Laws 33-40: Stand firm and win over people’s hearts
Law 33: Recognize people’s weaknesses
No one is without flaws, and discovering those gives you the upper hand.
Remember these principles to find anyone’s weak spot:
- Body language is often a giveaway of someone’s emotions.
- Insecurities are usually rooted in childhood.
- Blatant emotions frequently hide the opposite: shyness might be covering a desire for attention.
- Notice uncontrollable emotions, like fear, and take control into your hands.
Law 34: Act regal to be treated accordingly
Robert Greene calls this law The Strategy of the Crown. It means that when you carry yourself like royalty, people around you will regard you as such. If you believe you are worth more, you will receive more.
Law 35: Tame timing
Wrong timing is your worst enemy. Never appear to be in a hurry. You must be patient, act when the time is right, and use current trends to acquire power.
Law 36: Ignore what you cannot have
When you face a complex issue or an undefeatable enemy, paying more attention will only strengthen them.
⚡️Disregard unattainable things, and you will be free to work toward your real goals.
Law 37: Visuals count more than words
While words can be effective, talking is risky as you might offend someone. Explaining yourself shatters your power.
Visuals, however, are emotionally striking; they pull attention.
A title with the word “gold” is more impactful if printed in gold. So pay attention to colors and symbols to get your point across.
Law 38: Think uniquely; act to blend in
While attention is beneficial for the most part, try to maintain your unique thinking. Being outwardly unconventional makes others feel lesser, which they might counteract with hostility. Reserve your unorthodox ideas for trusted friends and family.
Law 39: Infuriate your enemy by your calmness
Robert Greene emphasizes that anger shows weakness. In a fury, you don’t have the option to act rationally. When your enemy gets angry, there is nothing more infuriating to them than a straight face. They will be embarrassed by their temper tantrum, and you will end up victorious.
Law 40: The only free cheese is in a mousetrap
Never accept things for free because there’s always a trick behind them. Greatness doesn’t come for free, and it’s best to pay in full than to become stuck with hidden obligations.