The 48 Laws of Power Robert Greene distills 3,000 years of history into 48 laws
Robert Greene
January 3, 2025
Never Outshine the Master
Make your superiors feel secure and important; avoid making them feel overshadowed.
Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn to Use Enemies
Friends can betray you; enemies can become allies if it benefits them.
Conceal Your Intentions
Keep people guessing to maintain control.
Always Say Less Than Necessary
Silence is powerful and avoids saying something you might regret.
So Much Depends on Reputation – Guard It With Your Life
Your reputation is your armor; protect and shape it.
Court Attention at All Costs
Being noticed is crucial; obscurity is dangerous.
Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit
Delegate, but ensure you receive the glory.
Make Other People Come to You – Use Bait if Necessary
Control situations by making others act on your terms.Win Through Actions, Never Through Argument
Actions are more convincing than words.
Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky
Negativity is contagious; steer clear of it.
Learn to Keep People Dependent on You
Make yourself indispensable to maintain leverage.
Use Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victim
A little truth or kindness can build trust, making manipulation easier.
When Asking for Help, Appeal to Self-Interest
People are more likely to help if they see personal benefits.
Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy
Gather information subtly to use against others if needed.
Crush Your Enemy Totally
Leave no chance for retaliation or resurgence.
Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor
Be less available to make people value your presence more.
Keep Others in Suspended Terror: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability
Being unpredictable keeps others on edge.
Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself – Isolation is Dangerous
Stay connected; isolation weakens influence.
Know Who You’re Dealing With – Don’t Offend the Wrong Person
Study people carefully to avoid unnecessary conflict.
Do Not Commit to Anyone
Stay flexible and free of obligations.
Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker – Seem Dumber Than Your Mark
Pretend ignorance to lower defenses.
Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness Into Power
Retreat strategically to gain the upper hand later.
Concentrate Your Forces
Focus on one goal or resource to maximize impact.
Play the Perfect Courtier
Master social nuances to thrive in any environment.
Re-Create Yourself
Shape your identity and control how others see you
.Keep Your Hands Clean
Avoid blame; let others do the dirty work.
Play on People’s Need to Believe
Use people’s faith in something to your advantage.
Enter Action With Boldness
Hesitation creates doubt; act confidently.
Plan All the Way to the End
Anticipate outcomes and prepare for obstacles.
Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless
Hide the hard work; emphasize ease and natural talent.
Control the Options: Get Others to Play With the Cards You Deal
Limit choices to maintain control.
Play to People’s Fantasies
People prefer idealized visions over harsh truths.
Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew
Find others’ weaknesses and use them strategically
.Be Royal in Your Own Fashion: Act Like a King to Be Treated Like One
Self-respect and confidence earn respect from others.
Master the Art of Timing
Patience and timing are key to successful actions.
Disdain Things You Cannot Have: Ignoring Them is the Best Revenge
Dismiss what you can’t control to maintain dignity.
Create Compelling Spectacles
Use visuals and drama to captivate others.
Think as You Like, but Behave Like Others
Hide unconventional ideas to avoid alienation.
Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish
Create chaos to distract and disorient opponents.
Despise the Free Lunch
Avoid dependency; everything has a cost.
Avoid Stepping Into a Great Man’s Shoes
Forge your unique path; don’t be a mere successor.
Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter
Target leaders to disrupt the group.
Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others
Win people’s loyalty with emotional appeal.
Disarm and Infuriate With the Mirror Effect
Reflect others’ behavior to neutralize or provoke them
.Preach the Need for Change, but Never Reform Too Much at Once
Change is destabilizing; implement it gradually.
Never Appear Too Perfect
Flawlessness incites envy; show some humility
.Do Not Go Past the Mark You Aimed For
Know when to stop to avoid overreaching.
Assume Formlessness
Be adaptable and unpredictable to stay ahead.