Law #1: Never Outshine the Master
Nicolas Fouquet made the mistake of appearing larger than his King, Louis XIV, and spent
his remaining days incarcerated. Avoid victories over superiors. It will cost you more than it is worth. 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 Michael in turn favored with gifts and prestige. Basilius, lusting for more power, murdered
Michael out of greed. Instead of showing gratitude. He was insatiable. Trust from a distance. People are selfish and pursue their own interests. Former opponents make more loyal and stronger
friends. Law #3: Conceal Your Intentions
The Marquis de Sevigne wanted to seduce a young countess. Instead of being indirect and subtle he exposed
his true feelings for her and she lost all interest as he blurted out that he loved her. Add a sense of unexplicable mystery to your
character. Law #4: Always Say Less than Necessary
Law #5: So Much Depends on Reputation - Guard It With Your Life
During the second World War Erwin Rommel was known for his superior skill in cunning and
deceptive strategy. All of the opposition were demoralized and
doubting their chances of success facing him. Your reputation preceeds you. Build and protect it carefully. Law #6: Court Attention at all Cost
Pablo Picasso would not allow himself to fade into the background. He would rather paint something out of the
ordinary and ugly, than be forgotten. All publicity is good publicity. Don't let yourself become one of many. Law #7: Get Others to Do the Work for You
Thomas Edison wasn't much of a scientist, but a businessman. He would capitalize on Nikola Tesla's genius
and garner all the credit. Hire talents capable of doing what you can't. Law #8: Make Other People Come To You - Use
Bait if Necessary "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." - Otto von Bismarck Force your opponent to
react to your moves. Law #9: Win Through Your Actions - Not Through
Argument Mucianus needed strong ships. Without guarding his tongue his engineer argued
that a different type than the one Mucianus preferred would be much better for conquest. Despite being right the engineer was sentenced
to death. Don't argue with authorities. Agree and suggest an alternative, then demonstrate. Law #10: Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and
Unlucky Lola Montez brought down the King of Bavaria
and his whole kingdom by seducing him. Her lust for destruction and chaos was insatiable. Countless lives perished, because of her nature. Cut off the firestarters. Try to help them instead and you too will
burn alongside them. Law #11: Learn To Keep People Dependent on
You Otto von Bismarck led the King's hand in uniting
a mighty Prussia. None other than Bismarck was able to do so. He proved himself to be an indespensable asset
and had his strong position secured. Be the only one who can do what you do or
see yourself replaced in fear sooner or later. Law #12: Use Selective Honesty to Disarm Your
Victim Count Victor Lustig was going to double Al
Capone's 50'000$. Instead of running with the money he gave
it all back to Capone who thought he was being played by a con artist. Capone gave Lustig the 5'000$ simply to help
the "honest" man. Tell the truth to gain your opponent's trust. Be honest when expected to be dishonest to
throw your opponent off guard. Law #4: Always Say Less than Necessary
Due to his unpredictability Louis XIV would have his courtiers tremble in fear when delivering
bad news. He would say "I shall see", have them leave
the room and either take action or decide to do nothing about the issue, but always
with an intimidating silence. Only speak when you have something meaningful
to say. Actions speak louder than words. Kondraty Ryleyev was sentenced to death for
rebelling against Russian czar Nicholas I in 1825. As Kondraty was to be hung, the noose around
his neck, the rope tore and he fell to the ground. It was a miracle. Immediately, a messenger was sent to inform
the czar. The czar, as he was signing the pardon, that
would allow Kondraty to live, asked if he had made any remarks after the incident. The messenger replied "Sire, he said that
in Russia they don't even know how to make rope." [Ominous Music]
Kondraty was hung again the following day. You can imagine the rest. Had Kondraty been silent in that moment of
incredible luck, he would've lived. As the one person who survived the failed
coup d'état against Nicholas I, he would've become a legend, the man who cheated death,
his treason pardoned, the gods on his side, but he just couldn't bite his tongue. He couldn't stay quiet. Perhaps his pride did not let him. The point is; he may have enjoyed saying those
words in that moment, but was it worth it? He didn't only insult the king, but every
single Russian by insinuating that they are incapable of doing anything right. Accepting this man's impudence would've been
a sign of weakness on the czar's part. Unfortuneately for Kondraty, the czar, unlike
him, wasn't a fool. Refrain from saying something, that you will
regret in the future. The more you speak the higher the chances
that you will say something that you will get you into trouble. Perhaps it is best to let silence fill the
air without feeling the need to speak it away, especially, when your fate lies in someone
else's hands. Still today, a harmless joke or negative remark
heard by the people in power can cost you your livelihood. Be aware of just how much weight your words
can carry. Imagine a great land owner in ancient times
holds slaves of which one happens to be a philosopher. Unbeknownst to the owner the philosopher in
question is Epictetus. And he annoys the hell out of his master all
day with his wiseacring. "You know, Lord, even the poor are loved by
the gods." "Lord, putting blame on others is a sign of
ignorance." "No man is free who is not master of himself,
Lord." "Violence? Violence is a poor form of power." It's enough to drive one mad. And after a while the slave owner can no longer
bear it. By force he clamps Epictetus' leg inside a
wheel. If he spins the wheel he'll break Epictetus'
leg. He asks Epictetus "Since you are so wise,
what will happen when I turn this wheel?" "Well. Then, Lord, my leg will break." And he loses it given such audacity, such
insolence. He turns the wheel. *wheel turns, bone breaks* The leg breaks. And what's Epictetus' response? "I told you so." What is it that he told him? He told him that the slave owner's gravitas
cannot hold the candle to the philosopher's might. The philosopher is beaten because he cannot
be fathomed. Law #13: Asking for Help Appeal to People's
Self Interest In 433 B.C., the Athenians found themselves
in a favourable position. The Corcyrans & the Corinthians were preparing
for war. Both parties wanted to secure the help of
the Athenians. The Corinthians chose to remind them of an
existing debt. The Corcyrans on the other hand spoke only
of mutual interests, the combined force of their navy directed at Sparta. The Athenians allied with the Corcyrans. In sales of any kind, pragmatic arguments
will always trump emotional appeals. The past does not matter. Don't count on loyalty. Aim for win-win deals. Law #14: Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord, French politican and mastermind behind Napoleon Bonaparte's
defeat would hold himself back in conversation and get others to talk endlessly of themselves
to the point of betraying their own thought, intent and strategy. An interrogation disguised as a friendly chat,
so subtle that the victim did not notice. Learn to judge a person's character by what
they reveal of themselves, so that you can recognize a threat before it arises. Test people's honesty before you consider
trusting them. Law #15: Crush Your Enemy Totally
A priest asked the dying Spanish statesman and general Ramon Maria Narvaez (1800-1868),
"Does your Excellency forgive all your enemies?" "I do not have to forgive my enemies," answered
Narvaez, "I have had them all shot." The last resort, when words are no longer
heard and the enemy cannot possibly be reasoned with, the chances for peace at their lowest,
the only option is total destruction. Merely wound the enemy, he will recover and
show no mercy in turn. Law #16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and
Honor A man said to a Dervish: "Why do I not see
you more often?" The Dervish replied, "Because the words 'Why
have you not been to see me?' are sweeter to my ear than the words 'Why have you come
again?'" - Mulla Jami, quoted in Idries Sha's Caravan
of Dreams, 1968 Give people time to miss you by robbing them
off your presence. It's when we lose something, that we discover
how valuable it had been to us. On your return you will be appreciated all
the more. Law #17: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability
Once Pablo Picasso had become a recognized artist, others would assume that whatever
action he took must have been calculated. The art dealer Paul Rosenberg was confused,
when one day Picasso told him they would no longer work together. Rosenberg couldn't find out why and offered
him a much better deal. The unpredictable is terrifying. When you don't know what to expect you cannot
prepare properly, you can't devise a clever plan, because you're in the dark. Put others in such position when negotiating. Law #18: Isolation is Dangerous
The more you are isolated, the easier it is to deceive you. You lose touch with reality. When someone is urging you to cut friends
and family out of your life realize that they want to control and influence you all by themselves. Whether they do this conciously or unconciously
it is malicious. Be careful in cutting yourself off from others
for too long. Introverted or not you may cause yourself
great harm psychologically by pushing others away from you. Law #19: Do Not Offend the Wrong Person
Muhammad, the shah of Khwarezm, and Inalchik had beheaded Ghengis Khan's messengers who
had come in peace with great gifts and offerings. The Khan declared war, seized the enemy's
capital and had Inalchik killed quote "by having molten silver poured into his eyes
and ears." Later Ghengis Khan seized Samarkand, bringing
his brutal conquest of Muhammad's vast empire to an end. What would've become of Adolf Hitler had he
been given the chance of becoming an artist? Perhaps history would be very different. Avoid insulting others, you do not know who
you're dealing with... even though we live in a time where everyone is offended and the
level of political correctness borders on absolute madness. Winston Churchill was one of the most powerful
key players on the global stage during the 2nd World War. He was also exceptional at giving inspirational
speeches while drunk and quite fond of creating art, when he wasn't pursuing more urgent matters
like saving the world and defeating Adolf Hitler. Churchill's paintings became souvenirs, not
necessarily, because they were masterpieces, rather, because it was the one and only Winston
Churchill who created them. One day Churchill had an important meeting
with a young, up and coming, ambitious man working for a semi-successful news magazine. In said man's office hung one of Churchill's
greater and more expensive pieces of art. During the meeting the man praised the piece
& Churchill was flattered, but he also remarked that he felt, something was missing. It was too empty. Perhaps there should've been a sheep on the
grass. With a smirk on Churchill's face they ended
the meeting. The next day, without any explanation, the
young man received notice that he shall send the painting back to Churchill. He was confused. What did it mean? Why send it back? Had he offended, perhaps even made an enemy
of, Winston? Fast forward a few days. The young man received the same painting back. This time with a sheep on the grass. What happened here? Unlike most people Churchill did not hold
grudges over well-intentioned and respectfully voiced criticism. He was one of the most powerful men in the
world at that time. Why should he care what some inexperienced
greenhorn nobody thinks of his art? Churchill understood he was dealing with a
hungry and ambitious youngster. He might not have had any significant power
at the time, but he was showing all signs for future success... at the very least, potentially. Churchill did not underestimate the man for
the media including news magazines had and unfortuneately still have great influence
over the masses. Churchill knew doing this little favor for
the young man was of great importance. It wouldn't take long until he became the
head of one of the most popular news outlets nationwide. Law #20: Do Not Commit to Anyone
Alcibiades, greek soldier & statesman found himself courted by the Athenians and the Spartans,
because he had influence on the Persians and honored by the Persians, because he had influence
over the Greek city states. Instead of committing to one side, he played
all of them in his favor. Comitting is like handing yourself over to
someone else. It means more obligations and less control. Law #21: Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker
Socrates said "The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing." He didn't actually believe of himself that
he did not know anything. It was his way of disarming people. Sometimes you have to play dumb, so that the
other lets his guard down. Being openly smart is foolish. Being openly foolish is smart. Law #22: Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness
into Power The Melians were promted to surrender, but
declined the Athenians' offer. Despite their alliance the Spartans did not
come to their rescue. Melos was conquered and their population slaughtered
& sold into slavery. To quote Cardinal de Retz "Weak people never
give way when they ought to." Avoid weakness, but when you find yourself
in a weak spot, choose to fight another day. You will lose the current battle, but the
war is not over. Law #23: Concentrate Your Forces
The greater an Empire's territories the more vulnerability. Great lands need strong borders. Else they may be overrun by another barbarian
tribe as seen with the collapse of Rome. Your armies are strongest when forged together. Divide them and they may not be able to protect
the empire from an invasion. Dedicate your complete focus to one front,
using every resource at your disposal and all of your energy to master your craft through
total immersion. Law #24: Play the Perfect Courtier
One cannot spell courtiership without Charles Maurice de Talleyrand Perigord, the man who
brought down Napoleon Bonaparte, master of the battlefield, with extreme subtlety. You are a courtier, or courtier [French],
whether you like it or not. You must play the game of power so you might
as well choose to be good at it. The perfect courtier obeys his masters, but
shines in his own light. He is not powerless, doesn't trust, but appears
trustful, doesn't talk much, but finds the right words and the right timing when he does. Everyone likes him. He is charming, witty and helpful. He appears to be neutral, a paragon of honesty
and fairness. He always has a genuine smile on his face
and we don't doubt his intentions for one second. Although he is a great talent, we are not
threatened by him. We seek him as an ally. This way, the perfect courtier holds more
power than the king himself, without the dangers of that position. As we target highest authorities, he's in
the shadows observing the current state of the chess board. Pieces may fall and be sacrificed on both
ends, but he is winning regardless. Learn the art of courtiership. Law #25: Recreate Yourself
Others will call you what they think you are or what they think they see in you. It's all superficial. Every now and again you'll receive a genuine
compliment, but your parents, friends, society, even your government expects you to be someone
or something else. It's important that you choose to be whatever
you want to be and that you feel free to change whenever you like. You have the freedom to dismiss the opinions
of others, even to put on a good show like Gaius Julius Caesar. The world is your stage. It's up to you what role you want to play. Think of life like a book and you're writing
it. You're the main character, so act like it. Law #26: Keep Your Hands Clean
As written in Niccolo Machiavelli's letter to the prince, Cesare Borgia was using Remirro
di Orco as a tool to take gruesome action against all of his enemies. In the end he used him as a scapegoat, put
the full blame on di Orco and threw lavish banquets for the common folk, presenting not
only his clean slate, but positive change. It is the ultimate act of betrayal. To have someone's back only to find out they've
been using you this whole time. Avoid falling into the trap of being someone's
cats-paw or scapegoat. Law #27: Play on People’s Need to Believe
"There are two different types of people in the world, those who want to know, and those
who want to believe." - Friedrich Nietzsche
We strive to find meaning in a world full of formless chaos. Hence most of us resort to the comfort of
believing in unproven divine entities. Your quest for answers and your need to belong
is used against you, whether for your recruitment as a mindless disciple or your loyal customership
for a particular brand. Christopher Hitchens wrote: "Beware the irrational,
however seductive. Shun the 'transcendent' and all who invite
you to subordinate or annihilate yourself." End quote. If someone claims to have all the answers,
they are full of shit. Fall prey to them and all you are doing is
giving more power to those who don't have your best interest at heart. You cannot let others think for you. If something doesn't make sense to you, perhaps
like right now, feel free to dismiss it, but consider doing so on your own behalf. Law #28: Enter Action with Boldness
If you're confident enough to play the role of Monsieur Lustig, one of the greatest con
artists in history, selling the Eiffeltower to greedy scrap metal business owners looking
to make a fortune over night for millions of dollars, not once, but twice - one thing
is crystal clear. You're not playing around. You don't hesitate and your moves have a high
rate of success, be that in seduction, strategy or power games. There's that one split second before a box
fight, where Mike Tyson's opponent will flinch and break eye contact. He already knows he's beaten. There's that scene where Marco Polo & Kublai
Khan stare down a wolf. It's hesitation versus boldness. In order to be fearless, you need courage. Be bold. Law #29: Plan all the Way to the End
Excerpt from the book: "The Gods on Mount Olympus. Looking down on human actions from the clouds,
they see in advance the endings of all great dreams that lead to disaster and tragedy. And they laugh at our inability to see beyond
the moment, and at how we delude ourselves." Before you take action consider the possible
outcomes and consequences, calculate the risk, then execute, if it's worth doing. However, as time goes on things reform and
it would be foolish to stick to a plan that ignores change. Law #30: Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless
Harry Houdini made his stunt performances look like they were a walk in the park, a
piece of cake, as easy as stealing a child's lollipop. No one saw just how much work, preparation
and practice went into every piece of the puzzle. This illusion we call magic. Make it look like it was improvised, made
up on the spot and it will seem genuine. Boast how much work went into something and
its natural allure, the magic, is gone. Law #31: Get others to Play with the Cards
you Deal Ivan the Terrible let Russia choose between
him as their czar or total destruction from its enemies, the Boyars. He made them see that they could only possibly
be protected by him. It wasn't really a choice and the Russians
probably had other options that they were unaware of. They begged him to come back to the capitol
and lead them. This was what he wanted all along. People like to think they have a choice. Present them options that will work for you
either way. This is the norm in elections and anything
of real importance. Just like Houdini's performance it is an illusion. Law #32: Play to People’s Fantasies
People's need to believe, people's fantasies - there isn't a big difference. Il Brigadino was an Alchemist. People believed he could turn objects like
wood into gold. Ironically the only gold he ever made was
given to him by the people who wanted him to multiply it. And others started to learn and practice alchemy. Stop clicking on How to Make a Million Dollars
Overnight type clickbait, stop buying 6-min ab workout programs and stop going to the
7 Steps On How to Pull Hot Chicks Within Hours event and get real. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably
is. Imagine the owner of a small print shop that
produces labels dies of old age. His son inheriting the shop goes through all
the paper and books and he finds a box with a sticker on top, on which his father handwrote
"Don't open" ... He respects his father's wish and does not
open the envelope. [5 seconds silence]
But he can't let it go. Don't Open ... don't open ... do not open
... what does it mean? What could be inside this little box? The son imagines all sorts of things. After 5 years, he can no longer take it and
so he opens it. ... [Box opening sound]
And what's inside? About a hundred labels saying "Don't open"
We search for the truth. We hope we can find it behind the curtain
wall and when we think we've found it we discover the truth is nothing more than an empty envelope. Law #33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew
Cardinal Richelieu would find out the weaknesses of everyone around him, then worked on it
by being useful to them until they were of no use to him. One by one he worked his way up to the king,
who at the time was a mere child. Know the weak spots of your opponents, the
crack in their defense and you will know what to work with, when you need it. In reverse do not betray your own weaknesses. Law #34: Be Royal in Your Own Fashion – Act
Like a King Christopher Columbus did not accept his low
standing in the world he was born. He recreated his family tree, married into
nobility and peddled with kings. Now, unless he was mad, people thought, there
must be valid reasons behind his bold requests. He must be legitimate. Ask for less, receive less. What you tolerate is what you end up with. Do not think lowly of yourself. You're a king in your own right. You're a queen in your own right. Princes & princesses are no good today. Law #35: Master the Art of Timing
Joseph Fouché was switching sides whenever he sensed danger. His biography is riddled with nigh impossible
escapes from death. He did not deem it necessary to be loyal to
disloyal men. Say what you want of his attitude, but he
certainly knew when to act and when to lay low. With time comes change. It is important to not only know how to adapt,
but at what exact moment for maximum effect. Too fast and you're a traitor. Too late and you're imitating the others. In any case, learn to use time to your advantage. Law #36: Disdain Things You Cannot Have
King Henry VIII of England ignored his wife Cathrine of Aragon for denying him a son. With Thomas Cromwell on his side he devised
a clever plan to marry Anne Boelyn. When you ignore someone they cannot argue
with you. They cannot influence you. You're out of reach and they can't do anything
about it. If there is something you cannot and will
never have, it is best to push it aside with discontent. ... Sisyphus was happy ...
You do not understand the problem at all. "If the individual evolves, the society dissolves." The society exists only because the individual
is not allowed to evolve. All these powers have their prestige. They are not ready to let man evolve, to let
man grow to a point where they and their institutions will become useless. There are many situations that will help you
to understand. It happened in China, twenty-five centuries
ago: Lao Tzu became very famous, a wise man, and
he was without doubt one of the wisest men ever. The emperor of China asked him very humbly
to become his chief of the supreme court, because nobody could guide the country's laws
better than he could. He tried to persuade the emperor, "I am not
the right man," but the emperor was insistent. Lao Tzu said, "If you don't listen to me ... just
one day in the court and you will be convinced that I am not the right man, because the system
is wrong. Out of humbleness I was not saying the truth
to you. Either I can exist or your law and your order
and your society can exist. So ... let us try it." The first day a thief who had stolen almost
half the treasures of the richest man in the capital was brought into the court. Lao Tzu listened to the case and then he said
that the thief and the richest man should both go to jail for six months. The rich man said, "What are you saying? I have been stolen from, I have been robbed
- what kind of justice is this, that you are sending me to jail for the same amount of
time as the thief?" Lao Tzu said, "I am certainly being unfair
to the thief. Your need to be in jail is greater, because
you have collected so much money to yourself, deprived so many people of money ... thousands
of people are downtrodden and you are collecting and collecting money. For what? Your very greed is creating hese thieves. You are responsible. The first crime is yours." Lao Tzu's logic is absolutely clear. If there are going to be too many poor people
and only a few rich people, you cannot stop thieves, you cannot stop stealing. The only way to stop it is to have a society
where everybody has enough to fulfill his needs, and nobody has unnecessary accumulation
just out of greed. The rich man said, "Before you send me to
jail I want to see the emperor, because this is not according to the constitution; this
is not according to the law of the coutnry." Lao Tzu said, "That is the fault of the constitution
and the fault of the law of the country. I am not responsible for it. Go and see the emperor." The rich man said to the emperor, "Listen,
this man should be immediately deposed from his post; he is dangerous. And he is very rational. What he is saying is right; I can understand
it - but he will destroy us!" The emperor understood it perfectly well. "If this rich man is a criminal, then I am
the greatest criminal in the country. Lao Tzu will not hesitate to send me to jail." Lao Tzu was relieved of his post. He said, "I tried to tell you before; you
are unneccesarily wasting my time. I told you I am not the right man. The reality is that your society, your law,
and your constitution are not right. You need wrong people to run this whole wrong
system. Law #37: Create Compelling Spectacles
Dr. Weisleder healed his patients with the mere energy of moonlight. Why was this obvious scam so successful? Well, people didn't have the internet back
then, but they also believed it was too spectacular to be fraud. The grandiosity, the associated status, rich
and famous personalities were waiting in line to be healed and healed again. Using symbols as powerful as the moon and
the very absence of explanation let people fill in the logical gaps all by themselves. If everyone believes it, it must be true. Mark Twain wrote "Whenever you find yourself
on the side of the majority, it is time to pause and reflect." Law #38: Think As You Like, But Behave Like
Others 478 B.C the fearless and experienced warrior
Pausinias and his Greek troops captured part of the Persian empire. Being the overseer of these lands went to
his head and he began acting rather strangely, even for Pausinias. He spoke ill of his own people. Feeling and showing superiority breeds hate. His god-complex and constant need to stand
out had him killed in the end. You want to fit in, whether you share common
beliefs or not. Being better or different in any way just
causes trouble through other people's envy and disdain. They'll ostrasize you from the group and slander
your reputation. How much money do you make? About 70% of whatever they make. Once there ruled in the distant city of Wirani
a king who was both mighty and wise. And he was feared for his might and loved
for his wisdom. Now, in the heart of that city was a well,
whose water was cool and crystalline, from which all the inhabitants
drank, even the king and his courtiers; for there was no other
well. One night when all were asleep, a witch entered
the city, and poured seven drops of strange liquid into the well,
and said, “From this hour he who drinks this water shall become
mad.” Next morning all the inhabitants, save the
king and his lord chamberlain, drank from the well and became
mad, even as the witch had foretold. And during that day the people in the narrow
streets and in the market places did naught but whisper to one
another, “The king is mad. Our king and his lord chamberlain have lost
their reason. Surely we cannot be ruled by a mad king. We must dethrone him.” That evening the king ordered a golden goblet
to be filled from the well. And when it was brought to him he drank deeply,
and gave it to his lord chamberlain to drink. And there was great rejoicing in that distant
city of Wirani, because its king and its lord chamberlain
had regained their reason. Law #39: Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish
This is the good old lay a trap with bait and wait. Monkey see, monkey do. The spiderweb. Mice desire cheese so much, they won't even
see the obvious construction around it. When you know your enemies and their weaknesses
you know what they react to and you use this knowledge against them. Create a false alarm. They'll make a run to save what they hold
so dearly and weaken themselves by exposing their flank. That's where you hit them. That's certainly where they will hit you,
if you fall for it. Keep yourself from being reactive. All that rage, blinding emotions, fear, desire. It makes you predictable and it makes you
weak. Don't be impulsive. Law #40: Despise the Free Lunch
Louis XIV had an eagle eye for the stategic power of money. He would gift paintings of great value to
people who didn't like him very much, until then. This way he got nobility, the keys to power,
on his side. At the same time he increased operational
costs for the aristocrats who wanted him gone. It's ingenious. He took money from his enemies and gave it
to his new friends. Two birds with one stone. This is one of my favorite laws, because it
states that cheap misers miss out on opportunities. It pays to be generous and it pays not to
accept "free" gifts. What is the Return of Investment (ROI) on
paying for someone's coffee? You sit down at Starbucks with an influental,
connected and experienced entrepreneur. You get to talk to him for 10 minutes, ask
his advice, learn from his mistakes. I don't care if the coffee costs 50$, I'm
paying, because there is a lot of upside. In Greek mythology Polyphemon used to invite
tired travellers into his small estate situated in Attica. He would generously offer his guests dinner
and a place to stay the night. But Polyphemon had a twisted mind and a very
dark secret, much to the detriment of those who fell for his hospitality. He wanted the bed to perfectly fit the travellers,
who lay in it. Determined to achieve that symmetry he did
the following; if his guests were too tall, Polyphemon would decapitate them. If they were too small, he would stretch them,
which earned him the pseudonym Procrustes, which meant "the stretcher." One day Theseus, the hero of this little story
about justice, came around and flipped the script on Procrustes, decapitating him using
his very own method. Law #41: Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s
Shoes Alexander the Great's father had set the standard
of achievement very high. Alexander wasn't going to be content in his
father's shadow. He wasn't going to rest on his father's and
later on his own laurels. "When Alexander saw the breadth of his domain,
he wept for there were no more worlds to conquer." Now imagine if Alexander the Great had had
a son who wanted to be a conqueror. That he would pale in comparison is an understatement. Not a soul would've attributed his success
to him for he'd achieve everything on the shoulders of his father. Don't make it your life's task to be better
at being someone else. Instead go your own way. Unapolagetically be your best self. Law #42: Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep
Will Scatter "When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter." "Cut the snake at the head." What is an army without its generals, without
leadership? Whole empires have been secured off of conscientious
leaders with iron willpower and vision. Take them away and much like Alexander's empire
after his death, they break apart and crumble, turning on eachother, defecting and deserting. Often the glue that sticks everything together
constists of a few key people at the top in any kind of organization, any kind of social
group or hierarchy. Do with this information what you will. Law #43: Work on the Heart and Mind of Others
October of 1793, the French Revolution declared the end of the monarchy. Marie-Antoinette knelt at the guillotine for
she never cared about the people's opinion of her as their queen. She thought herself above the common folk. Pampered and disgustingly narcassistic she
paid the price, never learning from her mistakes. You should influence people and win friends
as Dale Carnegie suggests. It is more, than beneficial to be recognized
for your kindness and helpful demeanour. Be agreeable or face the consequences of being
indifferent. Be humble or be humbled. Law #44: Disarm and Infuriate With the Mirror
Effect Alcibiades charmed the Athenians, got accused
of profaning sacred statues and fled, then charmed the Spartans, impregnated the king's
wife and fled, then charmed the Persians and helped Athens win their war against Sparta. They welcomed him back with open arms. "Wherever Alcibiades went, whoever he had
to deal with, he would leave behind his own values and appear to share the values of his
victims. No one could resist a man who not only concurred
with them, but also admired their ways of living, seeming to be one of their own." You like people, who like you, who are like
you. Match people's energy, speak their language,
eat their food, find common ground and even envious people will drop their preconceived
notions about you. Law #45: Preach Change But Never Reform Quickly
Change is imperative, but human beings love the comfort familiarity provides. The unknown, disorder and chaos are very disruptive
and undesirable to us, even when it is for the better. Hence, we need small, incremental changes
that build over a long period of time allowing everyone to adjust at a comfortable pace. You are moving things in the right direction,
while avoiding stirring up too much anxiety and dissent. Change things gradually, one step at a time,
dragging the voluntary rest of us with you. Imagine Odysseus, the Greek legend, is coming
back home from his journey. He's experienced 10 years of war and 10 more
years of adventurous wandering of which he spent 7 years at sea longing for
his family. Odysseus enters his home and puts down his
sword, bow and some arrows. He's overjoyed to see his wife and children. He learns about his wife's shenanigans and
he cuts down her suitors. "At last, we can enjoy life together!" he
says to his spouse. But something seems off. Odysseus has rediscovered his palace, his
old life and his spouse, who, unlike him, have aged 20 years. ... And boredom creeps in. Nostalgy originally meant homesickness, the
desire to be back in that place one has left. But homesickness also comprises of the pain
you feel when you discover upon your return that things have changed, that the place you
go back to is no longer the place you've been longing for. The reality never equates to the nostalgia
or the memory one has of it. There is no cure for that feeling and you
can never truly return back home... Law #46 Never Appear Too Perfect
"It takes great talent and skill to conceal one’s talent and skill." - La Rochefoucauld
If you have been paying attention, you will have noticed that a lot of these power plays
revolve around the master and the student or slave, domination and submission, superiority
or authority and inferiority, ego, pride, arrogance and envy, jealousy, hatred. It's a very vicious and ultimately destructive
cycle. Everyone wants to be the king, no one wants
to be the pawn. Me, I don't want to be a pawn, but I don't
want to be the king either. I don't want to envy nor be envied. I want to be the faceless man behind the throne. I don't want to be on the chessboard. I don't want to be a visible target, but I
still want to win at the game of power no matter what side loses. Law #47: In Victory Learn When To Stop
In 1751 Madame de Pompadour found herself unable to satisfy Louis XV's lust. To hold onto her privileged position she arranged
younger, prettier women to keep the king happy. This was a loss for she had to swallow her
pride and share Louis with others. They, however, could not compete with her
charm, talents, taste and flawless sense for fashion. "Her reign as mistress had lasted an unprecedented
twenty years." Don't push too far or you risk losing it all. Know when to take a loss and move on. Law #48: Assume Formlessness
The Spartans, the most powerful infantry the world had ever seen at the time, lost the
war with Athens, for they were outnumbered and unwilling to change their views. They did not adapt to circumstance. They did not build walls. They did not want to conquer new lands, nor
engage in trade for gold gave rise to corruption. Meanwhile Athens was thriving through constant
reform. Sparta fell behind and collapsed. Don't fight change. When you catch yourself in the futile attempt
to resist a new order, remind yourself that you not only missed the opportunity to predict
it, but to adapt to it in time. You have to be antifragile. As Bruce Lee said, and this is the closing
statement, "You must be shapeless, formless, like water. When you pour water in a cup, it becomes the
cup. When you pour water in a bottle, it becomes
the bottle. When you pour water in a teapot, it becomes
the teapot. Water can drip and it can crash. Be water my friend." "The art of war is to win without bloodshed
or the use of force. (Otherwise) the minimum necessary use of violence." Part I) Self-Directed Warfare
1) Declare War on Your Enemies In 401 BC Xenophon led Greek mercenaries into
Persian territory. When their leader died and they had nothing
more to fight for, surrounded by the enemy, they had to become a concentrated force fighting
their way back home. The soldiers' spirit was crushed. They had weak morale and started fighting
eachother. Xenophon united them, thus defeating the inner
enemy. Focusing on survival, the prospect of getting
home alive to family and friends made them persevere. You cannot swing a sword without knowing what
to hit with it. It's you against the world and it's you against
yourself. Fight your inner demons. Do not let your mind, your emotions and your
ego control you. Know yourself and external enemies won't be
able to harm you. You can stand up against anyone (mental fortitude). 2) Do Not Fight the Last War
Miyamoto Musashi is one of history's most dangerous Samurais, because he used to switch
up his fighting pattern, changing his tactics regularly to keep his opponents guessing and
on the defensive. The nervousness and paranoia this inflicted
on his rivals made them easy targets. What has worked in the past, may not work
again. Forget the past. Adapt to current times, ever-changing, ever-evolving. George Bernard Shaw said "The only man I know
who behaves sensibly is my tailor; he takes my measurements anew each time he sees me. The rest go on with their old measurements
and expect me to fit them." 3) Amidst the Turmoil of Events, Do Not Lose
Your Presence of Mind Lord Nelson disobeyed his hysterical commander
in the battle at Copenhagen in 1801, keeping a calm head in a most hectic situation. By disregarding his commander's authority
and seeing the battlefield for what it was Lord Nelson defeated the Danish navy. You have to stay alert, when everyone else
is in uproar. Do not be intimidated by chaos. Do not panic. You seek out the conflict reacting swiftly,
when the opportunity presents itself. 4) Create a Sense of Urgency and Desperation
Fyodor Dostoevsky knew his days were numbered. Facing his execution he made use of his time
by creating each of his works as if they were his last, because they very well could've
been. Once you come face to face with death, you
eliminate life's non-essentials. You overcome trivialities we foolishly care
about every day taking our lives for granted. Dostoevsky's work is exceptional, because
he was restless. He did not seek comfort. You cannot wait for the right time. You are never fully prepared to start. "Tu fui ego eris." As you are, I was. As I am, you will be. (A gravestone inscription reminding you that
death is unavoidable) Part II) Organizational (Team) Warfare
5) Avoid The Snare of Groupthink General George Marshall taught his philosophies
on leadership to a handful of protégés he'd put into authoritative positions with high
risk responsibilities. One of these men was Dwight Eisenhower. The General could rely on his subordinates,
as they held the same beliefs and ran their positions according to his vision. You want a chain of command you can rely on. You are the General, but you cannot have your
head everywhere. Put remote systems and loyal leaders into
place that will guarantee the desired outcome. Use them to balance your weaknesses with their
strengths and ensure they always keep you up to date. In any case, be careful not to give up too
much of your own authority and leverage. 6) Segment Your Forces
In 1805 Napoleon Bonaparte faced an attack by Austrian troops led by Karl Mack, upon
which Napoleon divided his troops and sent them into battle with specific instructions
of surrounding the enemy. The French units were free to move, flexible
and quick. The Austrian troops surrendered. This is the opposite of Concentrating Your
Forces, hence it's on you to know, when to unite and when to divide your army. Slow, but strong or fast and precise. 7) Transform Your War into a Crusade
281 BC Hannibal arranged competitive war games to demonstrate how far his men would go to
join the upcoming fight, to show what they were made of. This is a lesson in leadership. Managing men well means 1) leading by example. You use the effects of emotion by emphasizing
that you are 2) fighting for a noble cause and that "God is on your side." It's 3) all about the team, its spirit, the
collective energy and 4) the achievement of the mission ahead. You 5) punish and reward behavior accordingly. You 6) bond together through each action and
7) get rid of the black sheep, who disrupt your leadership. Part III) Defensive Warfare
8) Pick Your Battles Winston Churchill said "You will never reach
your destination if you stop and throw stones at every dog that barks." Now the trick is in discerning which dogs
not only bark, but also bite. You'd be surprised how few of them actually
do and even fewer ever get the opportunity. Control your ego and ignore the insignificant
rest. Do not let pride worsen your situation. Some battles you cannot win. Never start them in the first place. Know your limits. Some battles you can win, but at too high
a cost. A Pyrrhic victory will ruin you. Make your battles worth your time and resources. Why would you fight a battle with grim odds,
when you don't have to? Your energy is limited. Don't waste it. 9) Turn the Tables
In the 1944 Democratic Presidential race, the Republican party slandered Franklin Roosevelt,
but he did not respond until they attacked his dog. Roosevelt humiliated his opponent by defending
his pet friend and exposing their desperate move for what it was. Roosevelt was not easily irritated. He let his opponents make the first move,
waiting and biding his time. This way he could analyze their strategy and
attack his rivals' weaknesses. In history defenders are more often victorious,
than attackers. We humans do not like aggressors. We don't like bullies. We have a heart for the victims of such attacks,
even when they lay the bait and provoke it. Stay calm and turn the situation into your
favor. 10) Create a Threatening Presence
1862 Stonewall Jackson put on a dominant act intimidating George McClellan during the American
Civil War by pointing to all of his opponents' flaws. Build the reputation of being a force of nature,
a force to be reckoned with. Unpredictability, madness, sudden and bold
aggression is terrifiying. Plant a seed of doubt in your opponent's mind
and feed his paranoia. Make them believe they cannot win and they
will retreat. To scare them means to break them. But be careful. Your opponent may call your bluff, if you're
unwilling to back up your words with action. Don't merely bark. 11) Trade Space for Time
In the beginning of the Chinese Civil War Mao Tse-tung's communists were forced to retreat. Had the national party fought them at that
time, they would have won. But the communists took the opportunity and
gathered support by uniting the peasantry, defeating the nationalists in 1949 with a
decided advantage. This is similar to the Surrender Tactic. Napoleon Bonaparte said "Space we can recover,
time never." You grant your opponent a small win in order
to take up more space, grow your leverage and weaken the enemy before battle. Frustrate them by fighting on your terms. This is classic Sun Tzu's Art of War material. The enemy gives you chase you retreat. The enemy retreats you pursue. It's all about the advantage that determines
the end result. Part IV) Offensive Warfare
12) Lose The Battles But Win The War Alexander the Great planned his campagin far
into the future, which distinguished him from other leaders. One example of his purposeful goals was the
capturing of all greater Persian Mediterranean ports, effectively leaving the enemy without
a navy and taking the sea component out of future equations. It wasn't obvious until it was too late. Even though it has become a cliché; think
several moves ahead. Determine the bullseye, plan to the end and
confuse your opponent leaving him unable to read your actions, since they don't seem to
have a connection. In other words, make them focus on the trees
so that they can't see the forest. 13) Know Your Enemy
Prince Metternich met Napoleon Bonaparte hoping he could find his weak spots. A few years later he had helped arrange Napoleon's
marriage to Marie Louise, who wasn't the most pleasant wife. Napoleon's defeat at Waterloo had also been
the work of Metternich's spying in broad daylight. Know thyself and know thy rival. One of the greatest skills in war, as in seduction
as in business is the ability to read people. Master non-verbal communication, hide your
observations and devise the most effective tactics based on your insights. 14) Overwhelm Resistance With Speed and Suddenness
In 1218 Genghis Khan overcame his opponent, the one who shall not be named, with The Blitzkrieg
Strategie. He segmented his forces for mobility, lost
small battles on purpose, then shifted to serious and fast attacks, which the enemy
had not anticipated. You start by making slow moves to set the
pace to which your rival adjusts, then exploit the Überraschungsmoment to win the war quickly. 15) Control the Dynamic
In 1942 during the 2nd World War, Erwin Rommel fought the British on the North African deserts,
using smaller units, keeping them on the move and out of the opponent's reach. In order to reduce the gap between events
and status updates he'd often join the front line. You're in control. Be assertive. Zugzwang, navigate your opponent by forcing
him to move, directly into your area of defense. The only downside to control might be not
admitting that you have it. 16) Hit Them Where it Hurts
In 209 BC Publius Scipio conquered Nova Carthago, which was the Carthaginian capital in Spain. Scipio destroyed Hannibal's armies' vital
supply lines. Within 5 years Scipio captured Carthage and
ended Hannibal's saga. Everything has a center of gravity. Take a hold of it and unbalance the remaining
structure, cutting supply lines, belief systems and chains of command. 17) Defeat Them in Detail
Divide et Impera -- the Divide and Conquer Strategy
In 490 BC the Persians landed on the plains of Marathon 24 miles near Athens, splitting
their army at night, planning to attack Athens by sea. The Greeks attacked the remaining Persians,
then ran all they way back to Athens to safeguard the city. This is the origin of "running a marathon." Divide large units and they're easier targets. When your enemies are on the defensive, they
will try to unite and face you with their full force. You do not allow them such strength. 18) Expose and Attack Your Enemy's Soft Flank
In 1796 Napoleon Bonaparte baited Baron Joseph Alvinczy into charging forward, hence exposing
his armies flank. This was the opportunity Napoleon had hoped
for, surrounding and defeating his opponent once more. Disorient your rival, make him drop his guard
through indirection, then deliver a powerful blow to his exposed and vulnerable side. 19) Envelop The Enemy
In 1778 the Zulu warriors fought the British in Natal pressuring them with surprise attacks
out of nowhere by knowing their home territory by heart. Enclosing the opponent does a number on his
mental well-being. Feeling trapped they will retreat, if they
can. 20) Maneuver Them Into Weakness
Bokuden, a master samurai who was practicing the art of "winning without hands" was challenged
by a young swordsman. Bokuden decided they should have the duel
on an island. As soon as the swordsman left the boat, the
grandmaster pushed it away from the shore, leaving the young warrior stranded. Outsmart the opponent, avoiding an advantageless
direct attack, through calculated moves, which grant you greater control over the situation
at hand. 21) Negotiate While Advancing
In 359 BC Alexander the Great's father Philip II of Macedonia came to power, Athens refusing
to recognize him. He spoke of peace and prosperity as he continued
to expand his empire uniting other Greek city-states to lead an attack on the Persians. Negotiate, willing to come to a win-win arrangement,
but keep moving focusing on your organization's progress. You avoid immediate conflict, while furthering
your interests. Your demands are bold, yet ever-more reasonable,
as your shadow grows. 22) Know How To End Things
In 1937 Lyndon Johnson won the election for a Texas Congressional seat with the help of
his friends in the party, defeating the older and experienced politicians. Not wasting a second he humbly took to them,
thanked them and expressed his hopes for future collaboration, successfully. Show humility in victory and let fresh wounds
heal. It's in your best interest that everyone accepts
the outcome, comes to terms with it and moves on. The exit strategy -- Ende gut, alles gut. Part V) Unconventional (Dirty) War
23) Weave a Seamless Blend of Fact and Fiction In the 2nd World War, the allies made use
of key tactics that would cloud and slow down Adolf Hitler's decision-making before the
invasion at Normandy. They sat a Doppelgänger of General Montgomery
in a theater far away. In Engand they set up what looked like an
army, but wasn't. Misinform your opponent, make him see upside
down, while you see what is at all times. Make a weak spot look strong, make a strong
spot look weak. Do the opposite of what your opponent is really
wishing for. However, don't fully rely on deception. A skilled opponent might see through the illusion,
play along and beat you at your own game. 24) Take The Line of Least Expectation
In 219 BC Hannibal attacked the Roman army baiting them through erratic behavior. As the Romans crossed the Trebia, they found
themselves facing gigantic war elephants. Other times the Romans tried to bait Hannibal,
but to no avail. Great advantage comes from not meeting your
opponent's expectations. Others have a mental model of you based on
past experiences, stories and conflict. By going against this image they've created
you surprise them in your favor. 25) Occupy the Moral High Ground
Martin Luther, a German priest, argued against Pope Leo X that only god can forgive one's
sins, as the pope was trying to earn money by selling privileges. Luther revealed the hypocrisy, justifying
his arguments as moral, attacking the reputation of the pope and refuting him based solely
on the bible. You're good, your opponent is evil. You create an us versus them dynamic, demonize
the other and present your side as the virtuous one. However, you may lose support seeming righteous
and condescending. 26) Deny Them Targets
In 1812 Napoleon Bonaparte invaded Russia. His French forces of 450'000 men were decimated
to a mere 100'000 losing even more men on their retreat. The Russians were playing for time, drawing
the French forward with little conflict, destroying any resources they could not carry. Guerrilla (Geh-Rrih-Ya) warfare works best
on the minds of large armies, tiring and starving the enemy, using nature to your advantage
by letting them freeze in the cold or dry up in the sun. When your rival is ready to fight, frustrate
him through your absence. 27) Seem to Work for the Interests of Others
While Furthering Your Own In 1467 the Duke of Burgundy allied with England
in the hopes of attacking Louis of France in unison. Louis, however, was informed of the Duke's
intentions and allied with England in the same breath, crossing his adversary's plans. Make strategic alliances that benefit you. Do not hesitate to do favors for those who
will be of help in the future. As you treat others kindly and generously,
you put them in your debt. Keep in mind, rarely does anyone help you
without an agenda. 28) Give Your Rivals Enough Rope To Hang Themselves
In 1635 the French founded L'Académie Française to protect their language from deteriorating. When the Bishop the Noyons was given the position
of counsel his arrogant and repelling demeanor proved to be a threat to the cause. He was given a speech to perform, with which
he would make a total fool of himself. His blindspots didn't allow him to recognize
what humiliation he would bring over himself. At last the Bishop left the academy on his
own. Some individuals are inherently self-destructive. You let your adversaries end themselves as
active agents in their own demise. As they overreact, hurting their own reputation,
show your innocence. "Don't interrupt your enemy when he is making
a mistake." 29) Take Small Bites
In the 2nd World War Charles de Gaulle visited Winston Churchill to ask for permission for
a small broadcast to his fellow countrymen in France. It was a small favor and Churchill didn't
want to offend a fresh ally. De Gaulle spoke to his people who had been
suffering under the Blitzkrieg invasion of the Germans. De Gaulle promised to talk to them again the
following day, which hadn't been part of the bargain, but Churchill played along. What harm could it do? De Gaulle became more aggressive, calling
the French people to arms, gathering ever-more support, eventually leading his newly-recruited
forces in Africa, creating the French Resistance and becoming all too powerful, step by step. When Churchill, regretting his decisions and
Franklin Roosevelt wanted to replace de Gaulle with a passive alternative, de Gaulle's supporters
stood by him. In order to avoid confrontation, people will
give you more leeway and give in to small demands. With short attention spans they repeat mistakes,
allowing your power to grow, as you play for time. 30) Penetrate Their Minds
In renaissance Florence the Medici discharged Niccolò Machiavelli from his post. Aiming to regain favor he then wrote a titleless
letter to the Florentine government, on how to take over and keep power as a ruler. He didn't receive the thanks he was hoping
for, but he kept writing, which improved his remaining life and immortalized him as one
of the most influental writers on the art of governance and modern politics. After his death the letter was published as
"The Prince", another manuscript as "Discourses on Livy." Words are weapons. Articulate and profound communication, the
precise expression of valuable ideas, can lift you out of poverty, end wars before they
begin, make powerful friends and with a bit of luck withstand the fall of time. 31) Destroy From Within
Wilhelm Canaris infiltrated the German Defense Ministry. Adolf Hitler himself assigned Canaris in 1933
trusting his counsel, being impressed by his skill. It would take the German SS a full decade
until they realized he had been working against them, successfully. Troy's walls were unbreakable, their archers
well-seasoned and devestatingly accurate, but it was the Trojan horse that they willingly
let inside the city, mistaking it for a gift, that crushed them. Do not attack a fortification with full force,
use deception and destroy from within. 32) Dominate While Seeming to Submit
Mahatma Gandhi arranged a 200 mile march as a peaceful protest against an imposed Salt
Tax and deeming it harmless the authorities stood idle, permitting it. The march turned out to be a big success,
thousands walking the streets in support of Indians, but in disapproval of the British. The government was too late to sabotage the
passive-agressive move. Peaceful non-aggression can be more effective,
than any act of violence. Your animosity is subtle. While your opponent feels in control, since
you don't appear to be eager for power, you covertly fight for your cause. 33) The Chain Reaction Strategy
The Nizari were an organization pursuing their own interests by using assassins who hid in
plain sight becoming one with large crowds in the streets only to emerge and assassinate
their targets with a dagger creating chaos and spreading uncertainty in what was once
a familiar and peaceful surrounding, while increasing their power by recruiting anyone
who felt betrayed by the state and its violent attempts to squash the rebellion. Unlike some would lead you to believe, throughout
history the templars had improved the lives of the common folk by building safe roads,
the assassins on the other hand murdered to further their own selfish cause. However, not only evil can spread far and
quickly through the chain reaction ... you can be the change you want to see in the world
and in popularizing this sentiment with your help good may triumph over evil. "When I was a young man, I wanted to change
the world. When I found I could not change the world,
I tried to change my nation. When I found I could not change the nation,
I tried to change my town. When I found I could not change the town,
I tried to change my family. Now, as an old man, I realize the only thing
I can change is myself. And suddenly I realize that if long ago I
had changed myself, I could have made an impact on my family. My family and I could have made an impact
on our town. Their impact could have changed the nation. And I could indeed have changed the world." - Unknown Monk 1100AD
