you make yourself seem destined to wear a make yourself seem destined to wear a crown.crown.

34. 34. BE ROYAL IN YOUR OWN FASHION: ACT LIKE A KING TO BE TREATED LIKE ONE

34. 34. BE ROYAL IN YOUR OWN FASHION: ACT LIKE A KING TO BE TREATED LIKE ONE

ReversalReversal•• Never loom to high so as to be a targetNever loom to high so as to be a target•• Never elevate yourself by humiliating othersNever elevate yourself by humiliating others

35. 35. MASTER THE ART OF TIMING

Never seem to be in a hurry Never seem to be in a hurry -- hurrying hurrying betrays a lack of control over yourself, betrays a lack of control over yourself, and over time. Always seem patient, as if and over time. Always seem patient, as if you know that everything will come to you know that everything will come to you eventually. Become a detective of you eventually. Become a detective of the right moment; sniff out the spirit of the right moment; sniff out the spirit of the times, the trends that will carry you the times, the trends that will carry you to power. Learn to stand back when the to power. Learn to stand back when the time is not yet ripe, and to strike fiercely time is not yet ripe, and to strike fiercely when it has reached fruition. when it has reached fruition.

35. 35. MASTER THE ART OF TIMING


By acknowledging a petty problem you By acknowledging a petty problem you give it existence and credibility. The more give it existence and credibility. The more attention you pay an enemy, the stronger attention you pay an enemy, the stronger you make him; and a small mistake is you make him; and a small mistake is often made worse and more visible when often made worse and more visible when you try to fix it. It is sometimes best to you try to fix it. It is sometimes best to leave things alone. If there is something leave things alone. If there is something you want but cannot have, show you want but cannot have, show contempt for it. The less interest you contempt for it. The less interest you reveal, the more superior you seem.reveal, the more superior you seem.

36. 36. DISDAIN THINGS YOU CANNOT HAVE: IGNORING THEM IS THE BEST REVENGE

36. 36. DISDAIN THINGS YOU CANNOT HAVE: IGNORING THEM IS THE BEST REVENGE

ReversalReversal•• Beware the people that will grow and do the Beware the people that will grow and do the

same to yousame to you

37. 37. CREATE COMPELLING SPECTACLES

Striking imagery and grand symbolic Striking imagery and grand symbolic gestures create the aura of power gestures create the aura of power --everyone responds to them. Stage everyone responds to them. Stage spectacles for those around you, then, spectacles for those around you, then, full of arresting visuals and radiant full of arresting visuals and radiant symbols that heighten your presence. symbols that heighten your presence. Dazzled by appearances, no one will Dazzled by appearances, no one will notice what you are really doing. notice what you are really doing.

37. 37. CREATE COMPELLING SPECTACLES


38. 38. THINK AS YOU LIKE BUT BEHAVE LIKE OTHERS

If you make a show of going against the If you make a show of going against the times, flaunting your unconventional times, flaunting your unconventional ideas and unorthodox ways, people will ideas and unorthodox ways, people will think that you only want attention and think that you only want attention and that you look down upon them. They will that you look down upon them. They will find a way to punish you for making them find a way to punish you for making them feel inferior. It is far safer to blend in and feel inferior. It is far safer to blend in and nurture the common touch. Share your nurture the common touch. Share your originality only with tolerant friends and originality only with tolerant friends and those who are sure to appreciate your those who are sure to appreciate your uniqueness. uniqueness.

38. 38. THINK AS YOU LIKE BUT BEHAVE LIKE OTHERS

ReversalReversal•• Stand out when you already stand outStand out when you already stand out

39. 39. STIR UP WATERS TO CATCH FISH

Anger and emotion are strategically Anger and emotion are strategically counterproductive. You must always stay counterproductive. You must always stay calm and objective. But if you can make calm and objective. But if you can make your enemies angry while staying calm your enemies angry while staying calm yourself, you gain a decided advantage. yourself, you gain a decided advantage. Put your enemies offPut your enemies off--balance: find the balance: find the chink in their vanity through which you chink in their vanity through which you can rattle them and you hold the strings. can rattle them and you hold the strings.

39. 39. STIR UP WATERS TO CATCH FISH

ReversalReversal•• Never stir up waters that can be used against Never stir up waters that can be used against

youyou•• Never stir too often as it loses powerNever stir too often as it loses power

40. 40. DESPISE THE FREE LUNCH

What is offered for free is dangerous What is offered for free is dangerous -- it it usually involves either a trick or a hidden usually involves either a trick or a hidden obligation. What has worth is worth obligation. What has worth is worth paying for. By paying your own way you paying for. By paying your own way you stay clear of gratitude, guilt, and deceit. stay clear of gratitude, guilt, and deceit. It is also often wise to pay the full price It is also often wise to pay the full price --there is no cutting corners with there is no cutting corners with excellence. Be lavish with your money excellence. Be lavish with your money and keep it circulating, for generosity is a and keep it circulating, for generosity is a sign and a magnet for power.sign and a magnet for power.

40. 40. DESPISE THE FREE LUNCH

ReversalReversal•• When offering a free lunch for baitWhen offering a free lunch for bait

41. 41. AVOID STEPPING INTO A GREAT MAN'S SHOES

What happens first always appears better What happens first always appears better and more original than what comes after. and more original than what comes after. If you succeed a great man or have a If you succeed a great man or have a famous parent, you will have to famous parent, you will have to accomplish double their achievements to accomplish double their achievements to outshine them. Do not get lost in their outshine them. Do not get lost in their shadow, or stuck in a past not of your shadow, or stuck in a past not of your own making: establish your own name own making: establish your own name and identity by changing course. Slay the and identity by changing course. Slay the overbearing father, disparage his legacy, overbearing father, disparage his legacy, and gain power by shining in your own and gain power by shining in your own way.way.

41. 41. AVOID STEPPING INTO A GREAT MAN'S SHOES

ReversalReversal•• When using a great manWhen using a great man’’s shadow to ride to s shadow to ride to

the topthe top•• Use the great manUse the great man’’s methods if they are wise s methods if they are wise

and acceptedand accepted•• Beware of others below you stepping into Beware of others below you stepping into

your shoesyour shoes

42. 42. STRIKE THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP WILL SCATTER

Trouble can often be traced to a single Trouble can often be traced to a single strong individual strong individual -- the stirrer, the the stirrer, the arrogant underling, the poisoner of good arrogant underling, the poisoner of good will. If you allow such people room to will. If you allow such people room to operate, others will succumb to their operate, others will succumb to their influence. Do not wait for the troubles influence. Do not wait for the troubles they cause to multiply, do not try to they cause to multiply, do not try to negotiate with them negotiate with them -- they are they are irredeemable. Neutralize their influence irredeemable. Neutralize their influence by isolating or banishing them. Strike at by isolating or banishing them. Strike at the source of the trouble and the sheep the source of the trouble and the sheep will scatter. will scatter.

42. 42. STRIKE THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP WILL SCATTER

ReversalReversal•• Beware if they can return to do you harmBeware if they can return to do you harm

Keep them close to disarm themKeep them close to disarm them

43. 43. WORK ON THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF OTHERS

Coercion creates a reaction that will Coercion creates a reaction that will eventually work against you. You must eventually work against you. You must seduce others into wanting to move in seduce others into wanting to move in your direction. A person you have your direction. A person you have seduced becomes your loyal pawn. And seduced becomes your loyal pawn. And the way to seduce others is to operate on the way to seduce others is to operate on their individual psychologies and their individual psychologies and weaknesses. Soften up the resistant by weaknesses. Soften up the resistant by working on their emotions, playing on working on their emotions, playing on what they hold dear and what they fear. what they hold dear and what they fear. Ignore the hearts and minds of others Ignore the hearts and minds of others and they will grow to hate you. and they will grow to hate you.

43. 43. WORK ON THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF OTHERS


44. 44. DISARM AND INFURIATE WITH THE MIRROR EFFECT

The mirror reflects reality, but it is also The mirror reflects reality, but it is also the perfect tool for deception: when you the perfect tool for deception: when you mirror your enemies, doing exactly as mirror your enemies, doing exactly as they do, they cannot figure out your they do, they cannot figure out your strategy. The Mirror Effect mocks and strategy. The Mirror Effect mocks and humiliates them, making them overreact. humiliates them, making them overreact. By holding up a mirror to their psyches, By holding up a mirror to their psyches, you seduce them with the illusion that you seduce them with the illusion that you share their values; by holding up a you share their values; by holding up a mirror to their actions, you teach them a mirror to their actions, you teach them a lesson. Few can resist the power of the lesson. Few can resist the power of the Mirror Effect. Mirror Effect.

44. 44. DISARM AND INFURIATE WITH THE MIRROR EFFECT

ReversalReversal•• When you cannot mirror to the right levelWhen you cannot mirror to the right level•• Where you get wrongly associated with the Where you get wrongly associated with the

people left behindpeople left behind

Everyone understands the need for Everyone understands the need for change in the abstract, but on the daychange in the abstract, but on the day--toto--day level people are creatures of day level people are creatures of habit. Too much innovation is traumatic, habit. Too much innovation is traumatic, and will lead to revolt. If you are new to and will lead to revolt. If you are new to a position of power, or an outsider trying a position of power, or an outsider trying to build a power base, make a show of to build a power base, make a show of respecting the old way of doing things. If respecting the old way of doing things. If change is necessary, make it feel like a change is necessary, make it feel like a gentle improvement on the past. gentle improvement on the past.

45. 45. PREACH THE NEED FOR CHANGE, BUT NEVER REFORM TOO MUCH AT ONCE

45. 45. PREACH THE NEED FOR CHANGE, BUT NEVER REFORM TOO MUCH AT ONCE

ReversalReversal•• An unacceptable past that has been removedAn unacceptable past that has been removed

However do not leave a void as it creates terrorHowever do not leave a void as it creates terror

•• Arts, fashion & technologyArts, fashion & technologyHowever the past is more stableHowever the past is more stable

46. 46. NEVER APPEAR TOO PERFECT

Appearing better than others is always Appearing better than others is always dangerous, but most dangerous of all is dangerous, but most dangerous of all is to appear to have no faults or to appear to have no faults or weaknesses. Envy creates silent enemies. weaknesses. Envy creates silent enemies. It is smart to occasionally display defects, It is smart to occasionally display defects, and admit to harmless vices, in order to and admit to harmless vices, in order to deflect envy and appear more human and deflect envy and appear more human and approachable. Only gods and the dead approachable. Only gods and the dead can seem perfect with impunity. can seem perfect with impunity.

46. 46. NEVER APPEAR TOO PERFECT

ReversalReversal•• When you want to trap you enemies in envyWhen you want to trap you enemies in envy

The moment of victory is often the The moment of victory is often the moment of greatest peril. In the heat of moment of greatest peril. In the heat of victory, arrogance and overconfidence victory, arrogance and overconfidence can push you past the goal you had can push you past the goal you had aimed for, and by going too far, you aimed for, and by going too far, you make more enemies than you defeat. Do make more enemies than you defeat. Do not allow success to go to your head. not allow success to go to your head. There is no substitute for strategy and There is no substitute for strategy and careful planning. Set a goal, and when careful planning. Set a goal, and when you reach it, stop. you reach it, stop.

47. 47. DO NOT GO PAST THE MARK YOU AIMED FOR; IN VICTORY, LEARN WHEN TO STOP

47. 47. DO NOT GO PAST THE MARK YOU AIMED FOR; IN VICTORY, LEARN WHEN TO STOP

ReversalReversal•• When you need to completely destroy the When you need to completely destroy the

enemyenemyHowever do not create more enemiesHowever do not create more enemies

•• Buyers remorse is unnecessary Buyers remorse is unnecessary

48. 48. ASSUME FORMLESSNESS

By taking a shape, by having a visible By taking a shape, by having a visible plan, you open yourself to attack. Instead plan, you open yourself to attack. Instead of taking a form for your enemy to grasp, of taking a form for your enemy to grasp, keep yourself adaptable and on the keep yourself adaptable and on the move. Accept the fact that nothing is move. Accept the fact that nothing is certain and no law is fixed. The best way certain and no law is fixed. The best way to protect yourself is to be as fluid and to protect yourself is to be as fluid and formless as water; never bet on stability formless as water; never bet on stability or lasting order. Everything changes. or lasting order. Everything changes.

48. 48. ASSUME FORMLESSNESS

ReversalReversal•• Concentrate power when it is neededConcentrate power when it is needed

48 laws of power

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