Best Quotes from the 48 Laws of Power Book by Robert Greene with image
Keep your friends for friendship, but work with the skilled and competent.
― Robert Greene
Many a serious thinker has been produced in prisons, where we have nothing to do but think.
― Robert Greene
If you are trying to destroy an enemy who has hurt you, far better to keep him off-guard by feigning friendliness than showing your anger.
― Robert Greene
Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.
― Robert Greene
Hesitation puts obstacles in your path, boldness eliminates them.
― Robert Greene
What money should buy is not lifeless objects but power over people.
― Robert Greene
patience is a skill—it does not come naturally.
― Robert Greene
The more you are seen and heard from, the more common you appear.
― Robert Greene
Power is essentially amoral and one of the most important skills to acquire is the ability to see circumstances rather than good or evil.
― Robert Greene
When asking for help, appeal to people’s self-interest, never to their mercy or gratitude.
― Robert Greene
The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.
― Robert Greene
Treating everyone equally means ignoring their differences, elevating the less skillful, and suppressing those who excel.
― Robert Greene
In fact, it is often wise to choose the most innocent victim possible as a sacrificial goat.
― Robert Greene
If deception is the most potent weapon in your arsenal, then patience in all things is your crucial shield.
― Robert Greene
acting is an art, not a gift from God. Learn the art.
― Robert Greene
Money gives its possessor the ability to give pleasure to others.
― Robert Greene
Without a worthy opponent, a man or group cannot grow stronger.
― Robert Greene
Deception is a developed art of civilization and the most potent weapon in the game of power.
― Robert Greene
Great courtiers throughout history have mastered the science of manipulating people.
― Robert Greene
Power depends on appearing larger than other people.
― Robert Greene
Be like a slippery ball that cannot be held: Let no one know what gets to you, or where your weaknesses lie.
― Robert Greene
You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others.
― Robert Greene
skill and competence are far more important than friendly feelings.
― Robert Greene
Honesty is actually a blunt instrument, which bloodies more than it cuts.
― Robert Greene
You destroy an enemy when you make a friend of him.
― Robert Greene
Place your iron hand inside a velvet glove.
― Robert Greene
Better to have others depend on you out of fear of the consequences of losing you than out of love of your company.
― Robert Greene
If you want to tell lies that will be believed, don’t tell the truth that won’t.
― Robert Greene
You must be the mirror, training your mind to try to see yourself as others see you.
― Robert Greene
In the battle of the intelligent against the brutal and the aggressive, the surrender tactic is the supreme weapon.
― Robert Greene
Never waste valuable time, or mental peace of mind, on the affairs of others—that is too high a price to pay.
― Robert Greene
Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.
― Robert Greene
That is the power of formlessness — it gives the aggressor nothing to react against, nothing to hit.
― Robert Greene
Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure.
― Robert Greene
Fools say that they learn by experience. I prefer to profit by others’ experience.
― Robert Greene
Never pick a fight with someone you’re not sure you can defeat.
― Robert Greene
person who cannot control his words shows that he cannot control himself, and is unworthy of respect.
― Robert Greene
words have that insidious ability to be interpreted according to the other person’s mood and insecurities.
― Robert Greene
Never argue. In society nothing must be discussed; give only results.
― Robert Greene
Money must circulate to bring power.
― Robert Greene
Be a flame of positive emotions and you will never be without a friend.
― Robert Greene
Hesitation creates gaps. Boldness obliterates them.
― Robert Greene
Power is a game, and in games, you do not judge your opponents by their intentions but by the effects of their actions.
― Robert Greene
Anger is the most destructive of emotional responses, for it clouds your vision the most.
― Robert Greene
Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. Re-create yourself by forging a new identity.
― Robert Greene
Despise The Free Lunch.
― Robert Greene
Be Royal in your Own Fashion: Act like a King to be treated.
― Robert Greene
Too much respect for other people’s wisdom will make you depreciate your own.
― Robert Greene
Understand this: The world wants to assign you a role in life. And once you accept that role you are doomed.
― Robert Greene
In fact, the better you are at dealing with power, the better friend, lover, husband, wife, and person you become.
― Robert Greene
When you meet a swordsman, draw your sword: Do not recite poetry to one who is not a poet.
― Robert Greene
Never take your position for granted and never let any favors you receive go to your head.
― Robert Greene
It is not much good being wise among fools and sane among lunatics.
― Robert Greene
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.
― Robert Greene
Lord, protect me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies.
― Robert Greene
Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid.
― Robert Greene
There is nothing more intoxicating than victory, and nothing more dangerous.
― Robert Greene
Without enemies around us, we grow lazy. An enemy at our heels sharpens our wits, keeping us focused and alert. It is sometimes better, then, to use enemies as enemies rather than transforming them into friends or allies.
― Robert Greene
Learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations. Then stand aside and let public opinion hang them.
― Robert Greene
…But 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.
― Robert Greene
LAW 9: WIN THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS, NEVER THROUGH ARGUMENT JUDGMENT
Any momentary triumph you think you have gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory: The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion. It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.”
― Robert Greene
LAW 4: Always Say Less Than Necessary
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike. Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.
― Robert Greene
LAW 25: Re-Create Yourself
Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. 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. Incorporate dramatic devices into your public gestures and actions – your power will be enhanced and your character will seem larger than life.
― Robert Greene
LAW 38: Think As You Like But Behave Like Others
If you make a show of going against the times, flaunting your unconventional ideas and unorthodox ways, people will think that you only want attention and that you look down upon them. They will find a way to punish you for making them feel inferior. It is far safer to blend in and nurture the common touch. Share your originality only with tolerant friends and those who are sure to appreciate your uniqueness.
― Robert Greene
LAW 46: Never Appear Too Perfect
Appearing better than others is always dangerous, but most dangerous of all is to appear to have no faults or weaknesses. Envy creates silent enemies. It is smart to occasionally display defects, and admit to harmless vices, in order to deflect envy and appear more human and approachable. Only gods and the dead can seem perfect with impunity.
― Robert Greene
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