4: Always say less than necessary

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.

Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power

When it comes to power, outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.

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

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.