The 48 Laws of Power - Deepstash

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Never Outshine the Master

Never Outshine the Master

This law advises against overshadowing one's superiors in any way, as it can lead to resentment and jealousy.

182

1.13K reads

Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies.

Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies.

This law advises against being too trusting of friends and allies, and instead learning how to use one's enemies to achieve one's goals.

181

942 reads

Conceal your intentions

Conceal your intentions

This law advises against revealing one's true intentions, as it can leave one vulnerable to manipulation and sabotage.

181

830 reads

Always say less than necessary

Always say less than necessary

This law advises against revealing too much information, as it can be used against one in the future.

186

773 reads

So much depends on your reputation-  guard it with your life

So much depends on your reputation- guard it with your life

This law advises against damaging one's reputation, as it is a valuable asset that can be used to gain power and influence.

180

703 reads

Court attention at all costs

Court attention at all costs

This law advises against being overlooked or ignored, as it can lead to a lack of power and influence.

176

696 reads

Get others to do the work for you, but always take credit

Get others to do the work for you, but always take credit

This law advises against doing all the work oneself, and instead delegating tasks to others while taking credit for their successes.

172

673 reads

Make other people come to you, use bait if necessary

Make other people come to you, use bait if necessary

This law advises against chasing after people or opportunities, and instead creating situations where others come to you.

175

644 reads

Win through your actions, never through  argument

Win through your actions, never through argument

This law advises against engaging in arguments or debates, and instead focusing on taking action to achieve one's goals.

179

587 reads

Avoid the unhappy and unlucky

Avoid the unhappy and unlucky

This law advises against associating with negative or unlucky people, as it can lead to a decline in one's fortunes.

177

550 reads

Learn to keep people dependent on you

Learn to keep people dependent on you

This law advises against allowing others to become too independent, and instead fostering a sense of dependence on oneself.

175

537 reads

Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim

Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim

This law advises against being entirely dishonest or selfish, and instead using honesty and generosity selectively to disarm others and gain their trust.

173

495 reads

When asking for help, appeal to people's self-interest

When asking for help, appeal to people's self-interest

This law advises against expecting others to help solely out of goodwill, and instead appealing to their self-interest.

172

468 reads

Pose as a friend, work as a spy

Pose as a friend, work as a spy

This law advises against being entirely trusting of others in political situations, and instead using espionage to gather information and protect oneself.

170

408 reads

Crush your enemy totally

Crush your enemy totally

This law advises against leaving one's enemies alive or able to cause further harm, and instead using overwhelming force to eliminate them.

171

393 reads

Use absence to increase respect and honor

Use absence to increase respect and honor

This law advises against being too present or available, and instead using absence to increase one's perceived value.

174

400 reads

Keep others in suspended terror

Keep others in suspended terror

This law advises against being too predictable or easily read, and instead keeping others in a state of uncertainty and fear.

172

378 reads

Do not build fortresses to protect yourself - Isolation is dangerous

Do not build fortresses to protect yourself - Isolation is dangerous

This law advises against isolating oneself completely, as it can lead to a lack of information and resources.

173

366 reads

Know who you are dealing with - Don't offend the wrong person

Know who you are dealing with - Don't offend the wrong person

This law advises against offending those who are more powerful or influential than oneself, as it can lead to serious consequences.

170

356 reads

Do not commit to anyone

Do not commit to anyone

This law advises against being too loyal or committed to any one person or group, as it can limit one's options and make one vulnerable.

172

336 reads

Play a sucker to catch a sucker - Seem dumber than your mark

Play a sucker to catch a sucker - Seem dumber than your mark

This law advises against revealing one's true intelligence or intentions, and instead appearing less intelligent or capable to lull others into a false sense of security.

172

336 reads

Use the surrender tactic: Transform Weakness into power

Use the surrender tactic: Transform Weakness into power

This law advises against viewing surrender as a weakness, and instead using it as a strategic move to gain power or control.

174

328 reads

Concentrate your forces

Concentrate your forces

This law advises against spreading oneself too thin, and instead focusing one's resources and efforts on a single goal or objective.

173

310 reads

Play the perfect Courtier

Play the perfect Courtier

This law advises against being too crude or obvious in one's pursuit of power, and instead using grace, charm, and cunning to win favor.

171

288 reads

Re-create Yourself

Re-create Yourself

This law advises against being too predictable or stagnant in one's approach to warfare and instead constantly evolving and adapting to new situations.

171

275 reads

Keep your hands clean

Keep your hands clean

This law advises against being directly involved in violent or illegal actions, and instead using proxies or allies to do one's bidding.

170

266 reads

Play on people's need to believe to create a cult-like following

Play on people's need to believe to create a cult-like following

This law advises against being entirely rational or logical, and instead using emotions and beliefs to create a loyal following.

167

281 reads

Enter action with boldness

Enter action with boldness

This law advises against being timid or hesitant, and instead entering into action with confidence and boldness.

169

272 reads

Plan (all the way) to the end

Plan (all the way) to the end

This law advises against being too focused on immediate gains, and instead planning for the long-term and considering all possible outcomes.

167

253 reads

Make your accomplishments seem effortless

Make your accomplishments seem effortless

This law advises against appearing to work too hard or struggle too much, and instead making one's accomplishments appear effortless.

166

256 reads

Control the actions: get others to play the cards you deal

Control the actions: get others to play the cards you deal

This law advises against allowing others to dictate the terms of a conflict, and instead controlling the options available to them.

168

255 reads

Play to people's fantasies

Play to people's fantasies

This law advises against being too focused on reality or practicality, and instead appealing to people's fantasies and desires.

167

251 reads

Discover each man's thumbscrew

Discover each man's thumbscrew

This law advises against treating all opponents the same, and instead discovering their weaknesses and exploiting them.

167

250 reads

Be royal in your fashion

Be royal in your fashion

Act like a king to be treated like one

This law advises against being too humble or meek, and instead projecting an image of royalty and power to be treated accordingly.

168

242 reads

Master the art of timing

Master the art of timing

This law advises against being too hasty or slow, and instead mastering the art of timing to strike at the most opportune moment.

168

230 reads

Disdain things you cannot have: Ignoring them is the best revenge

Disdain things you cannot have: Ignoring them is the best revenge

This law advises against becoming too fixated on things that cannot be obtained, and instead focusing on what is within one's grasp.

169

227 reads

Create compelling spectacles

Create compelling spectacles

This law advises against being too mundane or unremarkable, and instead creating compelling spectacles that capture people's attention.

170

234 reads

IDEAS CURATED BY

rdx

Just another homo-sapien

CURATOR'S NOTE

"The 48 Laws of Power" is a book that explores the nature of power and its importance in our lives. Robert Greene argues that power is ultimately a product of strategy and manipulation, and understanding it is critical to achieving success in any sphere of life. Throughout the book, Greene draws on historical examples to illustrate the principles of power and the strategies used by those who have attained it. He believes that power is a neutral force, and it is up to the individual to decide how to use it. This book is a guidebook for anyone seeking to master the art of influence and control.

Curious about different takes? Check out our The 48 Laws of Power Summary book page to explore multiple unique summaries written by Deepstash users.

Different Perspectives Curated by Others from The 48 Laws of Power

Curious about different takes? Check out our book page to explore multiple unique summaries written by Deepstash curators:

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