48 Laws of Power - Robert Greene (summary)
1. Never Outshine the Master
Always make those above you feel superior. If you outshine them, regardless
of inten;on, you will incur their insecurity and displeasure.
2. Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies
Be wary of friends—they will betray you more quickly because they are easily
aroused to envy. Enemies, having more to prove, can be beAer allies.
3. Conceal Your IntenDons
Keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind
your ac;ons.
4. Always Say Less Than Necessary
The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.
5. So Much Depends on ReputaDon – Guard It with Your Life
Reputa;on is the cornerstone of power. Protect it and if necessary, aAack the
reputa;on of others.
6. Court AQenDon at All Costs
Everything is judged by appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing. Never
let yourself get lost in the crowd.
7. Get Others to Do the Work for You, But Always Take the Credit
Use the wisdom, knowledge, and effort of others to further your own cause,
then take full credit for the results.
8. Make Other People Come to You – Use Bait if Necessary
When you force others to act, you are in control.
9. Win Through Your AcDons, Never Through Argument
Demonstrate, don’t explicate. Show, don't tell.
10. InfecDon: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky
Emo;onal states are as infec;ous as diseases. Associate with the happy and
fortunate instead.
11. Learn to Keep People Dependent on You
, To maintain your independence, you must always be needed and wanted.
12. Use SelecDve Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your VicDm
One sincere move will cover over dozens of dishonest ones.
13. When Asking for Help, Appeal to People’s Self-Interest, Never to Their
Mercy or GraDtude
Highlight how your request benefits them, and they’ll be eager to help.
14. Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy
Learn to probe and gather valuable informa;on while appearing friendly and
unassuming.
15. Crush Your Enemy Totally
Leave no route of escape for your enemies; they may return to haunt you.
16. Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor
Too much circula;on diminishes value. Make yourself scarce to increase your
perceived worth.
17. Keep Others in Suspended Terror: CulDvate an Air of Unpredictability
Being unpredictable will make others feel off balance and easier to manipulate.
18. Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself – IsolaDon is Dangerous
The world is dangerous; beAer to circulate among people, find allies, and
mingle.
19. Know Who You’re Dealing with – Do Not Offend the Wrong Person
Misjudging people can be disastrous. Always know the people you're dealing
with.
20. Do Not Commit to Anyone
Stay flexible and independent. By not commiYng, you retain the most power.
21. Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker – Seem Dumber Than Your Mark
No one likes feeling stupider than the next person. Make your targets feel
smarter than you, disarming their suspicions.
22. Use the Surrender TacDc: Transform Weakness into Power
1. Never Outshine the Master
Always make those above you feel superior. If you outshine them, regardless
of inten;on, you will incur their insecurity and displeasure.
2. Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies
Be wary of friends—they will betray you more quickly because they are easily
aroused to envy. Enemies, having more to prove, can be beAer allies.
3. Conceal Your IntenDons
Keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind
your ac;ons.
4. Always Say Less Than Necessary
The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.
5. So Much Depends on ReputaDon – Guard It with Your Life
Reputa;on is the cornerstone of power. Protect it and if necessary, aAack the
reputa;on of others.
6. Court AQenDon at All Costs
Everything is judged by appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing. Never
let yourself get lost in the crowd.
7. Get Others to Do the Work for You, But Always Take the Credit
Use the wisdom, knowledge, and effort of others to further your own cause,
then take full credit for the results.
8. Make Other People Come to You – Use Bait if Necessary
When you force others to act, you are in control.
9. Win Through Your AcDons, Never Through Argument
Demonstrate, don’t explicate. Show, don't tell.
10. InfecDon: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky
Emo;onal states are as infec;ous as diseases. Associate with the happy and
fortunate instead.
11. Learn to Keep People Dependent on You
, To maintain your independence, you must always be needed and wanted.
12. Use SelecDve Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your VicDm
One sincere move will cover over dozens of dishonest ones.
13. When Asking for Help, Appeal to People’s Self-Interest, Never to Their
Mercy or GraDtude
Highlight how your request benefits them, and they’ll be eager to help.
14. Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy
Learn to probe and gather valuable informa;on while appearing friendly and
unassuming.
15. Crush Your Enemy Totally
Leave no route of escape for your enemies; they may return to haunt you.
16. Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor
Too much circula;on diminishes value. Make yourself scarce to increase your
perceived worth.
17. Keep Others in Suspended Terror: CulDvate an Air of Unpredictability
Being unpredictable will make others feel off balance and easier to manipulate.
18. Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself – IsolaDon is Dangerous
The world is dangerous; beAer to circulate among people, find allies, and
mingle.
19. Know Who You’re Dealing with – Do Not Offend the Wrong Person
Misjudging people can be disastrous. Always know the people you're dealing
with.
20. Do Not Commit to Anyone
Stay flexible and independent. By not commiYng, you retain the most power.
21. Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker – Seem Dumber Than Your Mark
No one likes feeling stupider than the next person. Make your targets feel
smarter than you, disarming their suspicions.
22. Use the Surrender TacDc: Transform Weakness into Power
