No sane person would happily choose an abject defeat over the shiny trappings of victory. People like winning for many reasons: it can be the happiness, self-fulfillment or simply the bragging rights that come with it. But aside from losing, winning also comes with a price. (“The moment of victory is the most perilous of all.”)
The law is not saying, don’t hog all the trophies. It urges one who is at the top of the world to stop gloating, take a good look at the present circumstance & future scenarios, and regroup. Never go on forging ahead using all the same tricks and tactics that everyone has already discerned as your style or pattern for success. It’ll only spell ruin.
After more than a decade of struggling to the top, Hitler won the Chancellorship of a tragically broken down Germany. But instead of letting his victory go to his head and seeking to continue to feed the SA – the people that put him in power, he reduced their numbers and worked on consolidating the economy. If he had not been prudent after his momentous victory in 1933, afterwards, he wouldn’t have been Hitler.
Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s Superindentant of Finances, is a transgressor of the law. His ambition brought him to great heights. He successfully demanded his appointment as Superintendant by Mazrin as a reward for his services – something which was ironically his downfall. Because of his huge displays of wealth and ego, he inadvertently turned Louis against him. He died in exile.
Why do power hungry people shun prudence when it can obviously work miracles for the future?Monica Ang – L
41 comments:
i think that the attainment of power is never complete until a majority recognizes that power -- this may affect why those Empowered tend to wallow in their victory. they want people to acknowledge their victory.
however, exposing yourself as a powerful figure will intimidate people, will put one at risk of inciting envy. i don't think the display of power in itself is dangerous -- but being unable to control one's conceit by showing off is more dangerous
kyra ballesteros hi18K
the problem is that we humans are too greedy to every successes we achieve that we tend to cross our lines, our limits. We think that since conquer this one aspect of life, we would most likely conquer the next. It's and idea that'll certain lead us to our downfall.
this law perfectly portrays our nature to be greedy. i think it is in fact important to mark a time wherein you consider something a "victory" and to stop there when you've attained it. but how will we mark these victory points? well considering things such as other people's welfare, your own good, and much bigger things that make up the whole picture, are good ways to go. but honestly, i'm no expert in knowing how to mark these victories myself.
my main reaction to this law is: when do you know that one thing is enough to be called a victory? what if we mark these things too soon and stop too soon? in such cases, only you yourself will consider it a victory and others will merely see it as a mediocre feat. how will you know if you're setting the bar too high or too low?
Too much of something is bad. As for this law, being too ambitious can, indeed, lead one to his/her downfall as seen in the examples. It's not that having ambitions is wrong; ambitions, in fact, are what motivate people to keep on moving forward. But, just like in every aspect of life, there should be a limitation. One has to learn how to be content on what one has accomplished.
However, when one can't help but continue on aspiring for more, one should contain himself and not let these ambitions get the best of one. One should, at the very least, be humble in victory and should use these "bonus" blessings for the benefit of not just himself, but of others as well.
It's better to stop while you're on top.
Tom Manahan
Hi 18 - K
wth this being said. I want Pacquiao to retire. He is at his best. The peak of his career. He is also swimming in Millions of pesos. What else is he looking for?
I believe he is testing the waters and seeing if he can still prove to himself that he can beat ANYONE. I am as proud as any filipino for him but but i want him to bring down the pride and retire and relax. settle down. Pride can be his greatest downfall. everyone's actually.
This is also the case in gambling. (i love gambling myself) It's hard to stop when you're on top and you're winning lots and lots of money. but set a limit. believe me, it's easier to go down than going up. first you have 50k, next thing you know 0. but i promise you, it is REALLY HARD TO STOP. hehe
Raf Sobrepena Hi - K
i like how you put emphasis on the importance of not gloating over our victories, that we should focus on the present and future, and that we should strive to get better. if we remain stagnant and the same, people will eventually discover our techniques and know how to beat us next time. yes victories are great, but we also have to keep up with the changes that take place around us.
one example that came to my mind is a basketball championship team. others might think that the starting 5 that won the championship should remain intact for the coming years. this can be bad because if the starting lineup remains unchanged, other teams will eventually figure out the team's style, and thus figure out how to overcome them. but if team makes changes to get better and stronger, then it's on the right track.
-Philip Albert T. Verde
Hi18 K
I agree with everyone else that this law is somewhat of a criticism for mankind's greed.
Some of the others already gave examples and I want to reiterate some of them.
Raf Sobrepena said that it's hard to stop when gambling since you're already on a high and you just want to go on betting. This reminds me of Deal or No Deal. My parents and I were watching one episode and the contestant already had a high offer but he rejected it. Suddenly, my dad burst out that the contestant should just take his winnings already. He started with 0 Pesos and ends up with more than 300k. He should be satisfied with that because as he goes on playing, there will be more risks. Like Raf said, it's easier going down that going up.
As for Philip's example, I agree with it, too. Currently, my cousins are addicted to Tekken (PSP game). One of them commented that one shouldn't have just one move to keep going back on because the opponent will just find a way to go around it. He said that the "Tekken gods" had different moves and if their moves did fail, they always had a backup to get themselves out of the sticky situation.
Always develop your skills and strategies. Don't stagnate. It might be the cause of your demise.
Theresa rosario tan
hi18k
winning just boosts your ego even more. when you've won enough, you think you're unbeatable. godly. which clearly is stupid because no one is perfect. someone will always come to smack you really really hard in the face.
but i have a different interpretation of the law, as well. i think it's more of living up to the standards you set for yourself and not outshining them. then people will expect even more from you and if you don't meet those expectations, everyone will just be more disappointed. i don't agree with this because i really think that you can always do better. i guess it's just a matter of "expecting the worst, hoping for the best". that sort of thing.
ocampo 18-k
i like theresa's example and i can definitely see its connection to the example in my first comment of this entry. i guess the key idea here is just making the necessary changes and adjustments, and just continuing to get better. victories and triumphs are great. that is why people tend to celebrate and rejoice afterwards. the danger in this situation is if it is taken to extreme, such that one will always think about that victory and not move on. just like what the law emphasizes, we need to learn when to stop. if we dwell too much on our present achievements and become stagnant, the rest of the world will make plans for the future. you don't want to keep things the same because others will strive to get better and eventually discover a way of how they can beat you. one must always push himself to improve. it's just like winning now, but losing tomorrow because one still made use of the same style and techniques. you don't want to remain satisfied in where you are because you might get left behind. one must get in touch with what's happening around him and just continue improving and getting better.
-Philip Albert T. Verde
Hi18 K
It is human nature to want more and more. The idea of gaining more would supposedly lead to being more powerful. The only problem that most people have to face is learning when to stop.
When playing a poker game, one must know when to hold, to fold, and to raise. Sometimes over confidence which leads to attempting to achieve more than one is capable off would lead this individual to a spiral downfall.
Hi- L Richard Hahn
Going past what we aimed for is common for most of us. We humans often let our triumphs get into our head and do not stop even though we know we should. I believe this rule can be aptly applied to criminals. The main reason a criminal may finally be caught is that he becomes more and more greedy and hence pulls bigger and bolder capers thus allowing law enforcement agents to finally be able to catch him. The only criminals that truly profit from crime are those that knew when to quit and assess his gains.
-Aaron Chan Hi18 L
You said that winning comes with a price and I think that price is how to get another victory. What this means is you should not be satisfied with just a single victory that you think will make you known for all eternity.
Just like for athletes, one victory or championship does not mean they're the best ever, they are the best that is until the next season. So they must think of another way to win over the other teams because the other teams already know how they play and will prepare for it.
Another example I can think of are the musicians. There are artists that we call as one-hit wonders. These one-hit wonders fail to follow this law. Sure, their songs were very popular but they failed to follow it with another wonder song. They should have used their initial popularity to sustain their greatness even if they came up with a second single that isn't as great as the first one. I think same goes for power.
Leng Desuasido Hi18-L
For me, the essence of this law is simply about greed. Being greedy is in the nature of all human beings. We all want to acheive more, earn more money, be happier, etc. We wants and needs never seem to be satisfied. We sometimes forget that too much of anything is bad. Avarice might make us work harder and have brighter future, but I think we should always keep in mind that too much will always bring us to down falls. As the law says, we should know when to stop and be satisfied.
Yu Chin Hong
Hi18-K
i've noticed that a lot of people attribute the downfall talked about in the Law to Greed. But what if you're not being greedy? Is wanting excellence and being number 1 consistently a fault? If the great men and women of history all retired or slowed down after a few "victories" then they wouldn't all be so great.
i like that a lot of the people who commented didn't take the way of compromise or lowering one's standards.
-monica ang, L
Richard, i liked your use of poker as an example for this law. So many gamblers (even the real good ones who know their math probabilities) come out of casinos looking defeated and helpless because they can not abide by this law.
How many times have you or anyone won a great deal of money in poker, blackjack, roulette or pusoi dos only to lose it all in one go? Everyone's heard that voice in their head nagging them to quit while they're ahead but of course, the temptation of a bigger win always overrides our instincts.
Knowing how to handle victory is one of the best disciplines people have got to learn in life.
-monica ang, L
to ocampo and philip:
i agree with what you're getting at. there's definitely wisdom in being prudent and thinking of new ways or strategies to continue winning but there is also a downside to overheeding this law.
There are some people who would be scared to fail after winning. They want to stop when they're way up there so that they would never have to experience losing. But they should not be afraid of risking things for the glory of succeeding at something. They should never come to a point where they think themselves so wanting or "kulang" that they won't try again.
"You'll come to see that a man learns nothing from winning. The act of losing, however, can elicit great wisdom. Not least of which is how much more enjoyable it is to win. It's inevitable to lose now and again. The trick is not to make a habit of it." - A Good Year
-monica ang, L
Part of the responsibilities of having power is the responsibility you have to keep yourself within your power, too. This may be, in fact, the hardest exercise of power. But in order to be able to keep others within your power, you must first keep yourself in control.
Slipping up and showing how hungry you are for power and all its benefits is dangerous - whether before or during your reign. And nothing spells out how hungry you are for power than your inability to stop and make use of what you've gained. Don't be a hoarder of benefits if you're not going to practice or use them. Give yourself (and your inferiors) some time to adjust to the fact that you've won, because this adjustment includes an acceptance that you are now in the seat of power. They will expect you to use it to meet their basic expectations, at the very least. If you fail to give them at least that, it'll be easy for them to dislike you.
Miguel Galvez Hi18L
The law could serve as a lesson to a lot of people out there. Many times, people just don't know when to stop. They're too caught up in wanting to prove that they are the best, which later on leads to competing with everyone else.
The point is, if you're good, then you're good. People know it already. You don't really have to nab every medal or trophy that comes along your way.
Monica Copuyoc
Hi18-L
I agree with most comments saying about how human nature leads us to be greedy. Sometimes we say, "when I get that, I swear I'd stop -- I'd be contented," but we rarely do get the feeling of content. When we're swimming in victory, luxury and money, it's hard to let go of everything by stopping. We tend to go on and on, hogging every inch of power we could get. There are things we couldn't do, and we should know when to give up, or we'd end up destroying our reputation or our whole selves.
Like Raf Sobrepena, I also think that Manny Pacquiao is a perfect example of a person who has a great amount of power and wealth, who has to learn when to stop. He should understand that his aim was to be the best boxer in the world, and he has victoriously did the job. He wasn't meant to be politician, nor will he ever be one; therefore, he must not even bother running. He lost the elections before, that should've been a sign for him to give up.
Gliza Marasigan
Hi18-L
To answer your last question: Power-hungry leaders are rarely satiated with power because there's always a possibility of getting more than what you have, even if you're already at the top. I think the trick here is to consider what you're risking if you're aiming past the finish line.
A businessman who has $100M won't stop at $100M becuse he knows that he can make much more money through more business. Even if $100M can be considered an apex of wealth (to most of us, at least), it would be foolish to stop trying to earn more than this. Of course, there's always a possibility of losing money if he decides to take the risk. As long as he doesn't gamble ALL of his money, there's always a possibility for growth and even more success.
Chio Cebrero
Hi 18 L
It's not just greed, it's survival instinct. No matter how much we get, we will always feel insecure because there's always something more to be obtained. But yeah, Manny Pacquiao has to stop.
Du, L
The main point here is to know when enough is enough. It's pretty much as simple as that.
I like the example about Manny Pacquiao. His successful boxing career really turned him into this powerful dynamite. But seriously, delving into the realms of politics when has little background in politics to begin with? Simply unacceptable.
No offense to all his fans, but really, Mr. Pacman ought to see this law. Enough with conquering the boxing world. He's good at it. Why not find ways to develop on it even more than trying so hard to be a jack of all trades.
I can somehow relate this law to Tiffany Mathay's law now: Focus your energies.
Once you had a taste of victory, I don't think it's bad to be given another shot at it. And if you worked hard enough for something you wanted so bad, you deserve to be rewarded for it.
I guess my interpretation sort of contradicts the law. Setting high goals shouldn't seem as a bad thing. In fact, it pushes people to their maximum potential. The real issue should be about how people act towards their victories. It really depends on you if you drown yourself in greed and power. Allowing yourself to be swallowed by selfishness should not be the case.
Krizia Javate
Hi18-K
Yes I agree with this law. Sometimes people don't realize when their strength and resources couldn't be stretched any further after victory. I guess glory can sometimes get the best of people and lead them to wanting to acquire more glory.
In the end the same thirst glory will lead to your demise.
Alan Ortiz
HI 18 K
Don't rest on your laurels.
What the law says about not appearing vulnerable and being full of yourself, I think, does deserve credit.
However, sometimes the high you garner from your victories can be a great source of encouragement. Sometimes, the idea that you are seemingly insurmountable can serve as morale-boosting ideologies.
Joey Palma
Hi18-K
this law seemed to not work for Hannibal.
If only Hannibal listened to Maharbal after they've won the Battle of Cannae, he wouldn't have ended killing himself.
Cristal Chael Rodriguez
Hi18-L
I totally get why so many people have fallen for this trap so many times.
I don't think it's an in-your-face obvious thing when you have actually reached "the mark you aimed for". For example, in the case of General Hannibal of the Carthaginians, once he thought that the Carthaginians conquered the battle against the Romans, he momentarily stopped. "What for? We already won". But as we can see, the battle was about an hour away from over. He didn't finish it then so, the Romans finished for him. And we could see how grave of a mistake was stopping for the Carthaginians since they gave the Romans enough time to regroup.
Although I agree that we should learn how to stop because greed can only bring us to harm, I also understand how it is easy for people to overlook the mark for stopping.
Nothing is ever finite. When you reach something, you become afraid that you might not have completely attained your goal yet and so, you go on. The risk of stopping without fully attaining your goal, is the same as the risk of going past the attainment of the goal. Both lead to downfall.
I hope I made sense.
-Marion Causing, Hi18-K
Human history has proven the power of greed and ambition. If we keep on feeding our pride and ambition, we will certainly cause our own downfall. How come it's so hard to say enough?
Think of all of the billionaires and millionaires in the world. One only needs so much in life such as food, shelter and other basic necessities but how come these people have more than that? Selfishness is the cause for all of this. Why settle for what I have now if I can have more? Is what people usually say.
People have to know when to stop because if we keep on overestimating our abilities we will end up falling short of our expectations and be at the loser's side of the battle.
Teri Marcelo
Hi 18-K
hahaha i love how a lot of people, myself included, are using Hannibal Barca in their comments today. =)
to chio: your example of money made me think of the bible! yes, the bible. it reminded me of the Parable of the Talents where the master gives 3 servants 3 different amounts of money. the one who got the least amount just buried his to prevent it getting lost or malugi while the others invested it etc, etc. Anyway, back then i thought the master was pretty harsh to rebuke the 1st servant for not gaining him more money since he at least didn't lose it. But this law has made me realize that we should all be wary of becoming like that guy - an underachiever. Someone who never even tried or gave anything a shot because he was scared "to go past the mark aimed for" and lose out.
monica ang, L
I strongly agree with this law, simply because it holds true in so many fields- in sports, music careers, acting, even in the business world. It's true that using the same tricks and tactics over and over again can lead to disaster. First off, one can become complacent with his/her position (assumed top). Secondly, in business, if a corporation continues to put out the same type of product or continues to use the same strategy, imitators will emerge, cheapening the product or strategy. One must remain on his/her toes at all times, not soak in his/her rewards and high position in order to continue performing at a high level.
Elise Noelle Anne Lim
Hi18 Section L
you can't keep pouring water in a cup for eventually it will overflow.
like tom said, we should be humble and know when its enough for what's more could just be wasted.
but in my opinion, what's wrong with these being wasted? why stop there?
like any person, there's always room for growth.
JR Resma
Hi18 K
I like this law. It tells us to be humble of our accomplishments. I honestly believe that there is power in humility. People always seem to look down on people who are arrogant. Lets face it, they can sometimes be annoying. Once power is received, be humble.
Yes we all just have to learn how to stop. Some people are so greedy of power that they just can't seem to be contented of the power that they already have. Anything of excess is fatal. Higher you are, the painful the drop.
Rhea Entuna
section L
This law is really hard to keep because greed is never easy to control by our will.
Many leaders and generals of the past have attained power by their ambitions and courage. These aspects are useful and good when it is used to some extent. When this goes over, these turn into greed and recklessness that will lead to downfall. Some leaders experienced failure and it eventually led to death because they did not know when to stop at the highest point of power.
This example may be a bit off the topic but gambling also uses this tactic. When you are earning a lot, you have to stop because there is the time when the luck is gone and you will lose money.
Some of the leaders who conquered vast lands were not successful at their last attempt in getting another land, because they did not know that it will be their last chance.
Hae In Lee
Hi18 K
Sometimes, it isn't bad to go past what you aimed for. You wouldn't go anywhere if you don't keep challenging yourself to be better. But yeah, like what other people said, what makes going past an aimed mark bad is when you become blinded by your victory and decide to get everything. But if a person is not being greedy, not stepping on anyone but just striving for excellence, i don't think there's anything wrong with aiming for more.
Dana Cammayo
Hi18-L
I agree Monica that power hungry people are guilty of being greedy and impractical when it comes to gaining even more power and prestige. I think that the reason they do it may be like the same motives poker players or any other gamblers have. Once faced with victory and winnings, most people find it hard to stop and continue playing though it may be to their detriment. A smart player knows when to fold or when to cash in his chips.
Regina A. Yulo
Hi 18 L
This is a thinking law, meaning one is required to constantly think of ways to reinvent his style at achieving victory, and practice prudence in maintaining whatever positive status he’s made for himself. This law should actually be paired with all the laws, so as to ensure that whenever people act, their efforts won’t go to waste.
Power hungry people most likely shun prudence because they are blinded by the power they sought so much. Being blinded by power is one thing people shouldn’t fall prey to. Once they do fall prey to this, they make irrational decisions in hopes to attain more power. The secret is to keep a clear mind, and think. Think. Think.
Paolo Banaga
Hi 18-L
i agree with what you said about the moment of victory being the most perilous of all. indeed, winning just as well as losing, comes with a price. it promotes complacency and pride; both of which could contribute greatly to the beginning of a nations downfall.
-Angelo Mendoza, His18-L
I think this law is just about leaving the job of praising your victories to other people – don’t do this yourself. Don’t let anything go to your head. There’s still an upper limit to self-confidence and pride. I don’t know any people who like stuck-up jerks.
I don’t think power-hungry people shun prudence; they just can’t control letting winning go up to their heads.
On Paolo: I agree that this is a thinking law. Since people shouldn't predict your moves, you can never use the same move twice. Invent more ways...this is gonna be a really difficult law to follow then...
Chris Macalinao
Hi18 - L
I guess you just have to know when to stop. Although I don't completely agree with this law; sometimes it's good to go further. Sometimes you have to take an extra step to get the ultimate prize. I agree with what the others say, you have to strive for excellence. But that's the tricky part; there's a fine line between that extra step and going too far and falling off.
Sam Bautista
Hi18-K
https://brainbook.in/ Here are all the law in hindi i found that's awesome
Post a Comment