The 48 laws of Power By Robert Greene : Best seller

The 48 laws of Power
Table Of Contents
Table Of Contents
  1. The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power

Here is a detailed video on the 48 laws of power for the people who are not bookworms but a binge watchers

Law 1 – NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER

The 48 laws of Power : Make your superiors feel confident and respected. While you try to impress them, do not show off your talents too much; this can make them feel insecure. Instead, reflect on making them look smarter and more capable than they are. In doing so, you will gain their trust and be able to work in their interest. This is important for your success and to be influential.

The 48 laws of Power

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

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : Be cautious with friends – they can betray you from a motive of jealousy and become demanding over time. Strangely enough, an old adversary will remain more reliable in loyalty than friends, simply to keep proving you wrong. Really, friends are more dangerous than enemies. One should create enemies where there are none, since they will keep one on his toes by providing motivation.

Law 3 – CONCEAL YOUR INTENTIONS

The 48 laws of Power : Keep in mind that this is just the tip of the iceberg; don’t ever give a real reason for anything you do. If they don’t know what you are planning, they can’t stop you; lead them astray, confused by the distractions. By the time they figure out what you are up to, it will be too late for them to react or stop you.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 4 – ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : When one person talks too much, trying to gain the attention of his fellows, he may be taken as a simple, low-confident person. Simple thoughts can look great if kept mysterious, short, and open to the interpretation. Fewer words spoken by influential people set the level of respect, as they seem so wise and authoritative. The more you talk, the more are the chances that whatever comes out of your mouth would be something useless or silly; hence, it is better to be very careful about whatever you speak.

Law 5 – SO MUCH DEPENDS ON REPUTATION—GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE

The 48 laws of Power : Reputation is the groundwork of your power. A strong reputation can help you intimidate and win, but as soon as it has developed any cracks, you become vulnerable. “If your reputation weakens, then you must make yourself weak to your attackers. Strengthen your position in society, protect it at every turn from calumny, and allow no threats from which they may be warded off in advance. Simultaneously, weaken your enemies by besmirching them; once public opinion has condemned them, withdraw and let that fact finish them off.”

The 48 laws of Power

Law 6 – COURT ATTENTION AT ALL COST

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : People judge everything by appearance: hidden things are usually ignored. Do not be invisible or forgettable. Don’t blend with the crowd. Strive to be outstanding, make efforts to be conspicuous. Be bold, be original, and be interesting; more than likely, you will be noticed. Be bigger, brighter, and more mysterious than the average Joe around you, and you’ll naturally become the center of attention.

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

The 48 laws of Power : Use the knowledge, skills, and efforts of other people in order to achieve your own ends. In so doing, you manage to save your time and energy and create an impression of considerable efficiency and capability for yourself. Well, after a while, people will soon forget those who helped you, but they will remember your success. Let others deal with things that don’t require your personal attention so that you might focus on the more important things: this is how you will be able to make the greatest difference.

The 48 laws of Power

LAW 8 – MAKE OTHER PEOPLE COME TO YOU—USE BAIT IF NECESSARY

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : The actor acts under the direction of someone else and therefore keeps himself in control. The better policy would be to draw the adversary to himself, out of letting him abandon his very own plans. The actor acts under the direction of someone else and therefore keeps himself in control. Tempt with great reward, let him get caught, and then strike. Thus, in every move, you are in command, having an upper hand over adversaries.

LAW 9 – WIN THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS, NEVER THROUGH ARGUMENT

The 48 laws of Power : Instead, to try and persuade others to show them with your actions. Actions do speak louder than words, and, further to this, they are infinitely more effective in securing agreement and support without unnecessary conflict or hard feelings.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 10 – INFECTION: AVOID THE UNHAPPY AND UNLUCKY

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : Emotions can be contagious just like diseases, and another person’s sorrow can pull you down. Trying to save someone drowning in their problems may end up pulling you into their disaster. Some people are carriers of bad luck, and standing too close to them may bring misfortune in your direction. Instead, surround yourself with positive, happy, and successful people to keep your life uplifted and thriving.

Law 11 – LEARN TO KEEP PEOPLE DEPENDENT ON YOU

The 48 laws of Power : To stay independent, you need to be needed and valued. The more people rely on you, the more freedom you gain. If you make others depend on you for their happiness and success, you won’t have to worry. However, avoid teaching them too much so they can do without you. Keep yourself essential in their lives to maintain your freedom and security.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 12 – USE SELECTIVE HONESTY AND GENEROSITY TO DISARM YOUR VICTIM

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : A single act of sincerity can make up for many dishonest actions. When you show honesty and generosity even the most cautious people will lower their defenses. Once you gain their trust you can influence them more easily. A well-timed gift can have the same effect by breaking through their barriers allowing you to manipulate them when needed.

Law 13 – WHEN ASKING FOR HELP, APPEAL TO PEOPLE’S SELF-INTEREST, NEVER TO THEIR MERCY OR GRATITUDE

The 48 laws of Power : Don’t remind an ally of past favors while asking for help; it will get ignored. Instead, concentrate on why the request or partnership will be of help to them, and bring it up at every opportunity. People are more likely to help when they see something in it for themselves. By making it known what they stand to gain, they would be more than willing to help you out.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 14 – POSE AS A FRIEND, WORK AS A SPY

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : Knowing your rival is a must. Use spies to collect those valuables, which will keep you one foot ahead. Far better, turn out to be the spy yourself. At social encounters, be able to probe; ask questions that are indirect for bringing out weaknesses and intentions in people. No time is a miss for spying.

Law 15 – CRUSH YOUR ENEMY TOTALLY

The 48 laws of Power : Great leaders, from Moses onward, realize that a feared enemy must be completely defeated. If you leave even the slightest piece remaining, they will rise again. Oftentimes, to stop halfway is more detrimental than to have completely destroyed the enemy. If you fail to crush them completely, they will revive and revenge. In order to prevent this, defeat them not only physically but also mentally and in such a way that they are unable to come back.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 16 – USE ABSENCE TO INCREASE RESPECT AND HONOR

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : When you are omnipresent and always visible, you lose value. The more one is in view and is talked about, the more one becomes quite ordinary. If one is already quite known in certain circles, withdrawing for a time will make him a topic of conversation and put him even higher in their esteem. Learn when to step away: It is by being less available that you create value and become more wanted.

Law 17 – KEEP OTHERS IN SUSPENDED TERROR: CULTIVATE AN AIR OF UNPREDICTABILITY

The 48 laws of Power : People are creatures of habit; they like to see predictable behavior in others, as it gives them a sort of comfort. Consistency from your side offers them a feeling of control. To change the situation, be deliberately unpredictable. They will be confused and unsettled if your actions appear random, and it will tire them while trying to figure you out. This strategy, when overdone, may intimidate, or even terrify, others.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 18 – DO NOT BUILD FORTRESSES TO PROTECT YOURSELF, ISOLATION IS DANGEROUS

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : The world is dangerous and everyone must protect himself. Though a fortress might sound safe, the act of isolating oneself amounts to creating more risks. It cuts you off from important information and makes you an easy target. It’s better to stay connected with people, build alliances, and interact with others. Being part of the crowd gives you protection from your enemies, as you’re less noticeable and vulnerable.

Law 19 – KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH, DO NOT OFFEND THE WRONG PERSON

The 48 laws of Power : People respond to your tactics in a variety of ways and, hence, it is possible that not all of them will react in the manner you would like. Some, when deceived or outwitted by you, may nurse vengeance against you through life. They may look innocent but are dangerous at heart. Therefore, be cautious about whom you befriend or offend. Always think twice before offending or deceiving anyone because the person you have wronged might come back to hurt you later.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 20 – DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : A fool will rush to take sides, but to his own cause only; avoid committing to any cause other than your own. By keeping independent, you gain power over people. You can make people vie for your attention, turning them against each other. By not aligning with either group, you remain in control and make others run after you to enhance your position.

Law 21 – PLAY A SUCKER TO CATCH A SUCKER, SEEM DUMBER THAN YOUR MARK

The 48 laws of Power : No one likes the feeling of being less smart than others. The thing is, you’ve got to make them feel intelligent, even smarter than you.

The moment you flatter their intelligence and let them feel superior, they are going to trust you for sure and will not be suspicious of your motives. It’s just easier to keep them from noticing when you’re able to manipulate them.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 22 – USE THE SURRENDER TACTIC: TRANSFORM WEAKNESS INTO POWER

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : When you are weaker, don’t fight for the sake of honor. Instead, choose to surrender. Surrender gives you time to recover, frustrate your enemy, and wait for their power to fade. Don’t give them the satisfaction of defeating you—surrender first. By walking away, you confuse and anger them. Use surrender as a strategy to regain control and turn the situation in your favor.

Law 23 – CONCENTRATE YOUR FORCES

The 48 laws of Power : Rather, channel all of your energy into your strongest point, without spreading yourself too thinly. You will gain much more by digging deep into one valuable source than by jumping between many shallow ones. Concentration beats trying to do everything. When in search of power or support, one should look for that one particular key person or resource who/which can continuously bail them out over time, instead of looking for many such unreliable sources. The long-term focus is on value.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 24 – PLAY THE PERFECT COURTIER

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : The perfect courtier thrives in a world where everything revolves around power and political dexterity; he has mastered the art of indirection, flatters, and yields to superiors while asserting power over others in the most oblique and graceful manner. Learn and apply the laws of courtiership, and there shall be no limit to how far you may rise in the court.

Law 25 – RE-CREATE YOURSELF

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : Reject the roles which society imposes on us and forge your own character: a character full of attention, never boring. Take charge of the image you project, instead of allowing others to define it for you. Use dramatic acts and gestures to stand out. Increase your charisma with that element of influence; your character will look even bigger and more powerful. Make everything you do different and memorable.

Law 26 – KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN

The 48 laws of Power : You should be the very paragon of courtesy and efficiency, without fault or foulness attaching itself to you. In order to preserve this virgin image of yours, let others be the scapegoats who take the blame and do the dirty work-while you stay clean. Let them take the fall for any problems, while you remain spotless and keep your reputation unsullied. Keep your involvement unseen and impeccable.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 27 – PLAY ON PEOPLE’S NEED TO BELIEVE TO CREATE A CULTLIKE FOLLOWING

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : People have a strong need to believe in something. Become the focus of this need by giving them a cause or new belief to follow. Keep your message unclear, but hopeful, with more emphasis on excitement than logic. Create rituals for them to follow and ask for sacrifices on your behalf. Without a strong religion or cause, your new system of belief will give you immense power over others.

Law 28 – ENTER ACTION WITH BOLDNESS

The 48 laws of Power : If you do not know what to do, do not do anything. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. Better to enter with boldness than timidly. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. The bold are admired by everybody; nobody honors the timid.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 29 – PLAN ALL THE WAY TO THE END

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : One must think of the end. considering all the possible results that might spoil the game, all the hazards and vicissitudes, crediting to fortune, and blaming on others. The earlier one makes a plan, the better poised he is through the course, with an idea of when to back out. By thinking ahead and thinking in long term, control your destiny with an anticipation toward the end; then, you steer events to shape your future without being caught unawares.

Law 30 – MAKE YOUR ACCOMPLISHMENTS SEEM EFFORTLESS

The 48 laws of Power : Your actions must seem natural and executed with ease. All the toil and practice that go into them, and also all the clever tricks, must be concealed. When you act, act effortlessly, as if you could do much more. Avoid the temptation of revealing how hard you work—it only raises questions. Teach no one your tricks or they will be used against you

The 48 laws of Power

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

The 48 laws of Power

The 48 laws of Power : The best deceptions are those that leave the other person with a sense of having choices while being controlled. You open options that will lead to results in your favor, no matter which one they pick. You force them into a position where both choices are unfavorable to them but serve you. Putting them in a dilemma, they will be stuck and will not escape without helping you, whichever way they go.

Law 32 – PLAY TO PEOPLE’S FANTASIES

The 48 laws of Power : The truth is, it’s usually avoided because it’s uncomfortable and harsh. Don’t depend on truth if you’re not ready for the wrath and disappointment it comes with. Life is tough, and people are attracted to those who create dreams or give an escape-a kind of oasis in a desert; you can gain great power by tapping into the fantasies of others, for people will flock wherever they feel comfort.

The 48 laws of Power

Law 33 – DISCOVER EACH MAN’S THUMBSCREW

The 48 laws of Power : Everyone has a weakness, like a crack in a castle wall; mostly, it’s an insecurity, an emotional need, or a hidden desire. Once you discover it, you can use it to your advantage. Be it an uncontrollable feeling or a secret pleasure, knowing someone’s weakness gives you power over them, allowing you to manipulate the situation to suit your needs.

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

The 48 laws of Power : How you present yourself is how others will treat you. If you look rude or just common, people will lose respect for you. A true leader has respect for themselves and encourages others to do the same. Through your confident and dignified carriage or bearing, you create the impression of being destined for greatness, thereby becoming the kind of person through whom others envision a future bearer of power as a matter of course.

Law 35 – MASTER THE ART OF TIMING

The 48 laws of Power : Avoid appearing rushed; rushing is a sure sign of lack of control both over self and time. Keep a calm and patient demeanour, as if well sure everything will come to you in due time. Be mindful of the right moment to act—aware of the trends and opportunities that will fall into place to give power. Learn to wait and step back when the occasion demands, and then spring back with bold action when the time is ripe.

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

The 48 laws of Power : It’s by focusing on a small problem that you make it huge and give it power. The more time you focus on an enemy, the more strength you give them. Often times, trying to correct a small mistake may tend to worsen it. Sometimes, the best way is to ignore. If there’s something that you want but can’t have, then show that you don’t care for it. The less interest you show, the more superior you seem.

Law 37 – CREATE COMPELLING SPECTACLES

The 48 laws of Power : Powerful images, dramatic gestures, make you look strong, in command. People are drawn to that. So, create a grand spectacle with striking and meaningful symbols that enhance your presence. With a focus on these outward displays, people will be mesmerized and won’t notice your true intentions or actions. The more attention you get for your appearance, the less they’ll see what’s really going on behind the scenes.

Law 38 – THINK AS YOU LIKE BUT BEHAVE LIKE OTHERS

The 48 laws of Power : If you openly show that you go against the norms and display unconventional ideas, people will think you’re just seeking attention and looking down on them. They’ll react by trying to make you feel inferior. It’s safer to blend in and connect with others in a way that feels familiar. Share your unique ideas only with people who will understand and appreciate them.

Law 39 – STIR UP WATERS TO CATCH FISH

The 48 laws of Power : Anger, emotions can hurt the strategy Always stay calm, logical. However, if you could provoke your enemies and still manage to stay calm, you had an upper hand. This can be done by finding their weakness or shortcoming; use it to make them unsettled. You can control the situation by making them lose their composure and stay in charge, holding the power in your hands.

Law 40 – DESPISE THE FREE LUNCH

The 48 laws of Power : If offered for free, there is a trick or a catch; it is hazardous. The only thing that has real value is what one has to pay for. Paying one’s way is guilt-free and free of deception. Sometimes, indeed, the best remedy for cutting down on something would be paying the full price, for quality is diminished by such measures. He who is generous with his money keeps it flowing, and generous spending is a sign of power, which in turn attracts it.

Law 41 – AVOID STEPPING INTO A GREAT MAN’S SHOES

The 48 laws of Power : The first to achieve something will always have the greatest impression of being impressive and original. One will need to achieve more if they have been overshadowed by a great figure or famous parent. Don’t live in their shadow or past; change directions to create your own identity. Get out from underneath their legacy and build a name for yourself by succeeding uniquely.

Law 42 – STRIKE THE SHEPHERD AND THE SHEEP WILL SCATTER

The 48 laws of Power : The problem starts with one strong person: the troublemaker, the arrogant follower, or the one who spreads negativity. Others will be influenced if you let them act freely. Don’t wait for their problems to grow, or try to make peace with them-they can’t be changed. Stop their influence by isolating or removing them. Deal with the source, and the others will stop following.

Law 43 – WORK ON THE HEARTS AND MINDS OF OTHERS

The 48 laws of Power : This in turn will rebound upon you since compulsion in getting work done from people will only lead to them blowing things out of proportion. The thing should rather be to make them willing to believe in you. Because when you have once gained somebody’s confidence, he is more or less a willing horse. This can be done by working on their emotions, weaknesses. Work on what they care or fear to get them on your side. If you ignore their feelings, they will begin to resent you.

Law 44 – DISARM AND INFURIATE WITH THE MIRROR EFFECT

The 48 laws of Power : It shows reality but also deceives-a copy. By exactly copying the actions of your enemies, they will not be able to comprehend your plan. This Mirror Effect ridicules them, forcing them to overreact. You mirror their values and actions so that it seems that you are like them while actually teaching them a lesson. Most people cannot stand the power of this strategy.

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

The 48 laws of Power : People recognize that change is necessary, but at the same time, they are creatures of habit and resist too much change. If you’re new to the position of power or trying to gain influence, show some respect for the old ways. If change is needed, then portray it as a small improvement and not a complete overhaul. Too much change at one time can make people rebel.

Law 46 – NEVER APPEAR TOO PERFECT

The attempt to make oneself better than others may be a hazardous road to travel, but that of flawless appearance brings even greater risk. People secretly envy those who appear perfect. It is wise from time to time to reveal one’s imperfections or admit to some harmless weaknesses in order to let others feel comfortable and view you as human. Only gods and the dead can be truly perfect with impunity.

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

The 48 laws of Power : With victory, there is also the possibility of great danger. The excitement that comes with winning can make someone forget himself, become arrogant, and overconfident, going too far beyond the goal and making more enemies. Success should not get into your head. Remember the importance of strategy and planning-all one has to do is set a clear goal; once it is attained, there is no need to go further and risk unnecessary problems.

Law 48 – ASSUME FORMLESSNESS

The 48 laws of Power : Be a clear outline or structure is to make oneself easy to attack; instead, stay fluid and variable. Understand that nothing is static, everything is moving. Be shapeless, be water. Never show the enemy what you are going to do until it is too late for him to counter it-never let the other side know what you are thinking. Wise leaders are unpredictable, leaving no trace so that others can hardly rise against them.

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