Ronkeslens

I recently started reading a book I have always wanted to read titled, “The concise 48 laws of power by Robert Greene” and it has been insightful and mind-opening.

Not to get all religious on you but if you’re familiar with the book of Proverbs in the bible, you’ll recognise some of these laws. I don’t completely agree with all the laws in the book because they come across as manipulative. However, the truth is, we are all manipulative in one way or another.

If you believe you are not manipulative, someone might be manipulative towards you. Don’t you want to know if someone is playing mind games on you? I definitely do. From what I have been reading, your girl has been naive but I also recognise some power traits within me. I therefore recommend everyone grabs a copy of the book or read this blog.

I’ll be sharing 12 laws per post with brief explanations per law. This way, you can read a summary and decide to purchase the book if you want a deep dive.

Let’s get into the laws, shall we?

1. Never outshine the master: Flatter them, make them feel like they come up with the ideas, and if you’re more sociable, take a step back around them. Commit harmless mistakes if you have to, this will make them shine. They will take you down fast if they notice you’re outshining them. Stay observant!

2. Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use the enemy: Your enemy has more to prove when it comes to loyalty than your friends. I know this seems twisted but when you need a man for the job, your enemy will be a better choice than a friend. This is because with friends, you don’t want to hurt their feelings, so you’re sensitive. If they are doing something wrong you’ll hold back or ignore it. Whereas an enemy, you can chastise and since they are looking for reconciliation, they would want to prove their loyalty by whatever means necessary.

3. Conceal your intentions: This is one of my favourite laws of power. I like it because it is pretty straightforward. When people can’t read you, they don’t have power over you because they don’t know your next move. Sometimes, throw them off by saying a completely different thing whilst pursuing another thing.

4. Always say less than necessary: The less you say, the more people power you amass. People will want to decode you but you remain powerful when you’re vague.

5. So much depends on reputation- guard it with your life: People with solid reputations are usually respected and sometimes feared. Make your reputation simple and base it on at least one exceptional quality. The key here is to spotlight your strength. Your reputation will determine how people treat you, be wise.

6. Court attention at all costs: Note to self, dead that I don’t like attention thought today Ronke! Aim to stand out. Attract attention by appearing larger, more mysterious, colourful or whatever works for you but that attention must be on. It is better to be slandered and attacked than to be ignored. Once you have people’s attention, you must always renew it.

7. Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit: I think if you own a business and employ people or a manager, you automatically abide by this law. You can also apply this law by learning from other people’s experiences but some people are notorious for trying to take credit for other people’s hardwork. Don’t be naive, defend your work strategically especially if you’re dealing with a superior.

8. Make other people come to you- use bait if necessary: When people are in your space, you have the upper hand. This law is particularly helpful in negotiations or important meetings. Try to get people to come to you, this is a simple way to be in control.

9. Win through your actions, never through argument: Talk is cheap! With this law always think actions are better words.

10. Infection- avoid the unhappy and unlucky: You don’t want people to always weigh you down with their problems. How will you be powerful if you are always associating with people that literally suck out the life from you? Create boundaries because energy is infectious. The flip side is to keep company of people that motivate you positively.

11. Learn to keep people dependent on you: Make sure you are indispensable. Develop a skill that makes others run to you. A lot of people in work environments do this. When they go on leave, they’re always needed for one thing or another. Who is going to fire you if no one else can do your job?

12. Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim: My first thought is why should you have a victim in the first place? Anyway, the idea here is to build a reputation of honesty to gain the trust of people and when they let their guard down strike. I’m not a fan of this law because it is a big form of betrayal.

There you have it, the first 12 laws. Which is your favourite? I’ll look forward to your comment below. As usual, thank you for reading!