48 LAWS OF POWER:
LAW NUMBER 1-
IMPROVE YOURSELF
The 48 Laws Of Power
By
Robert Greene
The Big Idea
A comprehensive, well-researched synthesis of timeless philosophies –from Machiavelli to
Suntzu, as applied in real-life situations by powerful figures in history such as Queen Elizabeth I
and Henry Kissinger. Absorbing and entertaining, this book lends business people a wealth of
ideas on the subtle art of playing the power game, exercising clever cunning, and understanding
human weaknesses. Whether it is in the boardroom, at a power lunch, or a cocktail party– these
laws will make you master of the game and give you the edge over your rivals.
1. NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER.
• Transgression of the Law.
Finance Minister Fouquet unintentionally outshone his master, King Louis XIV, making
the King feel insecure by throwing a lavish party that would show off Fouquet’s
connections, cultivated manner and charm. Thinking this move would make him an
indispensable asset to the king, Fouquet had actually offended his master who did not
like the fact people were more charmed by his finance minister than by him. The King
found a convenient excuse to get rid of Fouquet.
• Observance of the Law
Galileo was clever in observing this law by giving glory to his patrons. In order to solve
his perennial problem of funding, he dedicated his discovery of the moons of Jupiter to
the Medicis, since the royal symbol of the Medici family was the planet Jupiter. He then
commissioned an emblem for them, with each moon representing one of the sons who
revolved around the patriarch. The Medici family became his major patron, appointing
him their official court mathematician and philosopher, thereby giving him a more
comfortable life and a steady salary.
Wisdom in a nutshell:
• 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.
• If you are more intelligent than your master, act as if you are not.
• Never take your position for granted.
• Never let favors you receive go to your head.
• Discreet flattery is much more powerful. Make it seem like you want to seek his
expertise and advice.
Everyone has insecurities. When you show yourself in the world and display your talents, you naturally stir up all kinds of resentment, envy, and other manifestations of insecurity. This is to be expected. You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others. With those above you, however, you must take a different approach: When it comes to power, outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.
Almost everyone, including you, wants to seem more brilliant than we rightly deserve. And we don’t like people to remind us of our fallibility.
Those who attain high standing in life are like kings and queens: They want to feel secure in their positions, and superior to those around them in intelligence, wit, and charm. It is a deadly but common misperception to believe that by displaying and vaunting your gifts and talents, you are winning the master’s affection. He may feign appreciation, but at his first opportunity he will replace you with someone less intelligent, less attractive, less threatening …
There are two important points to consider.
- You can outshine the master without trying;
- Just because you’re loved, doesn’t mean you can do what you want.
Let’s explore these quickly, shall we?
Even if you are not trying, you can outshine the master just by being you. This happens easily. If your boss is particularly insecure, natural wit and charm will be enough to draw unwanted attention. If they are incompetent than obvious competence will do the trick. Either find a way to mute the side of you most likely to draw ire, or avoid people where being you is likely to naturally outshine them.
Second, never imagine that being valued or loved affords you the freedom to do what you want. Your status is only secure to the point your master is secure that they are better than you. Always leave them with this feeling. No matter what.
TARGET:-improve yourself,the 48 laws of power,audio book,manoj07blogspot.com,kishan chotaliya,48 laws of power book summery,amazon.com/48 laws of power,flipkart/48 laws of power
This is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Accordingly, it is difficult to figure out when to end it. But then, this is dummy text. It is not meant to be read. Period.
ConversionConversion EmoticonEmoticon