This is the second part of a three part summary and analysis of the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, a book that teaches you how to rise to power in a world where everything else would be trying to pull you down.
Part 1 and Part 3 of this series summarizing the 48 laws of power are linked at the bottom of this page
Allies, Audience, Enemies, “Masters”, and Power
Advice on serving a master(1): Never get too friendly, provide polite criticism, wear your poker face, never come bearing bad news, avoid making offensive jokes, treat people as society would, ask rarely for favors, and self reflect occasionally to make sure you aren’t betraying your reputation which should be rock-solid(5) ie your gestures, actions, behavior, and appearance. Be known for one quality. Destroy an enemy’s reputation through ridicule but be discreet. Recreate yourself(25) with a new memorable reputation and confidence.
Stop when you reach your goal(47) because there is no substitute to full proof planning(29). Once you reach success, prepare for the fall. If you still serve a master, maintain strict obedience and the same advice discussed earlier.
How to always make them choose what you want(31)
The key here is to have all the options be in your favor in some way. When you control the options to propel your audience and allies towards a single option, make all the other choices seem ordinary, or even disadvantageous. For more fearful audiences, play on their fears. You can choose to worsen the options the longer your audience hesitates, or deny them the time to pick so they choose the one option that seems right in hindsight. For more rebellious audiences, emphasize the opposite of the option you want picked, and you will always get your way.
Target your enemies’ weaknesses(33). Their weaknesses are evident in their idols and gestures. This might be a need that was indulged or not provided in their childhood, or the opposite of the quality they display. Use their weaknesses to anger them(39) or control them, but never lose your cool. Pretend to bare your secrets and people will bare theirs. A good place to do this is at social events, where you can get valuable information from unsuspecting people. So, never stay isolated for too long(18). Work as a spy(14) when you can, or have someone else do so for you. Remember, scarcity makes you talked about and admired too(16), and your presence is desired strongly.
By wearing a poker face, faking your desires, and lying about your intentions being the same as everyone else’s conceal your intentions(3) so people cannot sabotage your plans. Another way to do this is using the mirror effect(44). Copying your enemy’s moves. This can lead to one of 3 things: your enemy loves you, or gets a taste of their own medicine, or simply, your intentions are concealed.
Types of people to avoid offending(19):
Someone with an oversensitive pride will get extremely violent, someone insecure will emotionally chew you out, Mr. Suspicion is easy to deceive because he is distrustful- but you are no anomaly to his suspicions, the serpent will come back out of the blue for revenge. Avoid offending these types of people, and additionally, avoid associating with the plain man for they cannot be baited and cannot be used.
Also, avoid miserable people(10). Identify them by the effect they have on others, and avoid them for they are draining. Associate with those that do not share your “defects”.
When you do take down an enemy, crush them completely in mind and spirit(15) so they do not come back with the same intention. And for when you do get the chance, work with your enemy(2) because an enemy is more loyal than a friend for they have more to prove, but never ally with a particularly strong or intelligent enemy. For when you are on the losing team, use the surrender tactic(22)– give in, devise revenge behind their backs.
Image: https://www.bbc.com/news/in-pictures-39806415
Book: https://books.google.co.in/books/about/The_Concise_48_Laws_Of_Power.html?id=kOjAEAAAQBAJ&redir_esc=y