LAW 24 – Play the Perfect Courtier

The perfect courtier thrives in a world where everything revolves around power and political dexterity. He has mastered the art of indirection; he flatters, yields to superiors, and asserts power over others in the most oblique and graceful manner. Learn and apply the laws of courtiership and there will be no limit to how far you can rise in court.

First of all, what is a courtier? A courtier is a person who attends the court of a monarch, or other powerful person. And since, historically, the court was the centre of the government, we can well imagine how significant a court is. Though, being a courtier was a dangerous game. In the past, courtiers did what their masters did. When the master falls of a horse, they, too, are expected to fall of their horses. Mimicry like this one appeared in courts all over the world. But even more dangerous is displeasing the ruler or master. One false move by the courtier, and they are sentenced to death or exile. A successful courtier knew how to be pleasing, but not too much, obeying, but somehow standing out among other courtiers, but never so outstanding that it makes the ruler insecure.

There are several laws of court politics:

1. Avoid Ostentation
Do not talk about your deeds too much because this will attract attention and suspicion. Be careful when talking about your own achievements, and always talk less about yourself. Modesty is a great asset.

2. Practice Nonchalance
Do not appear to be working so hard. Make it seem that your talent is flowing naturally, and you achieve things because they are natural to you, not because you worked hard. Be graceful in achieving your accomplishments.

3. Be Frugal with Flattery
Those that are in a higher position than you never seem to get enough flattery, but be careful, because too much of a good thing loses its value. Also, this might cause suspicion among other people.

4. Arrange to be Noticed
This law is actually a paradox. You cannot boast yourself around, yet you have to be noticed. This is done by paying attention to your own physical appearance, and then, find a way to create a distinctive, yet subtle, style.

5. Alter Your Style and Language According to the Person You Are dealing With
Whenever speaking with different levels of people, you must change your style to suit each person. When talking to a teacher, for example, you need to exercise politeness. On the other hand, you talk normally when with your peers. This is not lying, it is acting, and acting is an art. Learn the art.

6. Never Be the Bearer of Bad News
You must do everything in your power to make sure that the lot of bearer of bad news falls on a colleague, and never on you. Bring only good news and your approach will gladden your master.

7. Never Affect Friendliness and Intimacy with Your Master
Your master does not want a friend, but a subordinate. Make sure there is a distance between you and your master. Keep the professionalism.

8. Never Criticize Those Above You Directly
Though there are times that criticism is needed, say nothing directly, or give no advice. Learn, however, to say your criticism indirectly and as politely as possible.

9. Be Frugal in Asking Those Above You for Favors
Do not ask for favors from your master. Rather, earn these favors, so that the ruler gives them willingly.

10. Never Joke About Appearances or Taste
Though being lively and humorous is important in being a courtier, avoid joking about appearance or taste with those above you. Do not even try it when you are away from them.

11. Do Not Be the Court Cynic
Admire other peoples’ good work and achievements, rather than criticizing them. You will also attract attention to your own good work and accomplishments without seeming boastful.

12. Be Self-observant
You must be a mirror, knowing how you appear to others. Are you trying too hard to please? Do you seem desperate for attention? Be conscious of yourself, and you will avoid mistakes.

13. Master Your Emotions
Like an actor, you must learn to laugh or cry on your own command. You must know how to hide your anger, or frustration, and fake your agreement, or pleasure. Even though its lying, but you will prefer it over being honest and be called arrogant.

14. Fit The Spirit of the Times
Affectation of a past era can be charming, so long as you choose a period at least 20 years back. Though, it is never a good idea to stand out too much, you’re better off at least being able to mimic the spirit of the times.

15. Be Source of Pleasure
This is both obvious and critical. Charm and delight will draw people like moths to a flame. Be the flame, and you will draw the moths. Be the source of fun, and you will be as indispensible as food or drink.

A man who knows the court is master of his gestures, of his eyes and of his face; he is profound, impenetrable; he dissimulates bad offices, smiles at his enemies, controls his irritation, disguises his passions, belies his heart, speaks and acts against his feelings
Jean de La Bruyere, 1645-1696

Courtiership is a delicate game, play the perfect Courtier.

Carlo Emmanuel F. De Guzman