Conclusion
While we all strive to have power, it’s important to remember that power depends on deception and exploitation. It gives no room for authenticity.
Wearing many masks and having tricks up your sleeve is essential in the power game. The ability to play with appearances sets humans apart from animals. It’s your most effective weapon.
Your shield in this battle is patience — a handy tool. You will call to it whenever you must control your emotions or wait for the right time to act. Your reactions must be well thought-out, which takes time to master.
You might have noticed that many laws start with words like “do not” or “never.” That’s because your ability to acquire power depends mainly on things you must avoid, not the ones you must do. Be aware of what a particular action will cost you.
Some rules may also seem controversial. Robert Greene regards power as amoral — being neither good nor bad. You can choose whether to use these laws fully, selectively, or completely disregard them.
Try this:
When analyzing behavior, yours or someone else’s, look at how it affects other people regardless of their intentions. Some of your actions may be harmful, so it’s essential to acknowledge them and adjust accordingly.
Acting authentically is helpful in conflict resolution and relationship building because it makes the other person aware of your needs and feelings. Therefore, you can find a solution that benefits both of you instead of one of you taking advantage of the other.
If you enjoyed this summary and want to dive a little deeper, pick the book up at Amazon or purchase it for you Kindle or Audible.