Quotes

48 laws of power (part 1)

Book by Robert Greene.

1. NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER.

• Present your ideas in such a manner that they may be ascribed to your master, or could be viewed as an echo of your master's thoughts.

• If you are more intelligent than your master, act as if you are not.

• Never take your position for granted.

• Never let favors you receive go to your head.

• Discreet flattery is much more powerful. Make it seem like you want to seek his expertise and advice.

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

Do not rely on friends. They will never be totally honest with you. They will not openly disagree with you in order to avoid arguments. Enemies expect nothing so they will be surprised when you are generous. An enemy spared the guillotine will be more grateful to you than a friend. When you decide to hire a friend you will discover qualities she has kept hidden. Skill and competence are more important than friendly feelings. Hiring friends will limit your power.

All working situations require a kind of distance between people. You destroy an enemy when you make a friend of him. An enemy at your heels keeps you sharp, alert, and focused.

3. CONCEAL YOUR INTENTIONS.

A noble gesture can be a smoke screen to hide your true intentions.

Blend in and people will be less suspicious.

4. ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY.

Saying less will keep you from saying something foolish or even dangerous.

• Once the words are out you cannot take them back.

• Keeping silent makes people reveal more about themselves. This is information you may be able to use against them later on.

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

A solid reputation increases your presence and exaggerates your strengths without your having to spend much energy.

• Never appear desperate in your self-defense against the slander of others.

• Be careful not to go too far in attacking another's reputation, it draws more attention to your vengefulness than to the person you are slandering. Use subtler tactics like satire and ridicule.

6. COURT ATTENTION AT ALL COST.

Surround your name with the sensational and the scandalous.

Create an air of mystery.

It is better to be attacked and slandered than ignored.

Make yourself appear larger than life.

Any sort of notoriety will bring you power.

7. GET OTHERS TO DO THE WORK FOR YOU, BUT ALWAYS TAKE THE CREDIT.
Save time and energy by hiring others to do the work.

• Your helpers will be forgotten and you will be remembered.

• Borrow from history. Use the past and profit by others' experience.

• You can only exploit others' talents if your position is unshakable.

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

For negotiations and meetings, it is wise to lure others into your territory, or a territory of your choice.