Law 19: Know Who You're Dealing With—Do Not Offend the Wrong Person
From the 48 laws of Power by Robert Greene

Law 19: Know Who You're Dealing With—Do Not Offend the Wrong Person
In the world of power, there are those who will forgive an offense and those who will never forget. It is important to know who you are dealing with before you make a move, lest you offend the wrong person and suffer the consequences.
Some people are naturally vengeful. They may have been slighted in the past, or they may simply have a vindictive personality. If you offend these people, they will not rest until they have gotten their revenge. They may try to sabotage your career, spread rumors about you, or even physically harm you.
Other people are more forgiving. They may be able to overlook an offense if it is not too serious. However, even these people have their limits. If you offend them too deeply, they may eventually turn against you.
It is therefore important to be very careful about who you offend. Before you say or do anything that could be construed as an offense, take the time to assess the person you are dealing with. What is their personality like? What are their values? What are their triggers?
Once you have a better understanding of the person, you can make a more informed decision about whether or not to offend them. If you do decide to offend them, be prepared for the consequences.
Here are some tips for avoiding offending the wrong person:
Be careful about what you say. Words can be very powerful, and they can easily be misinterpreted. If you are not sure what to say, it is better to say nothing at all.
Be aware of your body language. Your body language can also send messages, even if you are not aware of it. If you are feeling angry or resentful, your body language may betray you.
Be respectful. Even if you disagree with someone, it is important to be respectful of them. This does not mean that you have to agree with them, but it does mean that you should treat them with courtesy.
Avoid making assumptions. Do not assume that you know what someone is thinking or feeling. If you are not sure, ask them.
By following these tips, you can help to avoid offending the wrong person. This will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
Examples of the 19th Law in Action
There are many examples of the 19th law in action throughout history. One famous example is the story of Henry II of England and Thomas Becket. Becket was the Archbishop of Canterbury, and he was a powerful figure in England. Henry II was angry with Becket for opposing his policies, and he said, "Will no one rid me of this troublesome priest?" These words were overheard by four knights, who took them literally and murdered Becket.
Another example of the 19th law is the story of Julius Caesar and Brutus. Caesar was a powerful Roman general and politician, and he was feared by many people. Brutus was one of Caesar's closest friends, but he was also a member of a conspiracy to assassinate Caesar. The conspirators believed that Caesar was too powerful, and they feared that he would become a tyrant. They assassinated Caesar in 44 BC, and their actions led to a civil war in Rome.
These are just two examples of the 19th law in action. This law is a reminder that words can be very powerful, and that it is important to be careful about who you offend.
Conclusion
The 19th law of power is a powerful reminder that it is important to be careful about who you offend. Some people are naturally vengeful, and they will not rest until they have gotten their revenge. Others are more forgiving, but even they have their limits. If you offend someone too deeply, they may eventually turn against you.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to avoid offending the wrong person. This will save you a lot of trouble in the long run.
About the Creator
David Odubola
My articles are full of practical advice and relatable example stories. I believe that everyone has the power to change their lives, and I want to help people make that happen. I am currently working on the "48 laws of power ".



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