The Book in 3 Sentences
- All actions are done largely in self-interest and one should be aware of others’ intentions.
- People operate on appearances, and those who can manipulate it come out on top
- Respond according to the situation with deliberation and self-awareness
How I Discovered It
Robert Greene was one of Lewis Howes’ guests whose ideas (which I can’t exactly recall at the moment) resonated with me. As such, I was compelled to pick up this book with its enticing title.
How the Book Changed Me
How my life / behavior / thoughts / ideas have changed as a result of reading the book.
- I don’t say more than I need to, part of which comes from Chris Voss’ book
- Reading Robert Iger’s memoir, I find myself searching for parallels to these laws in his path to becoming Disney’s CEO
- I’m more interested in great works from the past rather than focusing on contemporary books
Summary + Notes
Law 2: Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies
A friend grows envious while a forgiven enemy has more to prove.
Pick up a bee from kindness, and learn the limitations of kindness
Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions
Seem inconspicuous and attract little attention as you carry out your designs. The outcome will speak scores for your adversaries.
Conceal your purpose and hide your progress; do not disclose the extent of your designs until they cannot be opposed - Ninon de Lenclos
Law 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary
the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control
Law 16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor
Occasionally withdrawing oneself creates scarcity, reminding others of their value. The looming risk of losing one will force respect from everyone else.
The longer the days of rain, the more the sun is craved. But too many hot days and the sun overwhelms.
Law 28: Enter Action with Boldness
Play the game of appearances by exhibiting boldness. It creates fear, draws attention, and hides underlying deficiencies. Hesitancy leaves one vulnerable and likely to fade into the crowd.
Fear of failure in the mind of a performer is, for an onlooker, already evidence of failure
Baltasar Gracian
Law 30: Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless
Sublime actions attract more respect than those known to be the result of toil. One must create an aura of mystery regarding the source and extent of their capabilities.
guesses and doubts about the extent of his talents arouse more veneration than accurate knowledge of them
Baltasar Gracian
Law 36: Disdain Things You Cannot Have
Ignore what is petty and prioritize the formidable. One’s standards are reflected in the rigor of the challenges they endure.
By acknowledging a petty problem you give it existence and credibility
Law 48: Assume Formlessness
Appear unpredictable and adapt to the enemy’s advances. Creativity, deliberation, and flexibility will move initiative to one’s side and leave the enemy confused, eventually revealing their intentions.
When one has but one point to defend, it should be protected for fear of accident
Jean De La Fontaine