Business Summaries - The 48 Laws Of Power

The Big Idea

A comprehensive, well-researched synthesis of timeless philosophies – from Machiavelli to Suntzu, as applied in real-life situations by powerful figures in history such as Queen Elizabeth I and Henry Kissinger. Absorbing and entertaining, this book lends business people a wealth of ideas on the subtle art of playing the power game, exercising clever cunning, and understanding human weaknesses. Whether it is in the boardroom, at a power lunch, or a cocktail party – these laws will make you master of the game and give you the edge over your rivals.

1. NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER.

Transgression of the Law.

Finance Minister Fouquet unintentionally outshone his master, King Louis XIV, making the King feel insecure by throwing a lavish party that would show off Fouquet’s connections, cultivated manner and charm. Thinking this move would make him an indispensable asset to the king, Fouquet had actually offended his master who did not like the fact people were more charmed by his finance minister than by him. The King found a convenient excuse to get rid of Fouquet.

Observance of the Law

Galileo was clever in observing this law by giving glory to his patrons. In order to solve his perennial problem of funding, he dedicated his discovery of the moons of Jupiter to the Medicis, since the royal symbol of the Medici family was the planet Jupiter. He then commissioned an emblem for them, with each moon representing one of the sons who revolved around the patriarch. The Medici family became his major patron, appointing him their official court mathematician and philosopher, thereby giving him a more comfortable life and a steady salary.

Wisdom in a nutshell:

Present your ideas in such a manner that they may be ascribed to your master, or could be viewed as an echo of your master’s thoughts.
If you are more intelligent than your master, act as if you are not
Never take your position for granted.
Never let favors you receive go to your head.
Discreet flattery is much more powerful. Make it seem like you want to seek his expertise and advice.

2. NEVER PUT TOO MUCH TRUST IN FRIENDS, LEARN HOW TO USE ENEMIES.

Transgression of the Law

Michael III of the Byzantine Empire in the mid-ninth century A.D. placed too much trust in his friend, Basilius. This was a young man who had once saved his life, and in return, was given all the privileges an emperor could bestow on a friend. Michael turned the peasant Basilius into a sophisticated and educated courtier. Basilius later on became greedy for more wealth and power and had his former benefactor and best friend Michael III murdered.

Observance of the Law

Emperor Sung of China in 959 A.D. was able to turn all his enemies into loyal friends. He persuaded his generals to retire to a life of nobility and give up their dreams of grabbing his throne one day. He spared those who conspired against him, and was able to win over enemies with his generosity.

Wisdom in a nutshell:

Do not rely on friends. They will never be totally honest with you. They will not openly disagree with you in order to avoid arguments.
Enemies expect nothing so they will be surprised when you are generous.
An enemy spared the guillotine will be more grateful to you than a friend.
When you decide to hire a friend you will discover qualities she has kept hidden.
Skill and competence are more important than friendly feelings.
Hiring friends will limit your power.
All working situations require a kind of distance between people.
You destroy an enemy when you make a friend of him.
An enemy at your heels keeps you sharp, alert, and focused.

3. CONCEAL YOUR INTENTIONS.

Transgression of the Law.

The Marquis de Sevigne was young and inexperienced in the art of love. He confided in the infamous courtesan of seventeenth-century France, Ninon de Lenclos, to instruct him on how to seduce a difficult young countess. She made him follow a plan over a number of weeks, where the Marquis would be appearing in public always surrounded by beautiful women, in the very places the countess would be expected to see him. He was supposed to assume an air of nonchalance. This increased the jealousy of the young countess, who was not sure of his interest in her. One day the Marquis, unable to control his passion, broke from Ninon’s plan, and blurted out to the countess that he loved her. After this admission, the countess no longer found him interesting and avoided him.

Observance of the Law

Otto von Bismarck was a deputy in the Prussian parliament at a time when many fellow deputies thought it was possible to go to war against Austria and defeat it. Bismarck knew the Prussian army was not prepared, so he devised a clever way to keep the war at bay. He publicly stated his praises for the Austrians and talked about the madness of war. Many deputies changed their votes. Had Bismarck announced his real intentions, arguing it was better to wait now and fight later, he would not have won. Most Prussians wanted to go to war at that moment and mistakenly believed their army to be superior to the Austrians. Had he gone to the king his sincerity would have been doubted. By giving misleading statements about wanting peace and concealing his true purpose, Bismarck’s speech catapulted him to the position of prime minister. He later led the country to war against the Austrians at the right time, when he felt the Prussian army was more capable.

Wisdom in a nutshell:

Use decoyed objects of desire and red herrings to throw people off scent.
Use smoke screens (a poker face) to disguise your actions.
False sincerity is one powerful tool that will send your rivals on a wild goose chase.
Publicly declare your false intentions to give misleading signals.
A noble gesture can be a smoke screen to hide your true intentions.
Blend in and people will be less suspicious.

4. ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY.

Transgression of the Law.

Coriolanus was a great military hero of ancient Rome. People held him in awe, until he opened his mouth. He spoke his mind, hardly able to control his arrogance and boastfulness. He slandered and insulted people. The more speeches he made, the less people respected him. He suffered the people’s wrath and was eventually banished from the city.

Observance of the Law

Masters of enigma Andy Warhol and Marcel Duchamp knew the power of saying less and keeping people guessing. The less Duchamp talked about his work, the more it was talked about in the art circles. Andy Warhol recognized it was hard to talk people into doing what you wanted, so when interviewed, he would give vague and ambiguous answers and let the interviewer find his own interpretation.

Wisdom in a nutshell:

Saying less will keep you from saying something foolish or even dangerous.
Once the words are out you cannot take them back.
Keeping silent makes people reveal more about themselves. This is information you may be able to use against them later on.

5. SO MUCH DEPENDS ON REPUTATION — GUARD IT WITH YOUR LIFE.

Observance of the Law

During China’s War of the Three Kingdoms (A.D.207–265), General Liang was able to fool his rival Sima Yi simply by letting his track record for being an undefeated leader in battle do the work for him. Liang’s troops were far outnumbered by Sima Yi’s, yet he devised a clever last resort plan. Liang donned a Taoist robe and played the lute upon the wall of the city he was defending. His soldiers opened the gates and hid. When Sima Yi’s troops advanced upon the unguarded city, Yi recognized his opponent sitting alone upon the wall. Fearing a trap, Sima Yi called his soldiers to retreat.

P.T. Barnum was an expert at destroying his competitor’s reputation. He published letters in newspapers, warning the public against buying his opponent’s stock. He was a master at poking mockery at the tactics of his rivals.

Wisdom in a nutshell:

Sow doubt and spread rumors about your rival. Even if they vehemently deny it, people will still be wondering why they are so defensive.
Use humor or gentle mockery at your rival’s expense.
A solid reputation increases your presence and exaggerates your strengths without your having to spend much energy.
Never appear desperate in your self-defense against the slander of others.
Be careful not to go too far in attacking another’s reputation, it draws more attention to your vengefulness than to the person you are slandering. Use subtler tactics like satire and ridicule. . . . . . .

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