60 Top Quotes From The 48 Laws of Power
The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene is a compelling and controversial exploration of power dynamics throughout history. Drawing from historical anecdotes and biographies of notable figures, Greene outlines 48 strategic principles for attaining and maintaining power in various social and political contexts. These laws range from "Never Outshine the Master" to "Crush Your Enemy Totally." While some laws may seem Machiavellian and morally questionable, the book serves as a cautionary guide, revealing the darker aspects of human nature and the tactics used by those in positions of power. "The 48 Laws of Power" challenges readers to critically analyze power structures and motives, encouraging them to become more aware of the strategies employed by others and to navigate the complexities of power with greater acumen and integrity. (The 48 Laws of Power Summary).
The 48 Laws of Power Quotes
1. [Favorite Quote]: "Never waste valuable time, or mental peace of mind, on the affairs of others—that is too high a price to pay." (Meaning)
2. 'You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others'
3. 'If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: Better to enter with boldness.'
4. Always say less than necessary'
5. 'Most dangerous of all is to appear to have no faults or weaknesses. Envy creates silent enemies.'
6. 'When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control.'
7. 'Share your originality only with tolerant friends and those who are sure to appreciate your uniqueness.'
8. 'Keep your friends for friendship, but work with the skilled and competent'
9. 'Lord, protect me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies.'
10. 'Do not leave your reputation to chance or gossip; it is your life's artwork, and you must craft it, hone it, and display it with the care of an artist.'
11. 'You choose to let things bother you. You can just as easily choose not to notice the irritating offender, to consider the matter trivial and unworthy of your interest.'
12. 'Re-create yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image rather than letting others define if for you.'
13. 'Despise the free lunch'
14. 'Never assume that the person you are dealing with is weaker or less important than you are. Some people are slow to take offense'
15. 'What you do not react to cannot drag you down '
15. 'If you want to turn people down, it is best to do so politely and respectfully, even if you feel their request is impudent or their offer ridiculous.'
16. 'Few are born bold. Even Napoleon had to cultivate the habit on the battlefield'
17. 'The human tongue is a beast that few can master. It strains constantly to break out of its cage, and if it is not tamed, it will tun wild and cause you grief.'
18. 'Be royal in your own fashion, Act like a king to be treated like one.'
19. 'There is nothing more intoxicating than victory, and nothing more dangerous.'
20. 'To succeed in the game of power, you have to master your emotions.'
21. 'Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter'
22. 'The best deceivers do everything they can to cloak their roguish qualities. They cultivate an air of honesty in one area to disguise their dishonesty in others.'
23. 'Hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove.'
24. 'Friendship and love blind every man to their interests.'
25. 'When you meet a swordsman, draw your sword: Do not recite poetry to one who is not a poet.'
26. 'The more attention you pay an enemy, the stronger you make him; and a small mistake is often made worse and more visible when you try to fix it. It is sometimes best to leave things alone. '
27. 'An emotional response to a situation is the single greatest barrier to power, a mistake that will cost you a lot more than any temporary satisfaction you might gain by expressing your feelings.'
28. 'By acknowledging a petty problem you give it existence and credibility.'
29. The less interest you reveal, the more superior you seem.'
30. 'Power is a game, and in games you do not judge your opponents by their intentions but by the effects of their actions.'
31. 'Never be distracted by people’s glamorous portraits of themselves and their lives; search and dig for what really imprisons them.'
32. 'Hide your intentions not by closing up (with the risk of appearing secretive, and making people suspicious) but by talking endlessly about your desires and goals-just not the real ones.'
33. 'An enemy at our heels sharpens our wits, keeping us focused and alert.
34. 'It is sometimes better, then, to use enemies as enemies rather than transforming them into friends or allies.'
35. 'Do not wait for a coronation; the greatest emperors crown themselves.'
36. 'What is offered for free is dangerous-it usually involves either a trick or a hidden obligation. What has worth is worth paying for.'
37. 'Generosity is a sign and a magnet for power.'
38. 'those who make a show or display of innocence are the least innocent of all.'
39. 'It is not much good being wise among fools and sane among lunatics.'
40. 'The mighty lion toys with the mouse that crosses his path—any other reaction would mar his fearsome reputation.'
41. 'Sometimes any emotion is better than the boredom of security.'
42. 'The oak that resists the wind loses its branches one by one, and with nothing left to protect it, the trunk finally snaps. The oak that bends lives longer, its trunk grow ing wider, its roots deeper and more tenacious.'
43. Win through your actions never through argument'
44. 'It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.'
45. 'The more favors and gifts you supply to revive the friendship, the less gratitude you receive.'
46. 'Honesty is actually a blunt instrument, which bloodies more than it cuts. Your honesty is likely to offend people; it is much more prudent to tailor your words,'
47. 'Learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations. Then stand aside and let public opinion hang them.'
48. 'Once the words are out, you cannot take them back. Keep them under control. '
49. 'You must be the mirror, training your mind to try to see yourself as others see you.'
50. 'Never appear overly greedy for attention, then, for it signals insecurity, and insecurity drives power away. Understand that there are times when it is not in your interest to be the center of attention.'
51. 'Learn to use the knowledge of the past and you will look like a genius, even when you are really just a clever borrower.'
52. 'Everything is judged by its appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing.'
53. 'Learn to move fast and adapt or you will be eaten. The best way to avoid this fate is to assume formlessness. No predator alive can attack what it cannot see. '
54. 'So much of power is not what you do but what you do not do—the rash and foolish actions that you refrain from before they get you into trouble.'
55. 'If the world is like a giant scheming court and we are trapped inside it, there is no use in trying to opt out of the game. That will only render you powerless, and powerlessness will make you miserable. '
56. 'When you are weaker, there is nothing to be gained by fighting a useless fight. No one comes to help the weak—by doing so they would only put themselves in jeopardy.'
57. 'Anger is the most destructive of emotional responses, for it clouds your vision the most.'
58. 'Power rarely ends up in the hands of those who start a revolution, or even of those who further it; power sticks to those who bring it to a conclusion.'
59. 'Never pick a fight with someone you're not sure you can defeat.'
60. 'Improvisation will only bring you as far as the next crisis, and is never a substitute for thinking several steps ahead and planning to the end.'
― Quotes from the book The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Who is the Author of The 48 Laws of Power?
Robert Greene is an acclaimed author and researcher known for his in-depth exploration of human behavior, power dynamics, and social strategies. In his influential book "The 48 Laws of Power," Greene distills centuries of historical examples into 48 essential principles for understanding and wielding power effectively. Through compelling narratives and case studies, Greene reveals the tactics and strategies employed by historical figures to achieve and maintain influence. His subsequent works, including "The Art of Seduction," "The 33 Strategies of War," and "The Laws of Human Nature," delve further into various aspects of human psychology and social dynamics. Greene's books are often described as controversial, challenging readers to grapple with ethical considerations while gaining insights into the workings of human nature. By studying the nuances of power and human behavior through Robert Greene's writings, readers gain a deeper understanding of the world around them, enabling them to navigate complex social landscapes with greater wisdom and discernment.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
