The 20th Law of Power: Do Not Commit to Anyone

The 20th Law of Power: Do Not Commit to Anyone

In his book "The 48 Laws of Power", Robert Greene writes that "the fool who always rushes to take sides is soon trapped." He argues that by remaining independent, you maintain control and can play people off of each other. This law is based on the principle of divide and conquer.

When you commit to someone, you give them power over you. They can now use your commitment against you to get what they want. For example, if you commit to a political party, you are now obligated to support their policies, even if you disagree with them. This can make you vulnerable to manipulation.

By remaining independent, you retain the power to choose your own allies and enemies. You can also play people off of each other, making them compete for your attention. This can be a very effective way to gain power.

Of course, there are some risks associated with remaining independent. If you are not careful, you could end up alienating everyone. You also need to be careful not to appear too aloof or detached. If you do, people will not take you seriously.

How to Apply the 20th Law of Power

There are a few things you can do to apply the 20th Law of Power:

Be selective about your commitments. Don't just commit to anyone who asks. Only commit to people who you trust and who will be a positive force in your life.

Be ambiguous about your intentions. Don't let people know exactly where you stand. This will make them more likely to try to win your favor.

Play people off of each other. If you have two people who are vying for your attention, let them compete with each other. This will give you the upper hand.

Be careful not to appear too aloof or detached. If you do, people will not take you seriously.

Examples of the 20th Law of Power in Action

There are many examples of the 20th Law of Power in action throughout history. For example, when Napoleon Bonaparte was first rising to power, he was careful not to commit to any one faction. He played the different factions off of each other, gaining power in the process.

Another example is the story of Machiavelli's Prince. In this book, Machiavelli argues that a prince should be "a fox and a lion." In other words, he should be cunning and ruthless, but also strong and decisive. This is a perfect example of the 20th Law of Power in action.

Conclusion

The 20th Law of Power is a powerful tool that can be used to gain and maintain power. By remaining independent and playing people off of each other, you can increase your power and influence. However, it is important to be careful not to appear too aloof or detached. If you do, people will not take you seriously.

If you are looking to gain power, the 20th Law of Power is a valuable tool that you should consider using. However, it is important to use this law wisely and ethically. If you use it to manipulate or hurt others, you will eventually lose their trust and respect.

Additional Thoughts

The 20th law of power is not always easy to follow. It can be tempting to commit to someone or something, especially if you feel like you need their support. However, it is important to remember that your independence is your most valuable asset. If you give it up, you may regret it later.

The 20th law of power is also not meant to be used to manipulate or exploit others. It is simply a way to protect yourself and your interests. If you use the law wisely, you can gain a lot of power and control over your own life.