The 41st law of power implies to the reader to avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes. This law basically says that when you succeed a great man or a powerful and successful parent, you will have a long and difficult journey ahead of you as you will have to make something more magnificent than what they have done in order to be remembered. It encourages the reader to get out of a past not of his own making and step out of the shadow of the great figure by establishing a reputation and identity of one’s self through a radical new course. Thus when inheriting a business empire, do not simply be satisfied with what has been given, expand and innovate into different field less one wish to end up in ruins.
On having a predecessor especially a father who is both glorious and great, be weary as if one does not act, he shall simply disappear in the shadows of the great man. Sometimes the “father” seeks to undermine the efforts of the “son” and tries to put him in line, if the “son” becomes defiant he may be able to be great yet if he falters under the whims of the “father” he will disappear into obscurity. Thus it is said distance one’s self from the past, create a new empire from the foundations of the old, and psychologically imagine to start from scratch for it is through this that one would be able to amass greatness as necessity is what impels men to take action. A proper illustration of this would be Frederick the Great who in his youth was often beaten up by his father for reading books, patronizing the arts and doing many other cultural, scientific and artistic activities which his father considered “unmanly”. This however did not prevent Frederick from pursuing his interest and placed him at odds with his father at many occasions. His father, Frederick Wilhelm I, known to history as “the soldier-king” was a man who preferred to spend all his time in drilling soldiers and forced Frederick to do the same. Later-on when Frederick became King he was able to use everything he had learned whilst reading the many books which his father had considered a waste of time and at the same time what he learned from his father to make Prussia one of the greatest political, cultural and militaristic nation in Europe during the 18th century.
Aaron ChanII –
BS Management
History 18, L
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An example of someone who also outdid his great father is Alexander the Great who is famous throughout history for his massive empire. This empire of his started with his father, Philip of Macedon, who dreamed of conquering Greece and Persia. Alexander, under the tutelage of Aristotle, did not only think of military glory in his conquests, but his policies were in tune with globalization and the toleration and preservation of various cultures (which was a major factor in keeping the peace and stability within his empire for so long). When he died, he had conquered most of the known world (to the Greeks).
-monica ang, L
i have to agree with you that succeeding to a magnificent and great person can be hard. people will remember what that leader did and will have very high expectations for the successor. they can have very high standards and for the successor to be able to establish himself and be recognized, he has to match what the previous leader did or maybe even do more for the people in order to be great to them.
i like how you put emphasis in starting from scratch because through this, you call the shots. you set the bar and you create your own identity. you get to be yourself and incorporate your thoughts and ideas into the lifestyles of the people. you don't have to live to anyone else's expectations because you are the first leader.
-Philip Albert T. Verde
Hi 18 K
the first person that popped into my head was pope benedict xvi and how he has to succeed pjp ii. that's a DIFFICULT position to be in considering pope john paul was pope for over 30 years?
of course it's difficult to become famous after someone great unless you're completely confident that you can outshine them. but personally, i think it's more impt to continue their work or at least the standards that they've set. i really think that one of the many problems w the gov't is that every time it's a new set of leaders, they try to make their names famous by implementing new projects instead of just finishing the old ones. did it never occur to them that their names will still be known as the ones that finished things or the ones w the projects that actually worked?
ocampo18k
"...and psychologically imagine to start from scratch..."
Well said. Everyone starts from something else. Isaac Newton said, "If I have seen farther than other men, it is because I have stood on the shoulders of giants."
Therefore, I suggest a utilitarian perspective for this law. Instead of trying to best predecessors, pioneers can use the past's achievements to bolster their own state of affairs.
dylan valerio hi18l
I think this law does not only relate to the relationship between father and son.
I think that one should not try to be his or her idol and inspiration in life, but be better than them. This could be seen throughout different businesses, leaders, successors, and even musicians.
Do not limit yourself by trying to reach the achievements that your idol has accomplished, rather try to surpass and go beyond greater success.
The sky is not the limit.
Go beyond it.
Go beyond the stars & galaxies.
Hi- L Richard Hahn
Stepping into someone's shoes is always a hard thing to do. Pioneers are special because they launched an idea, an invention, a trend, etc.
Whenever you are not the first at something, there is immediately pressure on your shoulders to either outdo your predecessor or at least do just as well. The law suggests that instead of trying to challenge and combat a legend, instead opt to alter your goal a bit and be the pioneer. Be the pied piper instead of the mice.
Regina Yulo
Hi 18 L
It is right that this law is not limited to the relation of father and son, there a examples of this within the Holy Roman Empire who elected their emperors instead of having hereditary rule. This law applies a lot to those who will take over something that has been already been established or made stable by the previous ruler/boss and thus must make something greater than that of your predecessor in order to be recognized.
-Aaron Chan
Hi 18L
I agree with Ina. Instead of fighting to beat someone great and replace him, divert your attention to focusing on your own strengths and develop your own reputation from there. After all, it hurts to live in someone's shadow.
Chua Rojas, Serica
Hi18 - L
I think this law appeals to the current state of the United States right now, where Barack Obama is seen as a great hero because of the havoc George W. Bush created during his presidency. Barack Obama definitely avoided stepping into a great man's shoes and is now seen as the perfect example of a good leader.
I agree with the part about innovation and doing something new when someone great has done so much before you. One will indeed remember the other because of the change he has placed under his reign.
Gia Fortun
Hi18 - K
outdoing one's legacy, especially when it's a good one, is really a hard thing to do. you have to double your efforts in outdoing your predecessor. that's why i would have to agree with this law. don't follow into his footsteps. if you really want to be remembered as something great and powerful, do something different. or else, you would just be associated with "the great man" forever.
Kriska Rivadillo
hi18 K
A lot of good points were raised throughout the discussion. But I personally like the statements that give focus on psychological preparation that a person uses to start from scratch. This psychological preparation gives the person an opportunity to start anew, without any standards to follow. Of course, certain boundaries can't be crossed, such as the most basic one given in this law, which is not to step on a great man's shoes. The success of the person following the law, would then depend on the achievements made in the process of recreating the identity he has made for himself.
Paolo Banaga
Hi 18 L
I agree with this law in a sense because for me it is not just about avoiding to step in a great man's shoes, but rather putting your shoes on the shoe rack of great men (0_0).
Villamor O. Dagamac Jr. L
I like the idea of starting from scratch. Once people recognize that you are marching to the beat of your own drum, and that you elicit an aura of grandeur different from that of those who ruled ahead of you, they would veer away from comparing you to your predecessor.
In other words, just don't attempt to be better than someone else. Do your own thing and be great at it. People will then see that you are different and they will ultimately gain respect for you.
Monica Copuyoc
Hi18- L
I agree with Ocampo on the Pope Benedict issue, as it was the first thing that popped in my mind.
It was difficult for Pope Benedict to appeal to the public, because he was unlike his predecessor. He didn't exude the kind of aura that Pope John Paul II shared with the world. Thus, he was ridiculed by most and made fun of, and believed that he could not do it especially with his old age. We have this image of a pope who's practically white and almost bald, and seemingly angelic -- and then, appears in our head is the picture of Pope John Paul II. It was a long way ahead for Pope Benedict XVI, a way through which until now he tries to go along with. He is slowly and steadily making his own styles and decrees, in order for the congregation to follow and relive their faith. But until today, he has yet to impress me. He should at least show warmth to the people and have the initiative to visit countries that are in need of guidance.
Gliza Marasigan
Hi18-L
The author made excellent points to support the law. However, I can take of a case in history where a leader surpassed his great predecessor's achievements.
Khufu, the 2nd pharaoh of the Egyptian dynasty, was able to surpass his father's architectural achievements through the Great Pyramid of Giza. Of course, Khufu took some cues from his father's experience as a builder. He was inspired by the greatness of his father's vision and initiative that he was able to build a great monument of his own.
Khafre even showed his respect for his father by building a pyramid 20 feet smaller than the Great Pyramid.
I guess it's perfectly fine to step into a greater man's shoes, as long as you know you're capable of equaling or surpassing his greatness. No leader can be great by living in his predecessor's shadow.
Chio Cebrero
Hi 18 L
No wonder the Guinness Book of World Records gets thicker every year -- people outshining each other and trying to prove their worth as they set themselves apart from the norm. :)
People naturally would want to outshine others. But it is difficult to do today, especially living in a highly competitive world. I guess people become more creative this way as we are all thinking of how to gain an edge against the current great figure. What we have to put in mind is that each person is different and one of the greatest things in this world is that no two people are alike. We’ll all shine in our own unique way.
Mara Liboro
Hi18-K
You should NEVER EVER EVER publicly announe that you're trying to be someone else (if that person is great enough, you don't have to, people will just notice), because if you fail, YOU WILL LOOK STUPID, and if you succeed, IT'S STILL THEIR VICTORY AND NOT YOURS. Surmount if you must, but never attempt to FILL.
Of course, if you are exceptionally good (or exceptionally lucky) at mimicry, you could use people's memories of great ruler's past to stir up affection for you. If you remind them of someone great, they'll like you. This is what faith healers do when they claim to be reincarnations of Christ.
I guess in the end, what determines whether people will fault you or love you for trying to be some great person that you aren't is whether people's natural tendency towards criticism is overcome by their need for hope. Or the other way around. Or something. Lost myself. @.@ Someone pick up this train of thought.
Du, L
I have personal issues attached to this law in terms of my father. There is this saying that the apple does not fall far from the tree and how i wish i fall far a way from the tree. I do not want to be associated with my father in regards to my future success. It makes it seem... like i cheated or i used him to get where i am in. Don't get me wrong, I love my dad and i am very very proud of him. I just do not want to be known as "his name"'s son but rather Raf Sobrepena
THis law is hard for presidents who have the same name or their fathers became presidents as well. Especially in the states, presidents were named the same or at least they were associated with others expecting things that the previous president similar to his name did or did not do.
Here in the Philippines and everywhere else though, it is hard for people to make a name for themselves without using connections. I hate to say it but that is a well - known fact here. Nepotism and tight relationships give you more opportunities and thus make you more likely to succeed. The focal point there then is that you don't show that connection. Show that you've worked hard to be where you are.
Raf Sobrepena Hi - K
I dunno,
for me, if there's something inside of you that's pushing you to do so, give it a go! Don't kill that little flicker of hope in you! Hoping is good and that'll help bring out the best in you. I know it sounds too idealistic and optimistic but I think it'll be worth the risk? If you're afraid now, when will you be brave enough to face bigger things than this? If you don't want to risk things, what will become of you? Things will be just as they are. Like I said, it'll be worth the risk. Die trying instead of living a life of regret. Why remain buried under should have's and could have's for the rest of your life?
Krizia Javate
Hi18-K
First of all I am really a fan of Frederick the Great because of his military genius in especially in battles where he was outnumbered greatly by his enemies and yet he won. Truly he understood at the time the art of war.
Anyway, I didn't realize that he had a great father as well, yet he outdid him justly so!
That makes me reflect on my Father as well, because he's really successful in his own right, but I have the same sentiment with Raf that I want to be known as "Alan Ortiz" as well and through my own achievements.
Alan Ortiz
HI 18 K
Being in the shadows of your predecessors is really a hard situation for anyone. The only way anyone could step out into the limelight is to bring out the best novelty with any resources at hand.:)
Cristal Rodriguez
Hi18-L
.... sometimes you might not fill his shoes and it might disappoint not only others, but yourself as well...
AnneAndreaLacson
Hi-K
Succeeding great people will be hard and for some it doesn't happen at all. Sometimes if a "Great Man" is too loved, it won't matter if you objectively succeeded the limits that man was able to achieve, there will always be people or admirers who will say that their "Great Man" could have done better.
If you inherited a successful company, you can continue it, expand it or do whatever with it but there will always be people who will point out that YOU did not start the company therefore you could not possibly be better than the founders. In fact, they will say that you owe your life and money to the people who founded the company.
So personally, I think you should be the first to do something great. Be your own Great Man.
-Roshmia Pundato
HI18 L
If you end up stepping into a Great Man's shoes your life will be consumed with trying to prove that you deserve to be in your position. Not only will you end up being insecure and inadequate but people will end up criticizing every step or decision that you make. No one can please everyone so you have to be prepared to take the heat.
As the saying goes, with great power comes great responsibility. Lets say you inherited your family's multi-million company. You will be cursed with upholding your family legacy and be burdened by the responsibility of keeping your company in mint condition because you are held liable for not only the progress of your company but for the lives of all your workers. The only "positive" thing I believe that can come out of stepping into the shoes of someone known is that you are forced to not settle with mediocrity. However, the pressure coming from everyone can end up ruining a person (he can end up having an emotional breakdown).
Teri Marcelo
Hi 18-K
It may sound quite shallow and irrelevant, but what really comes to mind with regards to this law is American Idol. Although i may not watch the show that much, the few instances that i do, there always seems to be a contestant being frowned upon by the judges for attempting to sing a song, which they think is out of their league. More often than not, this is due to the fact that one of the legendary artists from the past had already sung it in a manner unmatched by any. In trying so hard to match up to these legends, they get lost in their shadow and fail to get noticed for their own talents. In times like these, the judges seem to always advise these contestants to go their own way with things. Individualism, when it comes to this matter, seems to be key.
-Angelo Mendoza, His18-L
I personally think there is positive side to stepping into a great man's shoes. It may be hard to outshine the 'great man', and people will compare and judge your every step. However, if i were the person stepping on a great man's shoe, i would like to take it as a challenge than as a threat. If i succeed a great man, then there is a reason for it. It probably means i can be as great as my predecessor, or that i can be better than him (or at least I would like to think of it that way). Stepping into a great man's shoes will pose a challenge on me, making me strive for something better than what was accomplished by my predecessor. It's a matter of being confident with oneself :)
Dana Cammayo
Hi18-L
I think this law can be related to the law. “Re-create yourself”. To avoid being compared to your predecessors, or anyone in general, you have to create an image they haven’t seen before. Don’t let yourself be predictable. You should be interesting to gain and sustain attention.
To step into a Great Man’s shoes is to make one’s self less significant so it can only be avoided. no significance = no power.
on Danna: if you are to step on a great man's shoes, though you might do something more compared to that great man, it doesn't change the fact that you will be like him. you will exist and just stay in his shadow. even if you had other accomplishments people might just view that as a continuation of the reign of your predecessor.
I still think the law holds.
Chris Macalinao
Hi18 - L
To Chris Macalinao:
I don't think stepping into a great man's shoes is making oneself less significant at all. I think it's the oppposite. As i said, it will pose a challenge, and that challenge is to make yourself incomparable to your predecessor (you mentioned this one too in your comment). THAT's how you become greater than the great man, and it's not the same as staying in his shadow. When you succeed in doing so, that's when you prove yourself to be powerful, AND you become very significant because you have outshined your great predecessor.
Dana Cammayo
Hi18-L
Pahabol...
I really think avoiding stepping into a great man's shoes is a sign of being a coward. It doesn't make you powerful at all because it just proves that you are not strong enough to be greatER than him.
Dana Cammayo
Hi18-L
So great your post. I like your post.
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