The 48 Laws of Power (Animated)

Summary

This script delves into the art of power and manipulation through 48 laws, illustrating each with historical anecdotes. It advises on outshining no one, the futility of trust, and the importance of reputation. The narrative covers the cunning of rulers, the strategic use of enemies, and the wisdom of appearing unpredictable. It emphasizes the need for adaptability, the perils of isolation, and the value of boldness in seizing opportunities. The laws guide on how to influence, when to concede, and the necessity of appearing unassuming, all while maintaining a low profile in the grand game of power.

Takeaways

• 👑 **Never Outshine the Master**: Avoid appearing superior to those in authority to prevent negative consequences.
• 🔍 **Trust With Caution**: Maintain a level of skepticism in friendships, as history shows that even saviors can become betrayers.
• 🎭 **Conceal Your Intentions**: Subtlety in expressing desires can prevent loss of interest or advantage.
• 🤐 **Speak Less, Say More**: Being reserved in speech can add an air of mystery and prevent revealing too much.
• 🛡 **Guard Your Reputation**: A strong reputation can deter adversaries and is crucial for success.
• 🌟 **Seek Attention Wisely**: Notoriety can keep one from being overlooked, but it requires a balance to avoid negative attention.
• 👥 **Delegate Effectively**: Leveraging the talents of others can amplify one's own success without doing all the work personally.
• 🎣 **Use Bait to Draw Others In**: Strategically positioning oneself can force opponents to react, giving an upper hand.
• 🛤️ **Lead by Action, Not Words**: Demonstrating effectiveness through actions can be more persuasive than arguments.
• 🚫 **Avoid Unhappiness and Misfortune**: The influence of negative people can be detrimental and should be limited.
• 🔗 **Ensure Indispensability**: Being irreplaceable in one's role secures a strong position and influence.
• 🤝 **Use Honesty to Disarm**: Unexpected honesty can be a powerful tool to gain trust and manipulate a situation.
• 🤔 **Appeal to Self-Interest**: Pragmatic arguments that appeal to self-interest are more convincing than emotional appeals.
• 🕵️‍♂️ **Pose as a Friend, Observe as a Spy**: Gaining insight into others by subtly extracting information can preempt threats.
• 💥 **Crush Your Enemy If Necessary**: Total destruction may be the last resort when dealing with irreconcilable enemies.
• 👣 **Absence Increases Respect**: Periods of absence can make one more valued upon return, stimulating longing.
• 🔮 **Unpredictability is Powerful**: Keeping others guessing can prevent them from preparing a counter strategy.
• 🏰 **Isolation Invites Deception**: Staying connected to reality and others prevents manipulation and control.
• 🗣️ **Do Not Offend Indiscriminately**: Be cautious with insults, as you never know who you might provoke.
• 🎲 **Play Both Sides When Uncommitted**: Maintaining flexibility allows one to take advantage of opportunities without being bound.
• 😌 **Pretend to Be Naive**: Sometimes feigning ignorance can lower others' defenses and provide an advantage.
• 🔄 **Transform Weakness into Strength**: Recognize and leverage weaknesses as opportunities for growth and power.
• 🏹 **Focus Your Efforts**: Concentrating resources and energy on one goal can lead to mastery and success.
• 🎩 **Be the Perfect Courtier**: Skill in navigating the court and power structures can lead to significant influence.
• 🌟 **Recreate Yourself**: Embrace the freedom to redefine oneself and reject the labels others assign.
• 🧹 **Keep Your Hands Clean**: Avoid being used as a scapegoat by maintaining distance from others' dirty work.
• 🤝 **Leverage Belief Systems**: People's need to believe can be channeled to influence or recruit them.
• 🏋️ **Be Bold in Action**: Confidence and decisiveness can lead to success in various endeavors.
• 📉 **Plan for the Long Term**: Considering outcomes and consequences before acting can prevent disastrous results.
• 🎩 **Make Effortlessness Appear Effortless**: Concealing the amount of work that goes into an endeavor can create an illusion of natural ability.
• 🃏 **Deal the Cards You Want Played**: Presenting choices that favor your outcomes can manipulate others' decisions.
• 🌈 **Play to People’s Fantasies**: Capitalizing on people's desires for the extraordinary can be a powerful motivator.
• 🔑 **Identify and Exploit Weaknesses**: Recognizing and utilizing others' vulnerabilities can provide strategic advantages.
• 👑 **Act Royally**: Believing in oneself and acting with confidence can command respect and authority.
• ⏱ **Master Timing**: Knowing when to act and when to retreat can be crucial for survival and success.
• 🚫 **Disdain What You Cannot Have**: Ignoring unattainable desires can prevent distraction and maintain focus.
• 🎭 **Create Spectacles**: Grand gestures and spectacles can captivate and influence others' perceptions.
• 🤝 **Behave Like Others While Thinking Freely**: Maintaining social harmony while preserving personal beliefs can prevent conflict.
• 🐟 **Stir Up Trouble to Catch Your Prey**: Manipulating situations to provoke reactions can expose weaknesses to exploit.
• 🍽️ **Despise the Free Lunch**: Recognize the strategic value of generosity and the potential cost of accepting gifts.
• 🥾 **Avoid Following in Great Footsteps**: Forge your own path to avoid being overshadowed by the achievements of others.
• 🐑 **Strike at the Leadership to Disrupt the Group**: Removing key leaders can cause organizations to crumble.
• 💖 **Win Hearts and Minds**: Influencing people's opinions and gaining their goodwill can be more effective than force.
• 🪞 **Mirror Others to Disarm Them**: Reflecting others' values and beliefs can make one more persuasive and likable.
• 🛑 **Preach Change, But Implement Gradually**: Incremental change is more palatable and effective than rapid, drastic shifts.
• 😇 **Never Appear Too Perfect**: Concealing one's capabilities can prevent envy and maintain an element of surprise.

Q & A

What mistake did Nicolas Fouquet make that led to his downfall according to Law #1?

Nicolas Fouquet made the mistake of appearing larger than his King, Louis XIV, which resulted in him spending his remaining days incarcerated.

Why should one avoid victories over superiors as per Law #1?

Avoiding victories over superiors is advised because it can cost you more than it is worth, potentially leading to negative consequences such as envy or retribution.

What lesson can be learned from Michael III and Basilius's story in Law #2?

The lesson from their story is to trust from a distance, as people are often selfish and pursue their own interests, which can lead to betrayal even from those who seem to be friends.

How did the Marquis de Sevigne's approach to seduction backfire according to Law #3?

The Marquis de Sevigne's approach backfired because he exposed his true feelings too directly and quickly, causing the young countess to lose interest. It suggests adding a sense of unexplainable mystery to one's character for a more successful seduction.

What is the importance of reputation as emphasized in Law #5?

Reputation is crucial as it precedes you and can significantly influence how others perceive and interact with you. It is therefore important to build and protect it carefully.

Why did Pablo Picasso paint things that were out of the ordinary and ugly according to Law #6?

Picasso painted extraordinary and ugly things to avoid fading into the background and to ensure that he was not forgotten. It highlights the idea that all publicity is good publicity and the importance of standing out.

What is the strategy behind Law #7 regarding getting others to do work for you?

The strategy is to capitalize on the talents of others who can do what you cannot, as exemplified by Thomas Edison who was more of a businessman than a scientist, yet he garnered credit by leveraging Nikola Tesla's genius.

Why is it important to make others come to you according to Law #8?

Making others come to you allows you to control the situation and forces your opponents to react to your moves, giving you an advantage in any interaction or negotiation.

What was the mistake made by Mucianus's engineer in Law #9 and what was the consequence?

The engineer made the mistake of openly arguing with Mucianus about the type of ships needed for conquest, despite being right. The consequence was his sentencing to death, illustrating the importance of not arguing with authorities and suggesting alternatives discreetly.

Why is it advised to avoid the unhappy and unlucky according to Law #10?

It is advised because their negative influence can be infectious, leading to destruction and chaos, as exemplified by Lola Montez who brought down the King of Bavaria and his kingdom.

What is the key strategy in Law #11 for maintaining a strong position?

The key strategy is to make yourself indispensable by being the only one who can do what you do, ensuring that you are not easily replaced and thus securing your strong position.

How did Count Victor Lustig use honesty to his advantage in Law #12?

Count Victor Lustig used honesty to disarm his victim, Al Capone, by returning the money he intended to double. This unexpected honesty gained Capone's trust and led to Lustig receiving additional money to help the 'honest' man.

Why is it important to appeal to people's self-interest when asking for help as per Law #13?

Appealing to people's self-interest is important because pragmatic arguments will always be more convincing than emotional appeals, leading to more successful outcomes in sales or securing alliances.

What is the significance of posing as a friend and working as a spy as per Law #14?

The significance lies in subtly extracting information about a person's thoughts, intentions, and strategies by getting them to talk endlessly about themselves, which can be used to anticipate threats and gain an advantage.

Why is it crucial to crush your enemy totally according to Law #15?

It is crucial because merely wounding an enemy allows them to recover and potentially retaliate with no mercy. Total destruction eliminates the threat and prevents future harm.

How can absence increase respect and honor as per Law #16?

Absence can make people miss you, realizing the value of your presence only after you are gone. This can lead to increased appreciation upon your return, highlighting the importance of giving people time to miss you.

What is the strategy behind cultivating an air of unpredictability as per Law #17?

Cultivating unpredictability keeps others off guard, as they cannot prepare or devise plans when they do not know what to expect, giving you a strategic advantage in negotiations or interactions.

Why is isolation dangerous according to Law #18?

Isolation is dangerous because it makes one more susceptible to deception and manipulation, as well as causing a disconnection from reality and potential psychological harm by pushing others away.

What is the importance of not offending the wrong person as per Law #19?

Not offending the wrong person is important because you never know who you are dealing with or what their capabilities are. Offending someone with power or influence can lead to severe consequences, as illustrated by the story of Muhammad, the shah of Khwarezm.

Why should one not commit to anyone according to Law #20?

Committing to anyone is like handing over control and increasing obligations, which can limit one's freedom and flexibility. By not committing, one can maintain more control and play different sides to their advantage.

How did Socrates use the 'Sucker' tactic to his advantage as per Law #21?

Socrates used the tactic by claiming to know nothing, which disarmed people and made them let their guard down. This allowed him to engage them in conversation and subtly influence them, demonstrating that sometimes appearing foolish can be a smart strategy.

What is the significance of transforming weakness into power as per Law #22?

Transforming weakness into power involves recognizing when you are in a weak position and choosing to fight another day, rather than losing the current battle. This strategy can help you avoid defeat in the long run, even if you must concede temporarily.

Why is it important to concentrate your forces according to Law #23?

Concentrating your forces is important because it allows you to focus all your resources and energy on one front, making you stronger and more effective. Dividing your forces can lead to vulnerability and potential defeat.

What are the characteristics of the perfect courtier as described in Law #24?

The perfect courtier is obedient to their masters but shines in their own light, appears trustful without being overly trusting, speaks wisely and chooses the right timing, is charming and helpful, and always has a genuine smile. They hold more power than the king without the associated dangers.

Why is it important to recreate yourself according to Law #25?

Recreating yourself is important because it allows you to define who you are and how you want to be seen, independent of others' opinions or expectations. It gives you the freedom to change and grow as you see fit.

What is the strategy behind keeping your hands clean as per Law #26?

The strategy involves using others as scapegoats to carry out unpleasant tasks, then distancing yourself from the consequences to maintain a clean image and avoid blame, as exemplified by Cesare Borgia using Remirro di Orco.

How can playing on people's need to believe be used to influence them as per Law #27?

Playing on people's need to believe can be used to recruit followers, gain loyalty, or sell products by appealing to their desire for meaning, belonging, or answers, even if the beliefs are unproven or irrational.

What is the significance of entering action with boldness as per Law #28?

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Outlines

00:00

👑 Power and Deference: The Fouquet Affair

The script begins with Law #1, highlighting the downfall of Nicolas Fouquet, who outshined King Louis XIV and was imprisoned for it. It advises not to overshadow superiors and to be wary of the cost of such victories. Law #2 discusses the betrayal by Basilius, teaching the lesson of not trusting friends too much and to use enemies wisely. Law #3 emphasizes the importance of concealing one's intentions, using the Marquis de Sevigne's failed seduction as an example. Law #4 and Law #5 stress the importance of reputation, with Erwin Rommel's strategic prowess during WWII as a case in point. Law #6 encourages seeking attention, as Pablo Picasso did, to avoid obscurity. Law #7 illustrates the value of delegating work to others, as Thomas Edison did with Nikola Tesla's inventions. Law #8 suggests using bait to draw people in, as Otto von Bismarck did in his political strategies. Law #9 warns against arguing with authorities and instead suggests demonstrating actions. Law #10 advises avoiding the influence of the unhappy and unlucky, as exemplified by Lola Montez's destructive impact on Bavaria's King. Law #11 discusses the importance of indispensability, as shown by Otto von Bismarck's role in Prussia. Law #12 recommends the strategic use of honesty to disarm opponents, as Count Victor Lustig did with Al Capone. Finally, Law #13 emphasizes the power of appealing to self-interest when asking for help, drawing from the historical negotiation between the Athenians, Corcyrans, and Corinthians.

05:03

🕵️‍♂️ Espionage and Deception: The Art of Spying and Strategy

This paragraph delves into the tactics of espionage and manipulation. Law #14 encourages posing as a friend while working as a spy, as Talleyrand did to undermine Napoleon. It suggests learning to judge character by what people reveal about themselves. Law #15 discusses the necessity of total destruction when dealing with irreconcilable enemies, using the Spanish statesman Narvaez as an example. Law #16 advocates using absence to increase respect, as illustrated by the Dervish's interaction with a man. Law #17 emphasizes the power of unpredictability, as seen in Picasso's actions that confused others. Law #18 warns of the dangers of isolation and the importance of staying connected to reality. Law #19 advises not to offend the wrong person, as Muhammad of Khwarezm did with Ghengis Khan's messengers, leading to his downfall. Law #20 encourages avoiding commitment to any one side, as Alcibiades did to maintain influence. Law #21 discusses the wisdom of appearing foolish to disarm others, as Socrates did. Law #22 recommends transforming weakness into power when surrendering, using the Melians' refusal to surrender to Athens as a counterexample. Law #23 stresses the importance of concentrating forces to protect an empire, warning against overextension and vulnerability.

10:04

🎨 Artistry in Power: Mastery and Adaptability

The script continues with Law #24, highlighting the role of a perfect courtier, exemplified by Talleyrand, who navigated power with subtlety and charm. It emphasizes the importance of playing the power game effectively. Law #25 encourages self-reinvention and disregarding others' expectations, drawing a parallel to the stage of life where one is the main character. Law #26 advises keeping one's hands clean, as Machiavelli noted in his letter about Cesare Borgia using Remirro di Orco as a scapegoat. Law #27 warns against the manipulation of people's need to believe, citing Nietzsche and Hitchens on the dangers of irrational belief. Law #28 promotes boldness in action, using the con artist Monsieur Lustig's audacious sales of the Eiffel Tower as an example. Law #29 stresses the importance of planning to the end, considering outcomes and consequences before acting, but also being flexible to change.

15:06

🪄 Illusions of Effort and Control: The Art of Manipulation

Law #30 discusses the art of making accomplishments seem effortless, using Harry Houdini's magic performances as an analogy for the illusion of natural ability. Law #31 recommends getting others to play with the cards you deal, as Ivan the Terrible did with Russia's choices, creating an illusion of choice. Law #32 advises playing to people's fantasies, warning against the allure of unrealistic promises and the importance of authenticity. Law #33 suggests discovering each person's 'thumb-screw' or weakness, as Richelieu did to consolidate power. Law #34 encourages acting royally, as Columbus did by reinventing his lineage and status. Law #35 discusses the art of timing, using Joseph Fouché's political agility as an example. Law #36 recommends disdaining things you cannot have, as Henry VIII did by ignoring his wife to marry Anne Boleyn. Law #37 promotes creating compelling spectacles, as Dr. Weisleder did with his moonlight healing scam. Law #38 advises thinking as you like but behaving like others, using the story of Pausinias to illustrate the dangers of superiority.

20:06

🎣 Manipulation and Adaptation: Strategies for Influence and Survival

This paragraph explores various strategies for gaining influence and ensuring survival. Law #39 discusses stirring up waters to catch fish, a metaphor for setting traps and exploiting enemies' weaknesses. Law #40 warns against the allure of the free lunch, using Louis XIV's strategic use of gifts to win allies as an example. Law #41 advises avoiding stepping into a great man's shoes, as Alexander the Great's hypothetical son would have struggled to escape his father's legacy. Law #42 recommends striking the shepherd to scatter the sheep, emphasizing the importance of leadership in maintaining any organization. Law #43 encourages working on the heart and mind of others, using Marie-Antoinette's disconnect with the people as a cautionary tale. Law #44 discusses disarming and infuriating with the mirror effect, as Alcibiades did by reflecting the values of those he charmed. Law #45 advises preaching change but never reforming quickly, promoting gradual and comfortable adaptation to new circumstances.

25:08

🏆 The Wisdom of Restraint and Adaptability in Power Dynamics

The final paragraph examines the importance of restraint and adaptability in power dynamics. Law #46 advises never appearing too perfect, highlighting the destructive cycles of envy and pride in power plays. Law #47 encourages knowing when to stop in victory, using Madame de Pompadour's strategy to maintain influence despite sharing the king's favor. Law #48 promotes assuming formlessness, as Bruce Lee suggested, adapting to circumstances like water takes the shape of its container. It contrasts the downfall of inflexible Spartans with the thriving, reformative Athens, emphasizing the necessity of embracing change and reform.

Keywords

💡Power Dynamics

Power dynamics refer to the way in which power is distributed among individuals or groups and how it influences their interactions. In the video's theme, it is central to understanding the strategies and laws for gaining and maintaining power. For instance, Law #1 discusses the consequences of outshining one's superior, illustrating the delicate balance of power within hierarchies.

💡Trust

Trust is a fundamental concept in relationships, especially in the context of power. The video warns against placing too much trust in friends, as illustrated by the story of Michael III and Basilius, where misplaced trust leads to betrayal and murder. This highlights the complex nature of trust in power dynamics and the potential for its misuse.

💡Reputation

Reputation is the perception others have of an individual, which greatly influences their power and influence. The video emphasizes the importance of building and protecting one's reputation, as exemplified by Erwin Rommel's cunning strategy during WWII, which demoralized the opposition and enhanced his own reputation.

💡Manipulation

Manipulation is the act of influencing others through covert or overt means to serve one's interests. The video provides various examples, such as Thomas Edison capitalizing on Nikola Tesla's work, demonstrating the use of manipulation to achieve personal success and power.

💡Influence

Influence is the capacity to affect the character, development, or behavior of someone or something. The video's laws often revolve around increasing one's influence, such as Pablo Picasso's strategy to avoid fading into the background by creating extraordinary art, thereby maintaining his influence in the art world.

💡Subtlety

Subtlety involves being unnoticeable or delicate in the way actions or intentions are conveyed. The Marquis de Sevigne's failed seduction in the script serves as a lesson in the importance of subtlety when trying to influence or persuade others without arousing suspicion or losing their interest.

💡Deception

Deception is the act of causing someone to believe something that is not true, often for personal gain or advantage. The video's theme includes various forms of deception, such as creating a sense of mystery or unpredictability, as seen in the strategies of Louis XIV and Pablo Picasso, to maintain power and control.

💡Dependency

Dependency in the context of the video refers to making others reliant on you for their needs or goals. Otto von Bismarck's role in uniting Prussia exemplifies creating dependency by being the indispensable asset, thereby securing one's position of power.

💡Honesty

Honesty, as discussed in the video, can be a tool for disarmament or manipulation. Count Victor Lustig's story of returning money to Al Capone demonstrates the power of selective honesty to gain trust and ultimately influence the outcome of a situation.

💡Isolation

Isolation is the state of being alone or separated from others. The video warns of the dangers of isolation, such as being more susceptible to deception and losing touch with reality, as well as the potential for others to use isolation to control or manipulate you.

💡Adaptability

Adaptability is the ability to adjust to new conditions or circumstances. The video's theme of power and influence requires adaptability, as seen in the story of the Spartans versus Athens, where the inability to adapt led to Sparta's downfall, highlighting the importance of flexibility in maintaining power.

Highlights

Never outshine the master to avoid downfall, as seen with Nicolas Fouquet.

Be cautious with trust in friends and consider using enemies for strategic advantage.

Conceal your intentions to maintain intrigue and prevent loss of interest, as illustrated by the Marquis de Sevigne.

Always say less than necessary to maintain an air of mystery and power.

Guard your reputation as it precedes you and influences others' perceptions.

Court attention at all costs to avoid obscurity, as demonstrated by Pablo Picasso.

Get others to do the work for you by leveraging their talents, as Thomas Edison did with Nikola Tesla.

Use bait to make others come to you and force them to react to your moves, as advised by Otto von Bismarck.

Win through actions, not arguments, and demonstrate effectiveness without confrontation.

Avoid the unhappy and unlucky to prevent their negative influence from affecting you.

Keep people dependent on you to secure your indispensable position, as Otto von Bismarck did for Prussia.

Use selective honesty to disarm your victim and gain their trust when least expected.

Appeal to people's self-interest when asking for help to secure alliances, as the Athenians did with the Corcyrans.

Pose as a friend but work as a spy to subtly extract information and judge character.

Crush your enemy totally when peace is not an option to prevent their recovery and retaliation.

Use absence to increase respect and honor by giving people time to miss you.

Cultivate an air of unpredictability to keep others off guard and unable to prepare against you.

Avoid isolation as it makes you vulnerable to deception and manipulation.

Do not offend the wrong person, as even a small slight can have dire consequences.

Do not commit to anyone to maintain flexibility and control over your own actions.

Play a sucker to catch a sucker by appearing less knowledgeable to disarm others.

Surrender tactic: Transform weakness into power by choosing to fight another day when in a weak position.

Concentrate your forces to maximize strength and avoid being overrun by division.

Play the perfect courtier by being charming, witty, and helpful while maintaining your own power.

Recreate yourself by dismissing the opinions of others and choosing your own identity.

Keep your hands clean by not being someone's scapegoat and avoiding betrayal.

Play on people’s need to believe by understanding their quest for answers and belonging.

Enter action with boldness to ensure fearlessness and a high rate of success.

Plan all the way to the end by considering outcomes and consequences before executing.

Make your accomplishments seem effortless to create an illusion of natural ability and genuine talent.

Get others to play with the cards you deal by presenting options that work for you either way.

Play to people’s fantasies by understanding their desires and using this knowledge to influence them.

Discover each man’s thumbscrew by identifying and exploiting the weaknesses of your opponents.

Be royal in your own fashion by acting like a king and not tolerating less than you deserve.

Master the art of timing by knowing when to act and when to lay low for maximum effect.

Disdain things you cannot have to avoid discontent and focus on what is within your reach.

Create compelling spectacles to captivate and influence people's beliefs and actions.

Think as you like, but behave like others to fit in and avoid the negative consequences of standing out.

Stir up waters to catch fish by creating a false alarm and exploiting your enemies' reactions.

Despise the free lunch by understanding the strategic power of money and the value of generosity.

Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes by forging your own path and being your best self.

Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter by targeting key leaders to dismantle organizations.

Work on the heart and mind of others to influence and win friends, as neglecting this can lead to downfall.

Disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect by matching people's values and energy to gain their trust.

Preach change but never reform quickly to allow for gradual adaptation and avoid disruption.

Never appear too perfect to avoid envy and maintain a humanizing touch.

In victory, learn when to stop to secure your gains and prevent overreaching.

Assume formlessness to adapt to change and circumstances like water taking the shape of its container.

Transcripts

Law #1: Never Outshine the Master Nicolas Fouquet made the mistake of appearing

larger than his King, Louis XIV, and spent his remaining days incarcerated.

Avoid victories over superiors.

It will cost you more than it is worth.

Law #2: Never Put too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies

Michael III of the Byzantine Empire was saved from death by Basilius, who Michael in turn

favored with gifts and prestige.

Basilius, lusting for more power, murdered Michael out of greed.

Instead of showing gratitude.

He was insatiable.

Trust from a distance.

People are selfish and pursue their own interests.

Former opponents make more loyal and stronger friends.

Law #3: Conceal Your Intentions The Marquis de Sevigne wanted to seduce a

young countess.

Instead of being indirect and subtle he exposed his true feelings for her and she lost all

interest as he blurted out that he loved her.

Add a sense of unexplicable mystery to your character.

Law #4: Always Say Less than Necessary Law #5: So Much Depends on Reputation - Guard

It With Your Life During the second World War Erwin Rommel was

known for his superior skill in cunning and deceptive strategy.

All of the opposition were demoralized and doubting their chances of success facing him.

Your reputation preceeds you.

Build and protect it carefully.

Law #6: Court Attention at all Cost Pablo Picasso would not allow himself to fade

into the background.

He would rather paint something out of the ordinary and ugly, than be forgotten.

All publicity is good publicity.

Don't let yourself become one of many.

Law #7: Get Others to Do the Work for You Thomas Edison wasn't much of a scientist,

but a businessman.

He would capitalize on Nikola Tesla's genius and garner all the credit.

Hire talents capable of doing what you can't.

Law #8: Make Other People Come To You - Use Bait if Necessary

"When I have laid bait for deer, I don't shoot at the first doe that comes to sniff, but

wait until the whole herd has gathered round."

- Otto von Bismarck Force your opponent to react to your moves.

Law #9: Win Through Your Actions - Not Through Argument

Mucianus needed strong ships.

Without guarding his tongue his engineer argued that a different type than the one Mucianus

preferred would be much better for conquest.

Despite being right the engineer was sentenced to death.

Don't argue with authorities.

Agree and suggest an alternative, then demonstrate.

Law #10: Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky

Lola Montez brought down the King of Bavaria and his whole kingdom by seducing him.

Her lust for destruction and chaos was insatiable.

Countless lives perished, because of her nature.

Cut off the firestarters.

Try to help them instead and you too will burn alongside them.

Law #11: Learn To Keep People Dependent on You

Otto von Bismarck led the King's hand in uniting a mighty Prussia.

None other than Bismarck was able to do so.

He proved himself to be an indespensable asset and had his strong position secured.

Be the only one who can do what you do or see yourself replaced in fear sooner or later.

Law #12: Use Selective Honesty to Disarm Your Victim

Count Victor Lustig was going to double Al Capone's 50'000$.

Instead of running with the money he gave it all back to Capone who thought he was being

played by a con artist.

Capone gave Lustig the 5'000$ simply to help the "honest" man.

Tell the truth to gain your opponent's trust.

Be honest when expected to be dishonest to throw your opponent off guard.

Law #4: Always Say Less than Necessary Due to his unpredictability Louis XIV would

have his courtiers tremble in fear when delivering bad news.

He would say "I shall see", have them leave the room and either take action or decide

to do nothing about the issue, but always with an intimidating silence.

Only speak when you have something meaningful to say.

Actions speak louder than words.

Law #13: Asking for Help Appeal to People's Self Interest

In 433 B.C., the Athenians found themselves in a favourable position.

The Corcyrans & the Corinthians were preparing for war.

Both parties wanted to secure the help of the Athenians.

The Corinthians chose to remind them of an existing debt.

The Corcyrans on the other hand spoke only of mutual interests, the combined force of

their navy directed at Sparta.

The Athenians allied with the Corcyrans.

In sales of any kind, pragmatic arguments will always trump emotional appeals.

The past does not matter.

Don't count on loyalty.

Aim for win-win deals.

Law #14: Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, French

politican and mastermind behind Napoleon Bonaparte's defeat would hold himself back in conversation

and get others to talk endlessly of themselves to the point of betraying their own thought,

intent and strategy.

An interrogation disguised as a friendly chat, so subtle that the victim did not notice.

Learn to judge a person's character by what they reveal of themselves, so that you can

recognize a threat before it arises.

Test people's honesty before you consider trusting them.

Law #15: Crush Your Enemy Totally A priest asked the dying Spanish statesman

and general Ramon Maria Narvaez (1800-1868), "Does your Excellency forgive all your enemies?"

"I do not have to forgive my enemies," answered Narvaez, "I have had them all shot."

The last resort, when words are no longer heard and the enemy cannot possibly be reasoned

with, the chances for peace at their lowest, the only option is total destruction.

Merely wound the enemy, he will recover and show no mercy in turn.

Law #16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

A man said to a Dervish: "Why do I not see you more often?"

The Dervish replied, "Because the words 'Why have you not been to see me?'

are sweeter to my ear than the words 'Why have you come again?'"

- Mulla Jami, quoted in Idries Sha's Caravan of Dreams, 1968

Give people time to miss you by robbing them off your presence.

It's when we lose something, that we discover how valuable it had been to us.

On your return you will be appreciated all the more.

Law #17: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability Once Pablo Picasso had become a recognized

artist, others would assume that whatever action he took must have been calculated.

The art dealer Paul Rosenberg was confused, when one day Picasso told him they would no

longer work together.

Rosenberg couldn't find out why and offered him a much better deal.

The unpredictable is terrifying.

When you don't know what to expect you cannot prepare properly, you can't devise a clever

plan, because you're in the dark.

Put others in such position when negotiating.

Law #18: Isolation is Dangerous The more you are isolated, the easier it is

to deceive you.

You lose touch with reality.

When someone is urging you to cut friends and family out of your life realize that they

want to control and influence you all by themselves.

Whether they do this conciously or unconciously it is malicious.

Be careful in cutting yourself off from others for too long.

Introverted or not you may cause yourself great harm psychologically by pushing others

away from you.

Law #19: Do Not Offend the Wrong Person Muhammad, the shah of Khwarezm, and Inalchik

had beheaded Ghengis Khan's messengers who had come in peace with great gifts and offerings.

The Khan declared war, seized the enemy's capital and had Inalchik killed quote "by

having molten silver poured into his eyes and ears."

Later Ghengis Khan seized Samarkand, bringing his brutal conquest of Muhammad's vast empire

to an end.

What would've become of Adolf Hitler had he been given the chance of becoming an artist?

Perhaps history would be very different.

Avoid insulting others, you do not know who you're dealing with... even though we live

in a time where everyone is offended and the level of political correctness borders on

absolute madness.

Law #20: Do Not Commit to Anyone Alcibiades, greek soldier & statesman found

himself courted by the Athenians and the Spartans, because he had influence on the Persians and

honored by the Persians, because he had influence over the Greek city states.

Instead of committing to one side, he played all of them in his favor.

Comitting is like handing yourself over to someone else.

It means more obligations and less control.

Law #21: Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker Socrates said "The only true wisdom is in

knowing you know nothing."

He didn't actually believe of himself that he did not know anything.

It was his way of disarming people.

Sometimes you have to play dumb, so that the other lets his guard down.

Being openly smart is foolish.

Being openly foolish is smart.

Law #22: Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power

The Melians were promted to surrender, but declined the Athenians' offer.

Despite their alliance the Spartans did not come to their rescue.

Melos was conquered and their population slaughtered & sold into slavery.

To quote Cardinal de Retz "Weak people never give way when they ought to."

Avoid weakness, but when you find yourself in a weak spot, choose to fight another day.

You will lose the current battle, but the war is not over.

Law #23: Concentrate Your Forces The greater an Empire's territories the more

vulnerability.

Great lands need strong borders.

Else they may be overrun by another barbarian tribe as seen with the collapse of Rome.

Your armies are strongest when forged together.

Divide them and they may not be able to protect the empire from an invasion.

Dedicate your complete focus to one front, using every resource at your disposal and

all of your energy to master your craft through total immersion.

Law #24: Play the Perfect Courtier One cannot spell courtiership without Charles

Maurice de Talleyrand Perigord, the man who brought down Napoleon Bonaparte, master of

the battlefield, with extreme subtlety.

You are a courtier, or courtier [French], whether you like it or not.

You must play the game of power so you might as well choose to be good at it.

The perfect courtier obeys his masters, but shines in his own light.

He is not powerless, doesn't trust, but appears trustful, doesn't talk much, but finds the

right words and the right timing when he does.

Everyone likes him.

He is charming, witty and helpful.

He appears to be neutral, a paragon of honesty and fairness.

He always has a genuine smile on his face and we don't doubt his intentions for one

second.

Although he is a great talent, we are not threatened by him.

We seek him as an ally.

This way, the perfect courtier holds more power than the king himself, without the dangers

of that position.

As we target highest authorities, he's in the shadows observing the current state of

the chess board.

Pieces may fall and be sacrificed on both ends, but he is winning regardless.

Learn the art of courtiership.

Law #25: Recreate Yourself Others will call you what they think you are

or what they think they see in you.

It's all superficial.

Every now and again you'll receive a genuine compliment, but your parents, friends, society,

even your government expects you to be someone or something else.

It's important that you choose to be whatever you want to be and that you feel free to change

whenever you like.

You have the freedom to dismiss the opinions of others, even to put on a good show like

Gaius Julius Caesar.

The world is your stage.

It's up to you what role you want to play.

Think of life like a book and you're writing it.

You're the main character, so act like it.

Law #26: Keep Your Hands Clean As written in Niccolo Machiavelli's letter

to the prince, Cesare Borgia was using Remirro di Orco as a tool to take gruesome action

against all of his enemies.

In the end he used him as a scapegoat, put the full blame on di Orco and threw lavish

banquets for the common folk, presenting not only his clean slate, but positive change.

It is the ultimate act of betrayal.

To have someone's back only to find out they've been using you this whole time.

Avoid falling into the trap of being someone's cats-paw or scapegoat.

Law #27: Play on People’s Need to Believe "There are two different types of people in

the world, those who want to know, and those who want to believe."

- Friedrich Nietzsche We strive to find meaning in a world full

of formless chaos.

Hence most of us resort to the comfort of believing in unproven divine entities.

Your quest for answers and your need to belong is used against you, whether for your recruitment

as a mindless disciple or your loyal customership for a particular brand.

Christopher Hitchens wrote: "Beware the irrational, however seductive.

Shun the 'transcendent' and all who invite you to subordinate or annihilate yourself."

End quote.

If someone claims to have all the answers, they are full of shit.

Fall prey to them and all you are doing is giving more power to those who don't have

your best interest at heart.

You cannot let others think for you.

If something doesn't make sense to you, perhaps like right now, feel free to dismiss it, but

consider doing so on your own behalf.

Law #28: Enter Action with Boldness If you're confident enough to play the role

of Monsieur Lustig, one of the greatest con artists in history, selling the Eiffeltower

to greedy scrap metal business owners looking to make a fortune over night for millions

of dollars, not once, but twice - one thing is crystal clear.

You're not playing around.

You don't hesitate and your moves have a high rate of success, be that in seduction, strategy

or power games.

There's that one split second before a box fight, where Mike Tyson's opponent will flinch

and break eye contact.

He already knows he's beaten.

There's that scene where Marco Polo & Kublai Khan stare down a wolf.

It's hesitation versus boldness.

In order to be fearless, you need courage.

Be bold.

Law #29: Plan all the Way to the End Excerpt from the book: "The Gods on Mount

Olympus.

Looking down on human actions from the clouds, they see in advance the endings of all great

dreams that lead to disaster and tragedy.

And they laugh at our inability to see beyond the moment, and at how we delude ourselves."

Before you take action consider the possible outcomes and consequences, calculate the risk,

then execute, if it's worth doing.

However, as time goes on things reform and it would be foolish to stick to a plan that

ignores change.

Law #30: Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless Harry Houdini made his stunt performances

look like they were a walk in the park, a piece of cake, as easy as stealing a child's

lollipop.

No one saw just how much work, preparation and practice went into every piece of the

puzzle.

This illusion we call magic.

Make it look like it was improvised, made up on the spot and it will seem genuine.

Boast how much work went into something and its natural allure, the magic, is gone.

Law #31: Get others to Play with the Cards you Deal

Ivan the Terrible let Russia choose between him as their czar or total destruction from

its enemies, the Boyars.

He made them see that they could only possibly be protected by him.

It wasn't really a choice and the Russians probably had other options that they were

unaware of.

They begged him to come back to the capitol and lead them.

This was what he wanted all along.

People like to think they have a choice.

Present them options that will work for you either way.

This is the norm in elections and anything of real importance.

Just like Houdini's performance it is an illusion.

Law #32: Play to People’s Fantasies People's need to believe, people's fantasies

- there isn't a big difference.

Il Brigadino was an Alchemist.

People believed he could turn objects like wood into gold.

Ironically the only gold he ever made was given to him by the people who wanted him

to multiply it.

And others started to learn and practice alchemy.

Stop clicking on How to Make a Million Dollars Overnight type clickbait, stop buying 6-min

ab workout programs and stop going to the 7 Steps On How to Pull Hot Chicks Within Hours

event and get real.

If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.

Law #33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew Cardinal Richelieu would find out the weaknesses

of everyone around him, then worked on it by being useful to them until they were of

no use to him.

One by one he worked his way up to the king, who at the time was a mere child.

Know the weak spots of your opponents, the crack in their defense and you will know what

to work with, when you need it.

In reverse do not betray your own weaknesses.

Law #34: Be Royal in Your Own Fashion – Act Like a King

Christopher Columbus did not accept his low standing in the world he was born.

He recreated his family tree, married into nobility and peddled with kings.

Now, unless he was mad, people thought, there must be valid reasons behind his bold requests.

He must be legitimate.

Ask for less, receive less.

What you tolerate is what you end up with.

Do not think lowly of yourself.

You're a king in your own right.

You're a queen in your own right.

Princes & princesses are no good today.

Law #35: Master the Art of Timing Joseph Fouché was switching sides whenever

he sensed danger.

His biography is riddled with nigh impossible escapes from death.

He did not deem it necessary to be loyal to disloyal men.

Say what you want of his attitude, but he certainly knew when to act and when to lay

low.

With time comes change.

It is important to not only know how to adapt, but at what exact moment for maximum effect.

Too fast and you're a traitor.

Too late and you're imitating the others.

In any case, learn to use time to your advantage.

Law #36: Disdain Things You Cannot Have King Henry VIII of England ignored his wife

Cathrine of Aragon for denying him a son.

With Thomas Cromwell on his side he devised a clever plan to marry Anne Boelyn.

When you ignore someone they cannot argue with you.

They cannot influence you.

You're out of reach and they can't do anything about it.

If there is something you cannot and will never have, it is best to push it aside with

discontent.

Law #37: Create Compelling Spectacles Dr. Weisleder healed his patients with the

mere energy of moonlight.

Why was this obvious scam so successful?

Well, people didn't have the internet back then, but they also believed it was too spectacular

to be fraud.

The grandiosity, the associated status, rich and famous personalities were waiting in line

to be healed and healed again.

Using symbols as powerful as the moon and the very absence of explanation let people

fill in the logical gaps all by themselves.

If everyone believes it, it must be true.

Mark Twain wrote "Whenever you find yourself on the side of the majority, it is time to

pause and reflect."

Law #38: Think As You Like, But Behave Like Others

478 B.C the fearless and experienced warrior Pausinias and his Greek troops captured part

of the Persian empire.

Being the overseer of these lands went to his head and he began acting rather strangely,

even for Pausinias.

He spoke ill of his own people.

Feeling and showing superiority breeds hate.

His god-complex and constant need to stand out had him killed in the end.

You want to fit in, whether you share common beliefs or not.

Being better or different in any way just causes trouble through other people's envy

and disdain.

They'll ostrasize you from the group and slander your reputation.

How much money do you make?

About 70% of whatever they make.

Law #39: Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish This is the good old lay a trap with bait

and wait.

Monkey see, monkey do.

The spiderweb.

Mice desire cheese so much, they won't even see the obvious construction around it.

When you know your enemies and their weaknesses you know what they react to and you use this

knowledge against them.

Create a false alarm.

They'll make a run to save what they hold so dearly and weaken themselves by exposing

their flank.

That's where you hit them.

That's certainly where they will hit you, if you fall for it.

Keep yourself from being reactive.

All that rage, blinding emotions, fear, desire.

It makes you predictable and it makes you weak.

Don't be impulsive.

Law #40: Despise the Free Lunch Louis XIV had an eagle eye for the stategic

power of money.

He would gift paintings of great value to people who didn't like him very much, until

then.

This way he got nobility, the keys to power, on his side.

At the same time he increased operational costs for the aristocrats who wanted him gone.

It's ingenious.

He took money from his enemies and gave it to his new friends.

Two birds with one stone.

This is one of my favorite laws, because it states that cheap misers miss out on opportunities.

It pays to be generous and it pays not to accept "free" gifts.

What is the Return of Investment (ROI) on paying for someone's coffee?

You sit down at Starbucks with an influental, connected and experienced entrepreneur.

You get to talk to him for 10 minutes, ask his advice, learn from his mistakes.

I don't care if the coffee costs 50$, I'm paying, because there is a lot of upside.

Law #41: Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s Shoes

Alexander the Great's father had set the standard of achievement very high.

Alexander wasn't going to be content in his father's shadow.

He wasn't going to rest on his father's and later on his own laurels.

"When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain, he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer."

Now imagine if Alexander the Great had had a son who wanted to be a conqueror.

That he would pale in comparison is an understatement.

Not a soul would've attributed his success to him for he'd achieve everything on the

shoulders of his father.

Don't make it your life's task to be better at being someone else.

Instead go your own way.

Unapolagetically be your best self.

Law #42: Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter

"When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter."

"Cut the snake at the head."

What is an army without its generals, without leadership?

Whole empires have been secured off of conscientious leaders with iron willpower and vision.

Take them away and much like Alexander's empire after his death, they break apart and crumble,

turning on eachother, defecting and deserting.

Often the glue that sticks everything together constists of a few key people at the top in

any kind of organization, any kind of social group or hierarchy.

Do with this information what you will.

Law #43: Work on the Heart and Mind of Others October of 1793, the French Revolution declared

the end of the monarchy.

Marie-Antoinette knelt at the guillotine for she never cared about the people's opinion

of her as their queen.

She thought herself above the common folk.

Pampered and disgustingly narcassistic she paid the price, never learning from her mistakes.

You should influence people and win friends as Dale Carnegie suggests.

It is more, than beneficial to be recognized for your kindness and helpful demeanour.

Be agreeable or face the consequences of being indifferent.

Be humble or be humbled.

Law #44: Disarm and Infuriate With the Mirror Effect

Alcibiades charmed the Athenians, got accused of profaning sacred statues and fled, then

charmed the Spartans, impregnated the king's wife and fled, then charmed the Persians and

helped Athens win their war against Sparta.

They welcomed him back with open arms.

"Wherever Alcibiades went, whoever he had to deal with, he would leave behind his own

values and appear to share the values of his victims.

No one could resist a man who not only concurred with them, but also admired their ways of

living, seeming to be one of their own."

You like people, who like you, who are like you.

Match people's energy, speak their language, eat their food, find common ground and even

envious people will drop their preconceived notions about you.

Law #45: Preach Change But Never Reform Quickly Change is imperative, but human beings love

the comfort familiarity provides.

The unknown, disorder and chaos are very disruptive and undesirable to us, even when it is for

the better.

Hence, we need small, incremental changes that build over a long period of time allowing

everyone to adjust at a comfortable pace.

You are moving things in the right direction, while avoiding stirring up too much anxiety

and dissent.

Change things gradually, one step at a time, dragging the voluntary rest of us with you.

Law #46 Never Appear Too Perfect "It takes great talent and skill to conceal

one’s talent and skill."

- La Rochefoucauld If you have been paying attention, you will

have noticed that a lot of these power plays revolve around the master and the student

or slave, domination and submission, superiority or authority and inferiority, ego, pride,

arrogance and envy, jealousy, hatred.

It's a very vicious and ultimately destructive cycle.

Everyone wants to be the king, no one wants to be the pawn.

Me, I don't want to be a pawn, but I don't want to be the king either.

I don't want to envy nor be envied.

I want to be the faceless man behind the throne.

I don't want to be on the chessboard.

I don't want to be a visible target, but I still want to win at the game of power no

matter what side loses.

Law #47: In Victory Learn When To Stop In 1751 Madame de Pompadour found herself

unable to satisfy Louis XV's lust.

To hold onto her privileged position she arranged younger, prettier women to keep the king happy.

This was a loss for she had to swallow her pride and share Louis with others.

They, however, could not compete with her charm, talents, taste and flawless sense for

fashion.

"Her reign as mistress had lasted an unprecedented twenty years."

Don't push too far or you risk losing it all.

Know when to take a loss and move on.

Law #48: Assume Formlessness The Spartans, the most powerful infantry the

world had ever seen at the time, lost the war with Athens, for they were outnumbered

and unwilling to change their views.

They did not adapt to circumstance.

They did not build walls.

They did not want to conquer new lands, nor engage in trade for gold gave rise to corruption.

Meanwhile Athens was thriving through constant reform.

Sparta fell behind and collapsed.

Don't fight change.

When you catch yourself in the futile attempt to resist a new order, remind yourself that

you not only missed the opportunity to predict it, but to adapt to it in time.

You have to be antifragile.

As Bruce Lee said, and this is the closing statement, "You must be shapeless, formless,

like water.

When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the cup.

When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes the bottle.

When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes the teapot.

Water can drip and it can crash.

Be water my friend."