Scot Smith • Schedule Consult

Friday • 11/08/2024

(From The 48 Laws of Power)


  1. Never Outshine the Master: Ensure superiors feel secure by allowing them to retain authority and influence.

  2. Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends; Learn to Use Enemies: Recognize that loyalty may come from unexpected sources, and trust is best balanced.

  3. Conceal Your Intentions: Keep future plans and goals private to maintain an edge.

  4. Always Say Less Than Necessary: Power can be maintained through restraint in communication.

  5. Guard Your Reputation: A strong, consistent image is crucial to influence and success.

  6. Court Attention: Strategic visibility fosters influence and presence in any circle.

  7. Get Others to Do the Work: Leverage others’ efforts to maximize outcomes without overextending oneself.

  8. Make People Come to You: Draw people in, positioning yourself as a valuable entity they seek.

  9. Win with Actions, Not Words: Demonstrate capability and value through tangible results.

  10. Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky: Distance from negativity as it can erode morale and perception.

  11. Make People Dependent on You: Cultivate indispensability by offering unique and essential value.

  12. Use Selective Honesty: Use small truths strategically to build and maintain trust.

  13. Appeal to Self-Interest: Engage others by highlighting mutual benefits.

  14. Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy: Gather insights by building rapport and closeness.

  15. Crush Your Enemy Totally: Leave no room for threats by eliminating opposition thoroughly.

  16. Use Absence to Increase Respect: Intermittent absence can enhance perceived value and authority.