Power is the ability to influence the behavior of others or the course of events. The 48 Laws of Power show you how to attain and practice this ability.
This is the first of a three part summary-analysis of the book. The bracketed numbers symbolize the law.
Part 2 and Part 3 of this series summarizing the 48 Laws of Power are linked at the bottom of this page
Firstly, be adaptive(48) in how, where, and when you use these laws. Look at them as shrewd advice over rules. Remember, in the dynamic world of power, you never know what to expect, stay nimble. Infact, be unpredictable yourself(17). In the nuances of the way you treat people and what you do lies the power to intimidate. Avoid following in someone’s footsteps(41). Carve your own path if you want to remembered instead of constantly compared, do this by using physical presentations and symbols to differentiate you.
Make a public change seem like only a gentle improvement(45). You can do this by disguising the change under a familiar name or number, and displaying wide support for it. Before you reach a position of power, only ever look to cause change indirectly to avoid offending the crowd. Stay with times(38) and never get defensive over an idea because your enemies will use it against you.
~
Create powerful spectacles to send out a message(37). Humans are responsive to visuals. A symbol, an event, anything memorable that portrays a message.
Promise the fulfillment of the inner desires of your audience(43). A soldier who fights passionately fights longer and harder than one who is ordered to fight. Find out and promise their individual desires’ fulfillment when your goal is achieved, and you will have an army.
How to create and empower a cult like following(27):
4 steps. Promise something simple but so vague it seems transformative, use spectacles to emphasize how transformative, create traditions (that might streamline to a cleverly concealed source of income for you), create an us vs them dynamic (using a real or created enemy in your followers’ minds).
Make sure the people around you, such as your master, remain dependent on you (11) to avoid getting replaced.
Serve a master because you will need the protection of a good reputation, and you might be promoted faster too. Concentrate on having just one plan, and one master you serve as you carry it out(23).
Never admit mistakes publicly(26) if you want people to keep trusting you. Always victimize yourself in this situation and have a scapegoat ready, or someone who does the dirty work for you.
~
Play the perfect courtier(24). In meetings with rivals and a boss, look to be seen through subtleties in appearance, over noticed, to avoid jealous jabs. Seek attention without seeming like a threat(6). By playfully slandering a powerful figure on occasion, or through creative spectacles; attract awe. Be charismatic, and praise others to be noticed yourself. But never appear too perfect(46) as you do so. Again, to avoid jealous attacks, emphasize the role of luck, commit a few mistakes, make your ideas seem like your boss’s.
Always seem like you have more to offer(30). Be effortless to provoke admiration and fear, yet conceal your plans. Beware of envy disguised as excessive praise or spite.
Sources
Image: https://www.youtube.com/watch?app=desktop&v=yRNKYd8qSZw