1: Never outshine the master

When you suspect you are in the presence of an infector, don’t argue, don’t try to help, don’t pass the person on to your friends, or you will become enmeshed.

Flee the infector’s presence or suffer the consequences.

Hide your intentions not by closing up but by talking endlessly about your desires and goals— just not your real ones.

Power cannot accrue to those who squander their treasure of words.

Once the words are out, you cannot take them back. Keep them under control.

Learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations.

Then stand aside and let public opinion hang them.

Surround your name with the sensational and the scandalous.

Better to be slandered and attacked than ignored.

For negotiations or meetings, it is always wise to lure others into your territory, or the territory of your choice. You have your bearings,

While they see nothing familiar and are subtly placed on the defensive.

Remember: You have only so much energy and so much time. Every moment wasted on the affairs of others subtracts from your strength.

The key to power is the ability to judge who is best able to further your interests in all situations.

Keep friends for friendship, but work with the skilled and competent.