A good illustrative instance of my assigned law is the case of the Russian ruler Ivan the Terrible. Early in his reign, Ivan had a difficult time governing his country. He did not have substantial power over his subordinates. Majority of the Russian princes rebelled against him.
Yet, instead of confronting his adversaries with brute force, he opted to step back and capitulate. As czar, he abdicated. Because of this, the citizens of Russia clamoured for his return. Ivan listened to their pleas but remained relentless at first. After a few days had passed, he offered them a choice: Either they grant him with absolute power, or they find a new leader. Faced between anarchy and tyranny, the Russians chose the latter. They accepted and rejoiced his return, not minding his dictatorial behaviour—they had chosen to give him that power after all.
Entitled “CONTROL THE OPTIONS: GET OTHERS TO PLAY WITH THE CARDS YOU DEAL”, law no. 31 teaches on how to steer people into voluntarily doing what you want them to do, even though it’s against their will. It is basically about manipulation. You play with the minds of people. Psychologize them into following your tune without them even realizing this. By providing them with a narrow range of “options”, you give them a false sense of “freedom”, of “control” over their lives, making them feel empowered and less resentful of you, the person providing them a “choice”, yet who’s actually forcing their hand.
Although this may be a good strategy, it’s not exactly fail safe. Observing this law would entail you to rely on certain expectations. This would mean that you expect people to respond to a situation in a certain way. But what if it doesn’t work out? You’ll need to have contingency plans for this.
As ingenious and cunning as the strategy may be, narrowing down the options by which people could select from (i. e. “It’s either option a, b, or c only.”) would also limit your own. Sometimes it’s better to see for yourself how would your rivals operate given a larger degree of freedom. Short term freedom for them could give you, in turn, the chance to act effectively against them in the long run.Well, actually, it all really depends on the situation.
Jennifer Stacy T. Tan
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
31 comments:
In order to become successful, one must lure other people into what you do. Law 31 entices someone to control the enemies' mindsets, and force them to do your thing. By narrowing their possible choices, you somehow "trap" them, leading them into thinking that your way is the last resort.
Somehow, while reading and knowing more about the 48 laws of power that Greene wrote, I begin to think that throughout history, people do all things for power. May it be deceiving people like this law. For me, this seems unethical because you do not play fair. But then again, if this is the road to power, some people might just use it. Thing is, don't you think that there are better ways to get power? What do you think?
@joan: i think human beings are political animals. There's always going to be a struggle for power.
Greene outlines many ways of obtaining power. It's not really a bad thing. There's always going to be manipulation in play. The situation only gets iffy when the goal of the power player hurt.
don't you all think the world will be better off, if more people took it upon themselves to steer the weaker minded individuals? If someone wields power then there is order, centered on that person's power, too much democracy kills a population. People have the tendency to not know what they should want.
I think you dont really have to view this book in terms of morality, or in light of being hostile or in opposition of someone else.
When you think about it, laws like this, are the very principles of leadership itself. You must constrict the options of others for them to follow you.
But. One doesn't have to look at it in a sense that the leader demands to be followed in order to feed his ego.
If you think about it in the sense that, if a person in power can constrict the options of others, down to two or three options, he increases the chances of unified action occurring.
hence under his direction, the group gets somewhere.
It is said that there wouldn't be any fool if no one would make a fool of him/herself.
Sometimes, it is simply necessary that one should - to exaggerate - deceive people in order to mobilize them into doing something.
But, that leader must be careful not to commit a false dillema. Sometimes, imaginative people can find a way to go around the choices presented to them.
I agree that this should not be looked in terms of morality. In order to have power, there is always manipulation involved. Morality comes in when you look at what the power is used for.
Katrina L. Abello
HI18-O
The danger in using this law should be heeded with caution. Personally, I believe that this should be used as a last resort. You might end up eating your word. In order to use this successfully, one needs to have a bird's eye view of the whole situation.
Dexter Tanengsy, Hi18-N
Although this kind of tactic will enable someone to control the people to an extent, manipulation should be done with caution. This tactic can prove to be very tricky especially when done hastily. The options you provide should fair, that is, the people will nto find loopholes in any of the options. One must not underestimate people and the way they think. Also, one must keep in mind that people may surprise you. They might not go for what may have seemed as the safer option, or the easier way out. I do believe that people's foresight will become an obstacle in trying to manipulate them with formulated options.
just a thought.
Mariel Aliwalas
HI 18 N
If you cannot be effective in getting others in "playing with the cards you deal" nothing will happen, that is the fall back of the law. Think of the best way to manipulate and "trap" them, leaving others to choose your way and your way alone.
Why do we have to make others play the cards you deal?..there are other more ethical ways to grab power, just a thought.
Luigi Ramirez
Hi18-O
it's true that this strategy is not exactly fail safe but i believe that the only way to make this successful and to control people's options is to force them into a situation where the option that benefits you the most is the only and best way out. this, i believe, is the toughest part of this strategy. i think the best way to accomplish this is by creating smokescreens (as mentioned in Law 3), i.e. things that will mask or hide the truth about a certain situation and force people into making the decision you want them to make. the smokescreens will hide or at least blur the positive aspects of the other options (the options you don't want them to chooose), making them see them as negative or worse alternatives while making the option you offer them look best.
Good tactic, but very risky. The leader should really make his argument air-tight (even the most masterful logicians commit mistakes once in a while). There is always this smart person in the crowd who's going to find a loophole or two. And if that happens, I can only imagine what the crowd will do to the poor leader.
Patrick Reyes Hi18-O
the power to control is a strong tool. Limiting choices show who are dictating. In order to execute this, one must be able to foresee the options and eliminating the unfavorable ones.
Don Faylon
Hi18N
Ivan the Terrible of Russia had killed two birds with one stone in what he did to gain more power. Not only did he make use of the 31st Law, his actions can also be seen as an observance of the 16th Law of Power: the use of absence to increase respect and honor.
In the 16th Law, one cannot accomplish this law without first establishing a positive and distinct presence. If he had done this at any other time, he would have only been hated or forgotten.
Looking at this law with the 31st Law in mind, one has to be especially skilled in manipulation and timing. A mistake somewhere could lead to grave consequences. You have to know which options to give and how you can be certain you'll get them to choose the option that would work for your benefit. It's like playing a game of strategy where you have to be two steps ahead at all times.
Patty Geollegue
Hi18-N
Charisma and perhaps even Deceit plays an important role with this law, the ability to charm or entice people in way that they would end up wanting for more. nevertheless charisma or the air to lead is not an attribute all leaders manifest, not to mention the people you're ruling are not composed of dummies who'd follow you as you please. There are those who would connive, the twisted yet fascinating minds of some who can see through your "endearing" facade.
With the rule of Ivan, he only gave out two options, and the people chose from either one of the two, try to display that kind of power now, and you'll see, out of the two options you'll give them, other options will emerge, not everyone will give out the same response
Such tactic would seem tempting to do, but if you would ask me, manipulating people's minds is a tactic for the seasoned leader and not the neophyte leader.
to perform such a tactic, you have to learn a lot of things in knowing the enemy / the other people. Of you can't manipulate a person if you don't know his tactics / secrets / strategies because if you do make an attempt to manipulate that person, there is a very high risk that your manipulation attempt will backfire, and thus, creating trouble for you.
So before using this tactic, you should know your enemy first.
Duey T. Guison
Hi18N
i have to agree with dexter with regards to have a bird's eye view of the situation. because in this situation can the user of this law manipulate his enemy and thus leading the enemy to choose the "lesser evil" (in this case, the option the particular user had in mind)
@ joan
yeah i might agree that reading this book sounds unethical and all but at the same time i may not.but in the end it is all in the matter of responsibility of the person who will be using it. in using these laws can corrupt a mind or build a peaceful nation.
What if the Russians found a new ruler for themselves? It would then backfire on Ivan totally. Its a sortof all or nothing kind of power.
Alan Mamonluk
Hi18-O
I don't think it's about manipulation. rawr. or trickery.
I think this law is special control law, where you don't really have to spend time messing with people's heads or trying to read their minds.
It's about brute force!
Might sound strange? but really! look at the title! Do you think Ivan the terrible manipulated anyone? No!
He controlled the SITUATION.
so i guess it is not immoral, or sly, or devious. It's real power people. Ivan the terrible knew that the princes would be left with no choice but to welcome him back.
kinda like Chess.
If the King is on checkmate, and the only way to prevent it is if some other piece dies, then, you as a player have now succeeded in observing law 31.
In the sense that your control of the situation is so absolute that there is NO OTHER OPTION. but to follow.
so... quoting ms. tan
Although this may be a good strategy, it’s not exactly fail safe. Observing this law would entail you to rely on certain expectations. This would mean that you expect people to respond to a situation in a certain way. But what if it doesn’t work out? You’ll need to have contingency plans for this.
If such a situation might occur. then law 31 was not observed at all. If any downside to this law could be observed, then it should occur when the law actually takes place. not when you make a mistake while trying to observe it. :D
cause that doesnt mean the law is flawed. that just means you suck at doing it.
Mark Bantayan
Hi18 N
@alan
you're scrutinizing the example. not the law.
but sure. I doubt Ivan the terrible would have proceeded in his course of action if he saw that he could be replaced, or that his "options" would become obsolete.
Because there are alot complications in this law,in order for one to apply brute force. Given, you have to be brutish enough, and second, you must be very obsessive complusive about limiting unpredictability. Like the chances of a new and better Czar rising up.
hence i think the political ramifications of Ivan's actions were very clear to him at that time.
So i guess its safe to say.
Nah not really. that won't happen.
so yes. with like what i've said. that just means you suck at it.
Mark Bantayan
Hi18 N
Very true... in fact, this law works significantly in business. Well, it is not all about manipulation though (I think). I believe it is more of the "ignorance" slash weaknesses of people being played upon (actually, you need not to manipulate at all to people who just do not know what is out there) or it could also be about the real greatness of those people playing.
You see, here in the Philippines, chinese entrepreneurs have dominated the industry. Just look from the small producing firms to the gargantuan of corporations (from 168 in divisoria to several edifices of SM in different regions). Indeed, they have controlled everything, and is now on the process of even dominating the commerce of the world. They have reached that far by getting others into play, getting the other countries or the Filipinos into play. They have been smart enough to do such thing. They all know what's the real probable flow and patience makes them all live. It is very funny then that even people do not want to be controlled by them, they are actually volunteering themselves to join the game the Chinese play.
That is surely what POWER is.
Oops, also I just remember... this law also was illustrated by Hannibal during the Battle of Trasimene (correct me if I'm wrong hehe), one of the most successful military ambushes in history when they defeated Romans. Hannibal was actually playing into a psychological warfare when the Romans helplessly destroyed their own resources so the Carthaginians would not be able to use them. Surely, it was an act of insult against their will as they were burning their own land. But then, Romans just did it... and they lost.
Indeed, Hannibal was so great to have applied such law thus it's rightful to call him the "Father of Tactics."
:Joanne Atienza N
Manipulation is really an effective way of acquiring power. In addition to what Katrina has written, for me, morality cannot be always associated with the domination of others. Again, it has its dangers, as what others had been saying in the earlier comments. But a true power-hungry person will do whatever it takes to acquire it, but using his rationale at the same time.
Marie Dacquel
HI18-O
I think this law is similar to the card game bridge. You could force your opponents to either concede or increase their bet.
Also, this could possibly be similar to the vetoing power of the president. This power is a crucial one in the process of creating laws for the country. You may give the most kick-ass law in the history of mankind, but if there is just one thing that the president deems to be wrong, you would have to repeat it all over again. It's either change whatever portion the president would want to be changed or risk not having the law passed at all.
-Pauline Purugganan
Hi18-N
I may have to agree with you Ton that this book can make or break a person and a community as well. I may also have to agree with the fact that we are not living in utopia, and everywhere, there is really violence. But although, we live in a world that works on "survival of the fittest", I think sometimes, we also have to think if we are becoming so deceitful already and actually, begin to slow down. Know Desiderata?
"..Go placidly amidst the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible, without surrender, be in good terms with all persons... Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism..."
It's precisely my point, that beyond our desires for worldly power, we also have to slow down and think if we are on the right track.
Joan Medalla
Hi18 N
I think this law would only work if you get people to believe that your terms actually have something to benefit them. Like what another law said, you should appeal to their better nature. One must remember though, people still think no matter how foolish they may seem. Once they find a loophole with one of your options--they will find a way to abuse you under your own terms.
Eric Andres
HI 18 Section N
@Mark
Yes it IS about manipulation. Look at the title indeed! "CONTROL THE OPTIONS.." What is tp control your option or situation anyway? Isn't that to manipulate itself?
ma·nip·u·late
1. To move, arrange, operate, or control by the hands or by mechanical means, especially in a skillful manner: She manipulated the lights to get just the effect she wanted.
2. To influence or manage shrewdly or deviously: He manipulated public opinion in his favor.
3. To tamper with or falsify for personal gain: tried to manipulate stock prices.
4. Medicine To handle and move in an examination or for therapeutic purposes: manipulate a joint; manipulate the position of a fetus during delivery.
"If such a situation might occur. then law 31 was not observed at all. If any downside to this law could be observed, then it should occur when the law actually takes place. Not when you make a mistake while trying to observe it. :D
Cause that doesn't mean the law is flawed. That just means you suck at doing it."
I guess the point I'm simply trying to make here is it's not fail safe as with most laws. In a sense, the law is flawed because there's room for failure.
Jennifer Stacy Tan
Hi18 N
@Eric
Yes true. Which is why for this you've to make sure that you control the options you're laying out for them. Make certain that it possesses no loopholes, as you said.
And yes naturally, the options you'll be presenting should seem, at the very least, beneficial towards them. It would be rather odd for you to provide options that wouldn't serve benefit the people you're offering these to after all, wouldn't it?
Jennifer Stacy Tan
Hi18 N
In that locatiоn aгe severаl niсhe gаmіng сhanged the ԁimenѕionѕ of
indoor gamblіng a Corκіng Cover. Ιf
Kids Wіsh playіng game
then Unloоѕеn gаmbling cаѕіno gamеs tо Rесreаte onlinе.
In theEmρloуmentaгeа οf thе
internet site уοu can as you Spiel уοu can pаtronage oг tаκe up fоr гarer pеts or even
bе aρaгt of newlу rеleased petѕ when
the devеloper's discharge them. When In that location were no Spiel Rid arcade games, the runs out and the testicle starts without her.
Post a Comment