Concealment-a very useful tool that has been used for centuries by the human race to create and destroy grand things. In Japan, Ninjutsu has particularly shown its significance and importance through the manifestation on the art of assassination. Their moves by observation are technique oriented unlike other martial which stress on explicit efforts. To hide in the shroud of illusion is one of its greatest principles that in turn gained them the title-in National Geographic: Fight Science-of the ultimate warrior.
In warfare, both conventional and contemporary, concealment is in the form of counter espionage where one protects ones secret from the enemy in order to secure oneself from being destroyed. At the same time inflicting fears upon the opponent by haunting him with the aura of your unfathomed capability. Sun Tzu in fact, emphasized this the chapter which dealt on using spies.
It is indeed an awesome methodology that accelerates ones value of power. The mere act of concealment in effort gives oneself an aura that would shake Nazi Germany to its knees, the same method of concealment that led the victory of the Allies on D-day.
OPEN EFFORT: TARGET PRACTICE
Showing ones effort is not entirely wrong. In fact it might even gain sympathy which could result to increase in power but could also result to decrease if not careful. Showing ones effort is simply an act, an illusion, which deceives the eyes of the weak and the unprepared.
If one does not consider regulating ones actions, he is a walking bull’s eye to the alert and the cunning. In the realm of the public, Politics is in motion. In politics self-interest is an undeniable component which consequently induces conflict. If the public realm then is in constant conflict, then it is imperative to secure the assets which helps oneself attain ones interest.
HIDING BEHIND THE SHROUD
Some people think that this is an act of cowardice and does not manifest true power. They say that a transparent appearance proves the authenticity of ones power because one does not fear to show ones weakness, or even better, one does not have a weakness at all. It is really an admirable code of bravery but I believe that excess presentation of bravery is boastful stupidity.
The Bushido Code of the Samurai and the Chivalry Code of the Knight are examples of ethics that contradict the idea of Law 30. Putting “Morality” aside, the rationality of both codes are quite odd to produce an effective warrior. Of course, the definition of warrior does not only marginalize it as killing machine but come to think of it, it is what they do regardless of their intention. They eventually resort to the act of killing thus concealment becomes a necessary tool to effectively attain their which is killing.
Arrogance then hinders oneself into obtaining for it limits the individual to choosing options that is slower and more risky than the ones which does not involve pride.
POWER BENDING THROUGH CONCEALMENT
In the act of pursuing power one has to gain the knowledge of harnessing it as well as mastering it. Concealment is therefore a tool to regulate the usage of power. Regulate in sense that one is able to bend it at his/her will.
Take the case of the Sith Lord Palpatine a.k.a. Darth Sideous in the Starwars saga. He managed to conceal the presence of the Sith for 2000 years since they were reportedly exterminated according to the Jedi archives. He was able craft the Sith’s revenge on the Jedi and the republic without anyone noticing. The most brilliant thing was infiltrating and using the senate, a symbol of the Jedi’s power and regime, as his means and base of operations. The Jedi was just staring at their enemy dancing along their strings. Such coordinated and dexterous scheme epitomizes the power principle of concealment.
CONCEALMENT: NATURES SECRET POWER
As implied in the book, Nature is powerful and beautiful because it seems to show less effort but the effect produces astounding beauty. In turn who ever masters the methods of nature obtains tremendous power. It is therefore a natural for humans to obtain power and in this case through concealment.
But even though this is explained to us, it is a secret because there is no specific way on how to use it. That is again the beauty and power of nature that no man can comprehend. It is a mystery like that of the Holy Trinity in catholic faith which allows it to remain powerful. If ever one really needed to comprehend or at least get the Gist of the Laws written in the book, one has to immerse oneself in nature and appreciate the wonders of the Natural.
-Niño Vince Suelto
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27 comments:
Concealment is good in warfare, but in the aspects of leadership, it isn't. Concealing your efforts would made people think of you as arrogant, thus bringing envy. Arrogance leads to producing enemies and rebellion.
-Jedd Chua Hi18-O
Here's a real life example: I got a very high score in a very difficult subject. I wouldn't say that I studied 3 weeks for that test. :P
While this may be good for a selfish perspective, because it gains admiration from people, I think that it's not good if you apply it in real life (work) situations.
The way I see it, if you say that a thing is effortless, it seems that you are saying that the job was just easy. So, people's expectations will increase, thus, they will count on you for the more difficult tasks. While this may be good for sucking up/increasing your 'points' to people, would it be really worth it, once they give you much harder tasks?
Oh, the comment from micoantonio is from Miguel Rojas of Hi18O
I agree that concealment could be used as a tool to distract the enemy. It's also good for in-your-face moments as depicted in your example of Palpatine and the Sith. However, concealment of efforts couldn't be over-used. I think it's good when used to gain respect from the people. However, it wouldn't produce the same effect in the long run.
-Pauline Purugganan, Hi 18-N
Knowing one's enemy is winning half the battle. If you know your adversaries, no matter how incredible they are, you are actually winning half the fight. You know your enemy so you know what to expect thus you'll be able to ready yourself. In the long race for power, this will show the value of concealment.
if you don't allow your enemy to know you, they won't have any clue what to expect.
-Dexter Tanengsy HI-N
"Make your accomplishments seem effortless"
This law makes it sound like you have to be modest but what it really promotes are concealment and mystery. A person that is hard to read would be very difficult to defeat. Hiding your true intentions would make it easier for you to move around and do whatever you please.
Lexx Aquino
2 AB MA POS
HI18-O
Concealment in effort indeed gives someone power over his opponents. Especially if he was able to defeat his enemy, and does not show any sign of stress or fatigue in the process, the others would tremble in fear in subsequent attacks. But you can get too much of a good thing. Overemphasizing concealment could be told as “cockiness” or “arrogance”. That, in itself, is not a very good thing. One must be able to hide his efforts, but also be wary of the imminent dangers at hand.
-Janine Cindy Santiago HI18-N
Working with an air of secrecy and mystery allows for manipulation of one's opponent. If your enemy cannot guess your next move, how can he prepare for it? The art of concealment is indeed impressive and can lead one to success when mastered and perfected.
But not every situation is one of warfare and competition. Such a concept might work in the battlefield, but not in real life. When you hide too much, people shy away from you, for they begin to feel that you are too guarded and complicated. Those who never reveal their true feelings and intentions are usually deemed insolent or arrogant. Also, people might not take you seriously if you make everything you do seem effortless, and they might not want to work with you anymore for fear that you don't take your work seriously. A little show of effort and struggle here and there makes you more human in the eyes of others.
Dyan Garcia, II AB MEC, Hi18 O
Given that we all are distinct individuals, I deduce that the ability to conceal is intrinsic to each of us. It then proceeds that the effects of concealment varies and depends from person to person; either concealment can make him/her appear bigheaded, or it can make him/her look extremely capable.
However, a big part of what makes achievements astounding is the toil that precedes it. I mean, pyramids do not overwhelm people today just because they date thousands of years back and are gigantic in size and contain historical data and so on. Pyramids are appreciated today because it took more than ten years for hundreds of people to build them.
When it comes to history, accomplishments are eternally gratified not just because they’re accomplishments, but also because of all the unbelievable toil that came before it. Power should not be as short-lived as winning wars and planning murders – it should be as timeless as perseveringly making your mark in history.
Marcy Leonora Pilar
II - AB MEC
Well I'm glad that people are commenting on this thread. I really appreciate it.
Anyway, take in to account that the art of concealment is a supplementary aspect in attaining power. Of course building the bulk composition of power is the main thing but exposure would imply that you are open for study thus making the people see your weakness. In the end your efforts in building the bulk would be useless.
By Bulk I mean the things that comprise its composition regardless to whether its huge(literally massive) or not.
To apply it in terms of a states capacity in the Military. Our country is a good venue for the art of concealment(assume that we are filthy rich and united). If the US, Russia, China, EU and etc. have weapons of mass destruction, we could work on in Integrated weapon defense systems-although the Us is developing the stuff right now. Developing such under the cover of a third world country would probably give us the upper hand to almost all countries with nuclear devices since we would have the capacity to override the silos and subs that are activated.
Well, the bottom line would be PSYCHOLOGICAL WARFARE. Its practically the best weapon or kind of warfare. It is also the most dangerous and sensitive. Back in the cold war, the dessert storm and other proxy battles, intelligence warfare seemed to be the in-thing. What they did not fully realize was that they were actually playing Psych warfare and intel was only amere component. Former President FVR was an advocate of this theory and he actually manage to apply it in his administration without getting caught. After all, this was his major in West Point.
Anyway guys i encourage you to comment more. I would really love to hear your doxa(opinion) about the topic.
EAGLE SIX OUT!
VINTOY
I would first like to comment on your writing. :)
I think it's great that you referred to pop culture (star wars) in relation to Law 30. The point of our studying history is to understand how past events have helped to shape the present times. At the end of the day, if you don't know how the past is relevant to the present, then all your reading on history will have been for nothing.
Thumbs up, Vince!
Camille Martinez
2 AB LIT (ENG)
Concealment is good in warfare, but in the aspects of leadership, it isn't. Concealing your efforts would made people think of you as arrogant, thus bringing envy. Arrogance leads to producing enemies and rebellion.
I'm sorry to say that I don't quite agree with this. The law doesn't tell you to completely conceal your efforts but rather, not to make the work you did look so hard. In other words "huwag kang maging OA."
I think it is necessary for a leader not to show his people that he is suffering too much when he does something. That is why he was picked to do his duty anyway, since he is one of the few people who can do it better and easier than others. But showing no effort at all does make you seem arrogant, and this I agree with, yet it is wrong to say that a leader doesn't need it at all.
Showing the people that you are working hard for them is good since it reminds them that you care about their welfare, but showing them that it doesn't exhaust you, as it would for normal people, is what separates you from them. It provides the reminder that you are stronger and more powerful than they are and that is why you are the rightful leader.
--Kamille Mercado
Hi18 sec:N
I agree with Kamille in saying people just shouldn't be OA in how they go about things. You can't totally conceal your efforts. No one's Superman here. Heck even Superman himself put effort in whatever he was doing.
You show, not tell. You show you have done something (though not going overboard), not tell everyone what you did, how you did it, gloat about it. That's where the arrogance comes in.
-Bianca Michaela Bes, Hi 18-O
If you do well in anything, people will either praise you, or envy you. I think that is always the reaction, its human nature. Concealment is very usefull, but you have to plan every move. Every good deed, every sucess requires effort. Being OA is not needed here, some people tend to abuse it.
-Luigi Ramirez Hi18-O
I agree that transparency makes leadership more trustworthy but there are times in this world where people suddenly become ambitious and tends to abuse that transparency. To maintain control over that leader ship one must know what aspects needed to be transparent and those that need not be transparent. Hence, cncealment is still needed in leadership.
To satisfy Camille's request on historical examples:
During WWII, In the uropean Front, the key to the success in operation overlord was not the magnamous bulk of he Allies but the information kept secret and those that were intended to be discovered.
A drafted unit of jounalist, Film makers, engineers and communication experts were tasked to send decoy info to the Germans so that the Germans would mobilize their forces to the wrong location. To cut the story short they were successful.
Concealment is not only hinding info but hiding behind a fake situation.
VINTOY
i think we all love heros. theyre those awesome guys that kick the bad-guys butts or blow them to smithereens despite being outnumbered tenfold. they're great for movies. but i think times have changed, people know that an FPJ with a single pistol can't just walk into a factory with a hundred army guys armed with bazookas and machine guns. yeah sure he seems powerful, but people know its not real.
i like dyanster's idea that showing you're weakness, contrary to what this law proposes, is a great way to get support.
by showing others you are human, you gain their trust, therefore more power for you boy! men of power do this all the time, they just LOVE telling stories of how hard their lives were back then.
nico mendiola O
This law's pretty much connected to law 46, never appear too perfect. Like what Nico said, it makes great people appear more human, which would gain more support. But is it really manipulation or humility?
Jam Yusun
Hi18-O
concealment in the right time and the right occasion. on the right people with the right manner of doing so. maybe in a hand-to-hand combat this would be effective. but fighting for leadership, like politics, i doubt it'd be a good idea. to seem weak to the people you rule? (not a good idea)... however that is in the context of "concealing" ones own accomplishments and not making it seem effortless. we are allowed, recommended about it even, kinda the same with the other law, "law34 act like a king", to show our accomplishments. ex: with passing the resume when one wants a job, one should show and tell of all of ones accomplishments. this law may be stating that yeah, fine, you;ve accomplished something, so go ahead and show it, just dont let it get to your head and all you'd be talking about are those things or just that one thing. dont keep it, share it. dont just show it, let them experience it.
The same way swans (and ducks, I think) vigorously paddle their feet beneath the surface of a placid lake to gently and gracefully move the body forward, I agree to the previous comments as well: you should not exaggerate the efforts you've made for an achievement--because achievements can be appreciated on their own. We can appreciate the way swans move gracefully on water without knowing how much effort the swan exerts to propel itself forward.
However, totally downplaying your efforts can also lessen the value of your achievement. Human achievements are also at times not measured by their success, but by the effort exerted to achieve them.
Eric Andres
HI 18 Section N
I agree to the point of over downplaying accomplishment since attaining power after all requires one to amaze other people, but not to th expense of being a threat in the eyes of others.
We must understand that the context of this law points out to the counter measures of being conspired upon.
If one exposes his method of attaining power and the emotional effort that one takes to pursue it, then, as have i said, one would find all efforts he maid futile since the path that one builds towards that power is vulnerable(good as destroyed).
In relation to law one,if one is still acquiring power then from a master, then one needs to please him. In order to please the master it is imperative that one choose what kind of efforts to expose and conceal. The former must be something that is pleasurable to the master while the latter is a threat to the master.
Now if one says why should we the deceive someone that has given us power. Machiavelli answers it by saying,
"...for a man who strives after goodness in all his acts is sure to come to ruin, since there are so many men who are not good. Hence, It necessary for a prince that is interested in his survival learn to be other than good, making use of this capacity or refraining from it according to need."-The Prince
To summarize law 30 in one word i would find it fit to be DECEPTION in the methodology of concealment.
-VINCE SUELTO
I agree with a comment above stating that this law is closely related to the one about not appearing too perfect. The latter, it seems, emphasizes that we should exhibit human flaws, whereas the former advises us not to take things too far.
When you see a classmate of yours stressing so hard over a project, as soon as the teacher gives the graded work back and she gets a good grade, I'm sure you'd be happy for her. However, at the back of your mind, as this law suggests, you're just going to think that her efforts paid of. She's not some superpower or whatnot, but her good grade was merely a product of hard work. This is not necessarily bad, especially in a world where hardworking people are a gem, but if you want to project a powerful image, the idea of not having had exerted so much effort in accomplishing something is key. As it was mentioned before by others who commented, it leaves that air of mystery -- a certain wow factor.
Pia Angela J. Maske
II AB-MA Political Science
Hi 18, Section O
Law 33: Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew
making your accomplishments seem effortless gives a good mystery of how you do those stuff. But, does that create uncertainty for the people who will follow you? I mean there must be something to be credible about and worth following. If it's a mystery, it will not be 100% that the people will give respect to you. It shows modesty and hides pride but it doesn't usually give others to be proud about you.
Don Faylon
Hi18N
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