The 10th Law of Power: Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and the Unlucky

The 10th Law of Power: Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and the Unlucky

In his book "The 48 Laws of Power", Robert Greene argues that the key to success in life is to understand and manipulate the laws of power. One of these laws is the law of infection, which states that you should avoid associating with unhappy and unlucky people.

Greene argues that emotional states are as infectious as diseases. When you spend time with unhappy people, their negativity can rub off on you. This can lead to a decrease in your own happiness, productivity, and overall well-being.

In addition, unhappy people often have a negative impact on the people around them. They may be critical, complaining, and pessimistic. This can create a toxic environment that can make it difficult for others to succeed.

Of course, not everyone who is unhappy is a bad person. There are many people who are struggling with difficult circumstances beyond their control. However, it is important to be aware of the potential negative impact that unhappy people can have on your life.

If you find yourself spending a lot of time with unhappy people, it may be time to make some changes. Here are a few tips for avoiding the unhappy and the unlucky:

1. Pay attention to the people you surround yourself with: When you're meeting new people, take note of their energy and attitude. Are they positive and upbeat, or are they negative and complaining? If you find yourself feeling drained after spending time with someone, it's a sign that you may want to limit your contact with them.

2. Set boundaries: If you have friends or family members who are chronically unhappy, it's important to set boundaries. This doesn't mean you have to cut them out of your life completely, but it does mean limiting the amount of time you spend with them.

3. Find positive people to spend time with: Surrounding yourself with positive people can help to boost your own happiness and well-being. Make an effort to spend time with people who make you feel good about yourself and who inspire you to be your best.

It's important to remember that you are not responsible for the happiness of others. You can't change someone who is determined to be unhappy. However, you can control the people you spend time with. By avoiding the unhappy and the unlucky, you can increase your own happiness and success.

Here are some examples of how the 10th law of power can be applied in real life:

A young woman is struggling to make ends meet. She is constantly stressed and anxious, and her mood is starting to affect her work. She decides to start spending more time with positive and supportive friends. As a result, her mood improves, she is more productive at work, and she starts to feel more confident about her future.

A man is in a toxic relationship. His partner is always negative and critical, and he is starting to feel like he is never good enough. He decides to end the relationship and start spending more time with positive and supportive people. As a result, he feels happier and more confident, and he is able to focus on his own goals.

A business is struggling to compete with its rivals. The company's employees are demoralized and productivity is low. The CEO decides to hire a new leadership team that is more positive and focused on growth. As a result, the company's morale improves, productivity increases, and the company starts to gain market share.

In addition to the emotional impact of associating with unhappy people, there is also a physical impact. Studies have shown that stress can lead to a number of health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and depression. When you spend time with unhappy people, you are exposed to their stress hormones, which can increase your own risk of developing these health problems.

If you are serious about improving your health and well-being, it is important to make an effort to avoid the unhappy and the unlucky. Surround yourself with positive people who make you feel good about yourself. This will help you to reduce stress, boost your immune system, and improve your overall health.