LAWS OF POWER

LAWS OF POWER

Law #1: Never Outshine the Master

Nicolas Fouquet's mistake of appearing more powerful than his king, Louis XIV, cost him dearly, as he spent the rest of his days imprisoned. Avoid outperforming your superiors, as the price will be higher than the reward.

Law #2: Never Put too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies

Michael III of the Byzantine Empire was saved from death by Basilius, who then murdered Michael out of greed, rather than showing gratitude. Trust people from a distance, as they tend to prioritize their own interests over loyalty. Former opponents can make for more reliable and stronger allies.

Law #3: Conceal Your Intentions

The Marquis de Sevigne's direct confession of love for a young countess caused her to lose interest, rather than being subtle and mysterious.

Law #4: Always Say Less than Necessary

Due to his unpredictability, Louis XIV would keep his courtiers in suspense when delivering bad news, only speaking when he had something meaningful to say.

Law #5: So Much Depends on Reputation - Guard It With Your Life

Erwin Rommel's reputation for superior cunning and deceptive strategy demoralized his opponents, demonstrating the power of a carefully cultivated reputation.

Law #6: Court Attention at all Cost

Pablo Picasso would rather create something unusual and ugly than fade into obscurity, understanding the value of maintaining a public presence.

Law #7: Get Others to Do the Work for You

Thomas Edison capitalized on Nikola Tesla's genius, hiring talented individuals to do what he could not.

Law #8: Make Other People Come To You - Use Bait if Necessary

As Otto von Bismarck said, "When I have laid bait for deer, I don't shoot at the first doe that comes to sniff, but wait until the whole herd has gathered round." Force your opponents to react to your moves.

Law #9: Win Through Your Actions - Not Through Argument

Mucianus sentenced an engineer to death for arguing against his preferred ship design, despite the engineer being correct, demonstrating the importance of action over argument.

Law #10: Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky

Lola Montez's destructive nature brought down the King of Bavaria and his kingdom, showing the importance of cutting off "firestarters" before they can spread their influence.

Law #11: Learn To Keep People Dependent on You

Otto von Bismarck's indispensable role in uniting Prussia demonstrates the value of making yourself irreplaceable.

Law #12: Use Selective Honesty to Disarm Your Victim

Count Victor Lustig's "honest" return of Capone's money gained the latter's trust, illustrating the power of strategic truth-telling.

Law #13: Asking for Help Appeal to People's Self Interest

The Corcyrans' appeal to the Athenians' mutual interests, rather than existing debts, secured their alliance, showing the effectiveness of pragmatic over emotional arguments.

Law #14: Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy

Talleyrand-Périgord's subtle interrogation disguised as friendly conversation reveals how to judge a person's character and uncover hidden threats.

Law #15: Crush Your Enemy Totally

When words fail and enemies cannot be reasoned with, the only option is total destruction, as demonstrated by the Spanish general Narvaez.

Law #16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

As the Dervish said, "the words 'Why have you not been to see me?' are sweeter to my ear than the words 'Why have you come again?'" Depriving people of your presence can make them appreciate it more upon your return.

Law #17: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability

Picasso's unexpected decision to end his partnership with Rosenberg left the art dealer confused and unable to prepare, demonstrating the power of unpredictability.

Law #18: Isolation is Dangerous

Cutting oneself off from friends and family can make one vulnerable to manipulation, as those urging isolation may seek to control and influence you.

Law #19: Do Not Offend the Wrong Person

Genghis Khan's brutal retaliation against the shah of Khwarezm for the murder of his messengers shows the danger of insulting the wrong person, even if they seem weak.

Law #20: Do Not Commit to Anyone

Alcibiades' ability to play the Athenians, Spartans, and Persians against each other by refusing to commit to any side demonstrates the value of maintaining flexibility and control.

Law #21: Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker

Socrates' feigned ignorance was a tactic to disarm people, showing how appearing foolish can be a wise strategy.

Law #22: Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power

The Melians' refusal to surrender to the Athenians, despite their weakness, illustrates how choosing to fight another day can be a more powerful tactic than immediate capitulation.

Law #23: Concentrate Your Forces

As seen in the collapse of the Roman Empire, dividing one's forces leaves them vulnerable, while concentrating resources on a single front can lead to mastery.

Law #24: Play the Perfect Courtier

Talleyrand-Périgord's mastery of courtly politics, including obedience, charm, and subtle power-wielding, demonstrates the value of becoming a skilled courtier.

Law #25: Recreate Yourself

Dismissing the opinions of others and embracing the freedom to be whoever you want to be, as Gaius Julius Caesar did, can empower self-transformation.

Law #26: Keep Your Hands Clean

Cesare Borgia's betrayal of Remirro di Orco shows the danger of being used as a scapegoat, underscoring the importance of avoiding such traps.

Law #27: Play on People's Need to Believe

Exploiting people's desire for meaning and belonging, whether for recruitment or profit, is a powerful tactic, but one that should be resisted.

Law #28: Enter Action with Boldness

Confidence and decisiveness, as exemplified by con artists and fighters, can be a decisive advantage in power games and seduction.

Law #29: Plan all the Way to the End

Considering potential outcomes and consequences before taking action, as the gods on Mount Olympus do, can help avoid disastrous mistakes.

Law #30: Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless

Houdini's illusion of effortlessness in his performances demonstrates the value of concealing the hard work behind one's achievements.

Law #31: Get others to Play with the Cards you Deal

Ivan the Terrible's manipulation of the Russians' choices shows how presenting limited options can give the illusion of free will.

Law #32: Play to People's Fantasies

Exploiting people's desire for easy solutions and get-rich-quick schemes, as the alchemist Il Brigadino did, can be a profitable tactic, but one that should be approached with caution.

Law #33: Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew

Cardinal Richelieu's practice of finding and exploiting the weaknesses of those around him illustrates the value of understanding your opponents' vulnerabilities.

Law #34: Be Royal in Your Own Fashion – Act Like a King

Christopher Columbus' self-aggrandizement and bold requests, despite his low standing, show how projecting an air of legitimacy and authority can be advantageous.

Law #35: Master the Art of Timing

Joseph Fouché's ability to switch sides at the right moment, avoiding danger, demonstrates the importance of adapting to changing circumstances.

Law #36: Disdain Things You Cannot Have

King Henry VIII's decision to ignore his wife Catherine of Aragon in favor of pursuing Anne Boleyn shows how disregarding what you cannot obtain can be a powerful tactic.

Law #37: Create Compelling Spectacles

Dr. Weisleder's use of the moon's mystique and the absence of explanation to heal patients illustrates the power of creating a sense of grandeur and mystery.

Law #38: Think As You Like, But Behave Like Others

Pausinias' downfall, due to his god-complex and need to stand out, underscores the importance of conforming outwardly, even if your thoughts differ.

Law #39: Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish

Laying traps and exploiting your enemies' weaknesses and desires, as Louis XIV did with his gifts to nobility, can be an effective strategy.

Law #40: Despise the Free Lunch

Louis XIV's strategic use of gifts to win over his opponents demonstrates the value of being generous, as opposed to being a cheap miser.

Law #41: Avoid Stepping into a Great Man's Shoes

Alexander the Great's successors' inability to match his achievements shows the danger of trying to surpass a legendary figure, rather than forging your own path.

Law #42: Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter

Removing key leaders can cause an organization or social group to crumble, as seen in the aftermath of Alexander's death.

Law #43: Work on the Heart and Mind of Others

Marie-Antoinette's downfall, due to her indifference towards the people's opinion, highlights the importance of influencing and winning over others.

Law #44: Disarm and Infuriate With the Mirror Effect

Alcibiades' chameleon-like ability to adapt to his victims' values and ways of living demonstrates the power of mirroring to gain favor and disarm opponents.

Law #45: Preach Change But Never Reform Quickly

Gradual, incremental change is more effective than rapid reform, as it allows people to adjust comfortably to the new order.

Law #46: Never Appear Too Perfect

Concealing one's talents and skills, as La Rochefoucauld suggests, can be a wise strategy to avoid envy and resentment from others.

Law #47: In Victory Learn When To Stop

Madame de Pompadour's ability to maintain her position as Louis XV's mistress for two decades by accepting a loss of exclusivity demonstrates the value of knowing when to compromise.

Law #48: Assume Formlessness

As Bruce Lee said, being "shapeless, formless, like water" allows one to adapt to changing circumstances, as the Athenians did in contrast to the rigid Spartans.