“Even if you are saying something banal,” notes Greene, “it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike. The more you say, the more common things come out of your mouth and the more common you speak, the less interesting and the less in control you are. As French courtesan Ninon de l’Enclos once said, “Imitate those warlike people whose designs are not known except by the ravaged country through which they have passed.” Law No. In other words, engage in false sincerity, set up misleading objects of desire, and put on your best poker face until the moment arrives when you can finally reveal your true colors. 3: Conceal your intentionsĭo not give anyone the chance to see what you are up to – throw them off the scent by using red herrings and smoke screens. Moreover, as modern philosopher Nassim Nicholas Taleb enjoys saying, former friends tend to become permanent enemies, but former enemies turn into permanent friends.
For the same reason, you should trust your enemies more than your friends – only the latter can betray you. “Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure,” observed keenly Roman historian Tacitus in the first century.
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2: Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies Remember: it is not a weakness to disguise your strengths if this eventually grants you power. Instead, make your masters appear more brilliant than they are, and they will promote you. So, don’t go too far in displaying your charm in your desire to please them because you might accomplish the opposite – inspire fear and become a victim of their jealousy. “When it comes to power,” writes Robert Greene, “outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.” Everyone has insecurities, but those who attain high standing in life want to feel secure in their positions. One of the most requested books in American prison libraries, “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene is an amoral but realistic how-to guide to supremacy and manipulation, in the vein of Niccolò Machiavelli’s “Prince.” If you are interested in gaining ultimate control, no need to look further: get ready to learn Greene’s 48 laws of power! Law No.