48 Laws Of Power

 1. Never Outshine The Master
    * Transgression of the Law : example the finance minister of King Louis XIV
    * Observance of the Law : example the Galileo 's discovery to the Medicis'family 

    wisdom in nutshell
    a Present your ideas in such a manner  that they may be ascribed to your master,
        or could be viewed as an echo of your master's thoughts.
    b If you are more intelligent than your master , act as if you are not.
    c Never take your position for granted (Instead, remain vigilant, work hard, and continually strive to maintain or improve your position.)
    d Never let favors you receive go to your head.( you should not allow acts of kindness or favors done for you to inflate your ego or make you feel superior. In other words, you should remain humble and not develop a sense of entitlement or arrogance due to the favors or help you receive from others.)
    e Discreet flattery is much more powerful. Make it seem like you want to seek his experties and advice.

2. Never Put Too Much Trust In Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies.
    * Transgression of the Law: Michael III got betrayed and murdered by his friend Bsailius.
    * Observance of the Law: The Empror Sung of China in  959 AD
   
    Wisdom in Nutshell
    a Do not rely on friends. They will never be totally honest with you . They will not openly disagree with you in order to avoid arguments.
    b Enemies expect nothing so they will be surprised when you are generous .
    c An enemy spared the guillotine will be more grateful to you than a friend.
        (The idea is that a friend is already supportive and friendly toward you, so there may not be the same level of transformation in the relationship. However, an enemy who experiences your mercy may be deeply moved by your actions and be more inclined to reciprocate in a positive way.)
    d When you decide to hire a friend you will discover qualities she has kept hidden
        (This is because professional and personal relationships often involve different dynamics, and when a friendship transitions into a working relationship, new characteristics and behaviors can come to the forefront.)
    e Skills and competence are more important than friendly feelings.
        (In many professional contexts, skills and competence are indeed more important than friendly feelings when it comes to hiring, promotion, and decision-making. Competence and qualifications are essential for achieving success in any job or role, as they determine an individual's ability to perform tasks effectively and contribute to the organization's goals.)
    f Hiring friends will limit your power
    g All working situations require a kind of distance between people. (importance of maintaining a level of professionalism and boundaries in the workplace. This concept is rooted in the understanding that while it's essential to build positive working relationships and collaborate with colleagues, there should be a certain level of separation or distance to ensure a productive and respectful work environment)

    h. You destroy an enemy when you make a friend of him
    i.  An enemy at your heels keeps you sharp, alert, and focused.(facing competition or opposition can motivate individuals to perform at their best. When you have a rival or someone challenging you, it often pushes you to strive for excellence and be more vigilant)

3. Conceal Your Intention
      keep your plans, desires, or objectives hidden or not readily apparent to others, especially in situations where revealing them could be disadvantageous or counterproductive

    * Transgression of the law: The Marquis de Sevigne  and the Countess 
    * Observance of the Law: Bismark 's planing against Austria to involve them to talk meanwhile prepare for war . 

    Wisdom In Nutshell:
    a Use decoyed objects of desire and red herrings to throw people off scent.
    b Use smoke screens ( a poker face ) to disguise your actions( hide your true feelings, whether it's excitement, disappointment, anger, or happiness)
    c False sincerity is one powerful tool that will send your rivals on a wild goose chase
    d Publicly declare your false intentions to give misleading signals.
    e A noble gesture can be a smoke screen to hide your true intentions.
    f Blend in and people will be less suspicious. ( do not isolate be aware be in people )

4. Always Say Less Than Necessary.
       * Transgression :  Coriolanus was respected before he opend his mouth and started showing his arrogance , insulting people.
        * Observance : Andy Warhol , and Duchamp 's example of less and smartly talking.

    Wisdom In Nutshell:
    a. Saying less will keep you from saying something foolish or even dangerous.
    b. Once the words are out you cannot take them back.
    c. Keeping silent makes people reveal more about themselves. This is information you may be able to use against them later on.

5. So Much Depends On Reputation : guard it with you life
    * Observance : The General Lee's reputation and his clever tactics was able to fear the huge enemy army , P.T. Barnum  use to spread false rumours about his competitiors even if competitor denies the are feelt defensive

    Wisdom in a nutshell:
    a. Show doubt and spread rumours about your rival. Even if they deny it, people will still be wondering why they are so defensive.
    b. Use humor or gentle mockery at your rival's expense
    c. A solid reputation increase you presence and exaggerate your strengths without your having spend much energy.
    d. Never appear desperate in your self-defense against the slander of others. (importance of maintaining composure, dignity, and a level-headed approach when addressing false accusations or attempts to damage your reputation. Responding to slander in a calm and measured manner can be more effective and less detrimental to your own image.)
    e. Be careful not to go too far attacking another's reputation, it draws more attention to your vengefulness than to the person you are slandering.