The 48 Laws Of Power

PREFACE & LAWS 1-16

Reading Check

1. Humans have the potential to use deceit and lies. (Preface)

2. His finance minister, Nicolas Fouquet (Law 1)

3. Enemies (Law 2)

4. Conceal them (Law 3)

5. Reputation (Law 5)

6. Unhappy and unlucky people (Law 10)

7. Absence (Law 16)

Short Answer

1. Greene believes that those in Western culture will inevitably fall prey to individuals who do not respect democracy and fairness if they do not try to reach power. He describes honesty as a quality that is often offensive and inhibits influence. Instead, he asserts that individuals should seek to use lies, deceit, and manipulation to achieve power; furthermore, he claims all people use these tactics to some extent. Greene believes control over emotions, patience, and anticipating the future are required skills when obtaining power. (Preface)

2. Greene’s first law explains that individuals should never “outshine” those in authority over them and should instead make them look superior. Greene believes those who have authority over others will inevitably become jealous of the skills, wealth, or physical appearance of their inferiors. This jealousy will inevitably lead to a demotion of some kind. To support his point, Green describes the imprisonment of Fouquet whom Greene claims fell into obscurity because of his lavish display before King Louis XIV. Greene uses Galileo as an example of someone who, having discovered the moons of Jupiter, used this feat to honor his patrons the Medicis since Jupiter as their symbol. Galileo was able to further his research because he honored the family’s superiority. (Law 1)

3. Greene claims that those who speak less will gain a reputation for being intelligent. As an example, Greene describes a Roman military leader, Coriolanus, who was greatly respected until he entered politics and his speeches disappointed his audience. Greene also claims, however, that lighthearted conversation can be beneficial in putting others at ease and building deception. (Law 4)

4. Greene compares the approach to innovation between Edison and Tesla. Edison, Greene claims, was more of a businessman than Tesla. Tesla worked on behalf of scientists rather than using his talents to patent his own inventions. Edison, unlike Tesla, hired individuals to work for him and claimed credit for their inventions. Tesla was relatively unknown when he died and was impoverished while Edison gained wealth and became well-known. (Law 7)

5. Greene recommends that individuals approach their “victims” by weaponizing kindness, honesty, and generosity to weaken the defenses of a suspicious person. Greene claims that those who have been caught executing manipulation tactics should be candid about their use of them to earn the respect of others. Additionally, Greene claims that individuals should appeal to the self-interest of others when asking for assistance. (Laws 12-13)

6. Greene asserts that individuals should pose as a friend to spy on their enemies. He recommends gathering information indirectly through conversation. In Law 15, Greene explains that it is better to crush one’s enemy completely rather than permit the individual to seek retribution for the wrongs committed against them. The two laws are connected because Greene’s method of spying allows individuals to gain an advantage over their enemy to effectively crush them; for example, in Law 14, he promotes conveying fake information about oneself so that enemies are misled. (Laws 14-15)

LAWS 17-32

Reading Check

1. Be unpredictable. (Law 17)

2. Elizabeth I of England (Law 20)

3. Surrender (Law 22)

4. Use a scapegoat. (Law 26)

5. Boldness (Law 28)

6. Vagueness (Law 32)

Short Answer

1. Greene believes opponents react differently to attacks depending on their personality. He asserts that attacks against an opponent should consider the person’s reaction to the attack. He claims that the arrogant and insecure are fragile and are more likely to hold a grudge, those who are pathologically suspicious will pursue a target until they have destroyed them, and nonreactive individuals may be experts at hiding their true feelings all while plotting revenge. Greene suggests extra caution in weaker foes as they may rise to a higher position at some point. (Law 19)

2. In his Law 21, Greene recommends that individuals appear less intelligent to put their opponents at ease. In doing so, Greene claims individuals will have the tactical advantage over those who are intellectually vain and will be allowed to remain in social circles because they are believed to pose no threat. (Law 21)

3. A courtier, according to Greene, knows when to flatter people in positions of authority as well as gracefully exert their own authority over others. They are adept at manipulating individuals to paint themselves in a favorable manner while causing those they have authority over to fear and respect them. Greene further claims that courtiers should have a trademark style, cultural adaptability, social adeptness, and ask for favors only infrequently. Greene asserts that these social situations continue to exist in contemporary settings. (Law 24)

4. Greene believes people are susceptible to cult-like behavior because of the absence of “organized religion and grand causes.” He advises using “get-rich-quick schemes” and spiritual and technological fads to create a following. Greene explains that the cult’s central message should be simple and advises inventing an enemy and a “mystical source” to unify the group. He encourages isolation as a tactic to prevent others from identifying the ruse. (Law 27)

5. Green claims that those who fail to plan are unprepared for possible obstacles that may arise in achieving their goal. He uses Odysseus as an example of someone who has a clear plan and is able to execute the plan efficiently despite the interference of fate. Odysseus maintains his composure and never loses sight of his goal. (Law 29)

LAWS 33-48

Reading Check

1. Thumbscrew (Law 33)

2. A “psychological price tag” (Law 40)

3. Alexander the Great (Law 41)

4. The Mirror Effect (Law 44)

5. A minor flaw (Law 46)

6. Formlessness (Law 48)

Short Answer

1. The Strategy of the Crown, Greene asserts, can be used to project an aura of confidence by behaving as though one is royalty. Greene explains that those who project confidence influence others to believe in their capabilities. (Law 34)

2. King Henry VIII asked for a divorce from Catherine of Aragon and was denied this request by Pope Clements. King Henry VIII, in reaction to the Pope, divorced himself from the Catholic Church. His disregard for the Pope’s decision lessened the Pope’s power. (Law 36)

3. Greene explains that society functions under norms because of their shared beliefs and ideas. He posits it is best to conform to the culture and only covertly expose ideas to others. Greene asserts that individuals should wait until they are in a position of power to express ideas. (Law 38)

4. Greene believes individuals should always pay their own way to prevent dependency on others. An individual’s money, according to Greene, should always be circulating, and an individual should be generous in paying others and performing charitable acts. Greene argues that this behavior will increase revenue. As an example, Greene describes Pietro Aretino, a poor shoemaker, who gained patronage by circulating his limited funds through gift-giving. (Law 40)

5. In Law 42: “Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter,” Greene explains that power circulates around one or two charismatic individuals. He claims these individuals can be threatening to an organization as their following may enable them to rebel against authority figures. Greene asserts that the power surrounding these individuals will disperse once this person is subdued. To subdue the person, Greene advocates for isolation tactics that may entail firing or damaging their reputation. (Law 42)

6. Greene describes the tendency of individuals and organizations to resist change and the possible counter-revolution that stark changes may incur. He argues that in order to undermine this resistance from “hidden conservatives” one should frame reforms as though they are past habits to be reinforced. He further explains that one should analyze the attitudes of the culture before enforcing reforms—a culture that is stagnant is more amenable to change than a culture during turbulent times. As an example, Greene explains Mao Tse-Tung’s strategy to align Communist values with the traditional values of Confucius. (Law 45)