48 laws of power

LAW7: GET OTHERS TO DO THE WORK FOR YOU, BUT ALWAYS TAKE THE CREDIT

2009-01-13T15:27:00.001-08:00

The book states that you should know how to take advantage of the people around you because this would guarantee you “godlike aura of efficiency and speed”.

Doing everything on one’s own would only get oneself exhausted and impoverished. You should not try to excel in all aspects of your work / task on your own but assign different people who are expert in the parts that you are not talented / knowledgeable of. Pushing yourself to excel in all aspects will only stress you out and will not benefit you. You should never be naïve and try to do everything on your own because there are people who are waiting to take credit of other people, and you are not excused in being their target.

In relation to this law, the story about Nikola Tesla, a Serbian scientist is discussed. Tesla was a brilliant inventor but he is not well-known because he was targeted by other inventors and his inventions were used by them. In other words, although Tesla was the one who invented a lot of things, others got the credits because Tesla was too naïve.

Once again, the essence of this law is that “you should learn to get others to do the work for you while you take the credit, and you appear to be of godlike strength and power”. However, this is just a helping strategy. This law should not be considered as the main basis. Not doing your work and just looking for chances wherein you can take the credits of others would not benefit you at all. This might even lead to total failure.

Yu Chin Hong
Hi18-K

Law 11: Learn to keep people dependent on you

2009-01-08T16:13:00.000-08:00

Everyone wants to have an ultimate power that can control others as one wish to. What makes you powerful is not your skill nor force but your ability to create a relationship of dependence. People can not get rid of you when they need you. When people extremely depend on you, even though they are on the higher position, you hold the power over all of them.

Although you have done something grateful to people and eventually hold power, you can not guarantee the power is totally yours unless you create a relationship of dependence. There are possibilities that you can be replaced by someone who is more skillful, younger, less expensive, and less threatening.

An example of this is the case of Count of Carmagnola. He was the bravest soldier who saved the town of Siena from foreign invasion. As he had grown powerful, he became greedy and threatening. This led him to death because there were so many soldiers who could replace him.

When Bismarck became a deputy in Prussian parliament, he didn’t ally himself with the powerful liberals but with the weak king, Frederick William IV. He made Frederick dependent on him to fight against the powerful parliament. Finally, Bismarck became minister who could control the military and the country.

Thus, in order for you to maintain the power, create a relationship with weak masters not with strong masters because they don’t find you because they are already strong. People usually depend on you whenever they feel that you can secure them. Thus, impress others that you are the only one to secure them and there are no substitutes.

Lee, Hae In
History 18 sec k

Law 22: Use the surrender tactic: transform weakness to power

2009-01-08T16:12:00.000-08:00

Surrender is usually a sign of weakness; when someone has had enough and decides that it is best to let him be at the mercy of their enemies rather than face utter annihilation. However, Law 22 states that in surrender one can subtly fall but regroup to fight once again when the tides turn to his favor.

When an aggressor tries to exert power over you, someone whose strength is greater than yours, you often try to fight back regardless of the chance you have against the aggressor. But if one tries to surrender and avoid reacting aggressively, then the aggressor won’t have a reason to use his strength to crush you. Rather, he’ll be apprehensive and be forced to give you time to plot against him and strike in an opportune time.

Metaphorically think of yourself being a rattlesnake, coiling up appearing to surrender but then striking your opponent with venom, killing him slowly.

Same can be thought with the Japanese’s foreign policy around the 1860s. Threatened with the gunboat policy of the Western powers, they decided to open themselves and gain valuable knowledge about the best their rivals have to offer to complement their weaknesses, gradually strengthening their country and thus exerting their own culture in the end without resistance from the West.

The Melians of Melos however decided to wait for their Spartan allies and defy the superior military and naval might of Athens during the Peloponnesian War. The islanders of Melos said that it was the honorable way. This led to their utter demise.

Martyrdom can never bring victory to you, only indirectly through others. Thus this law’s reversal is not a wise option even if the enemy does not respect surrender. Best it is to wait to see the tides of war turn.

Alan Ortiz
HI18 - K

Law 28: Enter Action with Boldness

2008-12-23T18:33:00.000-08:00

A leader must move with nothing less than absolute confidence. The bolder the lie, the better. It is by the greatness of the lie does the enemy no longer sees the lie. The sheer audacity of the lie makes it more convincing. Audacity creates fear and thus becomes power and, with power, anyone can do the impossible.

Once hesitant, a person is no longer in power and thus no longer in control. A leader cannot lead with “maybe”s and “I think”s. Hesitation only creates gaps wherein the enemy can intervene. A half heart digs a deep grave.

In May 1925, five successful scrap-metal businessmen were invited to buy off the Eiffel Tower from the government, with the reason that its maintenance cost was too high and the liked. Attracted, one of them won a bid for the tower. However, once the businessman was suspicious of the credibility of the deal, the “official” asked for a bribe, which made the deal more believable and put the businessman in relief. It is only in the next few days that the businessman found out that the Eiffel Tower was not being sold and he had lost 250,000 francs.

We can see when the con artist saw the hesitation of the businessman, he made his lie bolder by asking for a bribe, which ultimately led to his success.

In Russia, a young Ivan, heir to the throne but a mere child, was overthrown by his father's rivals, the boyars. After a several years of silent withdrawal, he suddenly ask the Prince Andrei Shuisky to come to his room. There he ordered the royal guard, who grew to hate the boyars, to have the prince executed. Withing the next few days he banished all of Andrei's associates. This is the story of the Ivan the Terrible.

In Ivan's case, his sudden boldness and shift action caught his rivals off guard and led him to reclaim his throne.

However, boldness is only a tactical strategy and should not always be the basis of all your actions. If audacity is your only weapon in life, you will offend too many people and leave you too vulnerable.

Jan Christian Leyson
hi 18 - L

Law 8 MAKE OTHER PEOPLE COME TO YOU- USE BAIT IF NECESSARY

2008-12-22T03:23:00.000-08:00

Making other people come to you seems like a pretty obvious tactic for those who desire or have power but knowing this fact is far from actually being able to implement it, let alone master, it. The essence of this tactic is twofold: one, is it is simply a way of being implementing another tactic that is having control. By making people come to you you force them to abandon their plans and conform to your own mind's concotions, uknowing of what comes next. Knowledge is power, as they say. The great Napoleon Bonaparte's minister, Talleyrand expertly put shows this effect of making people come into your own territory.

Talleyrand made Napoleon come to him by baiting him with he sweet temptations of mass support and appeal in his homeland through Napoleon's many visitors in Elba. By convincing others of his motives, he succesfully got Napoleon back to France unscathed and without challenge. But after Napoleon had regained power, he quickly lost it due to a scarcity of resources. Talleyrand was very aware of the circumstances when he laid his trap. By controling all the variables in your territory and drawing your unsuspecting prey into your turf, control is maximized.

The second thing that this tactic tries to accomlish is that it hopes to drain the ones being drawn out of their energy thus denying them their full potentials and capabilities. This is quite obvious and simple but is devilishly put into use by the Japanese in their war against the Russians in 1905.

The Japanese had a vastly inferior navy to Russia but by baiting them with false rumors that exxagerated their inferiority, they lured the Russians to attack. Because the shortest possible way to Japan was British territory, the only way they had left was by passing the Cape of Good Hope. By again, spreading false rumor that the Japanese were sailing to launch a counter-attack, the already tired seamen on their way were hit by another blow of stress and anxiety thus making them unfit for battle when they reached Japan, making theirs and easy victory.
A counter to this tactic is its obverse, striking quickly and aggressively. This forces the agressee to be in a state of panic and forces them to respond to your moves thus serving the same purpose. This can be taken that the rule is not absolute but rather its purpose is what it hopes to attain, which is attainable through other methods. This brings us to another saying, does the end, sometimes, not justify the means?

Diego Elpidio Juan Canlas Ibañez
Hi-18 K

Law 23: Concentrate Your Forces

2008-12-20T16:11:00.000-08:00

Conserve your forces and energies by keeping them concentrated at their strongest point. You gain more by finding a rich mine and mining it deeper, than by flitting from one shallow mine to another – intensity defeats extensity every time. When looking for sources of power to elevate you, find the one key patron, the fat cow who will give you milk for a long time to come.
Law 23 is basically, in a way, connected to the law of attraction.

It talks about how our focus and attention in life has to be centered on what we really want and how to get there. What we do in general has to always revolve around our main and end goal. And despite the many other decisions, choices and distractions we come across along the way, we must never lose track and instead hold on and maximize the path that will lead us to where we really want to go.

In the same way, in the law of attraction, priorities have to be set before we pursue anything in our lives. Once that has been set, we must concentrate and think positively on our target and constantly aspire to get there. The clearer and more positive our outlook, the less complicated and easier it will be to achieve what we want. Our positive and focused energy will be a magnet for that.

In both principles, they simply stress the need to give attention to and strengthen our energies towards our objectives. It is all about focusing on what we really want and doing things that will help us make it happen. In law 23, every outcome that we want to happen or that will take place will depend and revolve around how much concentration we put to it.

An example would be a man juggling 3 sports at a time, let’s say baseball, soccer and basketball. The man can be good in all sports, but the tendency is he would only be able to reach a certain level because he has two other sports to focus on. But when the man only plays one sport then he is able to put all his focus in training, conditioning, and weights training. Because he does not need to balance so much his concentration is only on one thing which gives him a greater opportunity to master the sport and surpass any competitors.

Tiffany Mathay
Hi 18 -L

Law #46: Never Appear too Perfect

2008-12-19T20:14:00.000-08:00

As you rise in power, attention will inevitably turn on you. The book says that, in these cases, you should not take all the credit, but act in such a way that your "audience" will see that your achievement is "attainable" as well. It is just not natural for people to be too perfect, and appearing so will create envy in other people. This envy will make them turn either hypocritical, or over-praising; both indications of upcoming trouble. You should acknowledge some shortcomings to appear more human, to make people see you as this real and approachable person. In short, never take all the credit for your accomplishments. Say that luck or other factors also had a play in your success.

An example of a person who may relate to this law is Joseph. When he told his dream to his brothers, it was not exactly an "achievement" yet, but as he is already envied by his brothers, his dreams of success led to more envy, which became the cause of his demise. He redeemed himself, though, in the future, when he was already a vizier. He said that it was in the LORD's plan to save their family that they [his brothers] sold him to the passing traders (sort of emphasizing the "fate" part that he is in that position).

But in this age, where people are generally more competitive, and want to project that he/she is always better than the next person, what are the pitfalls of admitting to your weaknesses?

Sydney Arbilo~
070244
HI18-L

Law 26: Keep your hands clean.

2008-12-19T20:11:00.000-08:00

Men and women who have risen to power all have something in common; clean hands. Law 26 is all about either acting in a manner that no matter what happens, you’re free of blame or dealing with mistakes or circumstances in a manner that avoids the impending blame altogether. They never directly involve themselves (publicly, at least) in mistakes and unpleasant affairs, and they do this in two ways; either by having someone take the fall for their mistakes- a scapegoat, or by having someone else do their dirty work- a cat’s paw. The only other way with dealing with inevitable mistakes is to apologize and make excuses.

An example of this law can be seen in our local politics. We all know that a lot of our politicians are corrupt, or are dealing shady business, but these politicos all use cat’s paws that do their dirty work- agents who have agents who have even more agents. The people we see getting caught on the news are often just pawns of even bigger fish. By having others do their dirty work, these politicians safeguard themselves.

However, this law isn’t just used by crooked people. Even the most benevolent of rulers fall onto this rule; the biblical King David fell onto this rule. King David chosen by God; he was seen as a righteous king, but after committing adultery with Bathsheba, he attempted to clean his hands of his deed by Uriah to his death at the front lines. He would have gotten away with it too, if God wasn’t all seeing. This is an example of trying to find a scapegoat.

A contemporary example of confessing to a mistake can be seen in former US president Bill Clinton’s infidelity to his wife, Hillary Clinton. After admitting his mistake, many questioned his ability and right as president, and lead to his impeachment. The problem with confessing to a mistake is the fact that once you do admit to one, it leads to those who follow you to question your abilities. The image of a faultless leader is lost, and people begin to see you as the possible cause of already existing problems. Of course, if you’re a person in power or searching for power, you don’t want others questioning your abilities.

One must ask however, why do people agree to be scapegoats for others? Is the use of a scapegoat justifiable? Should those in power keep their hands clean, or should they be transparent?

Ria Rigoroso
Hi 18 - K

Law 13: When Asking for Help, Appeal to People’s Self-Interest, Never to their Mercy or Gratitude

2008-12-19T20:10:00.000-08:00

A quote that would best exemplify why this law exists is this:
“Dear, never forget one little point. It's my business. You just work here.”
-Elizabeth Arden, businesswoman, to her husband
The minute the husband acts up or is no good for her, *poof* gone. He’s dispensable regardless of their marriage ties or anything in the past.
The law is basically self-explanatory. Everything was mentioned there: appeal to people’s self-interest and not their mercy or gratitude. An example of a transgression of this law happened in Italy during the 13th century wherein Stefano di Poggio brought about his family’s generosity towards Castruccio Castracani to appeal to his better nature (make him feel guilty and in debt towards them). Since Castruccio had a huge obligation towards the Poggios, he invited them over to his place. Then he had them imprisoned and executed every single one of them. A favorite line of mine from the text was, “Castruccio rid himself of his obligations to the Poggios by eliminating the Poggios.” how morbidly funny, the irony. Before the Peloponnesian War, Corcyra and Corinth were trying to win Athens over as allies. Corinth’s plea was an exciting speech about all the good they did for Athens while Corcyra gave a boring offer was an intimidating alliance against the Spartans. Guess who won? Corcyra of course, this was because Athens is an advanced city and they were still progressing. How can one progress if another one keeps bringing up the past? It’s all about looking into the future.
Asking for help is an art: it requires the ability to understand the people you’re dealing with and not to confuse your needs with theirs. Some people would prefer you to feed their greed while others will gladly feed off your desperation (makes them feel superior towards you), which is why you have to be able to clearly read them. “Self-interest is the lever that will move people…When they ooze greed, do not appeal to their charity. When they want to look charitable and noble, do not appeal to their greed.” Power is all about manipulation: the people, the situation and the outcome.
Why is it easier though to remember one’s mistake and forget all the good one person has done?
- Gloria Gail C. Lim, K

Law 41: Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s Shoes

2008-12-19T20:09:00.000-08:00

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

Law 43: Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others

2008-12-19T00:52:00.001-08:00

The greatest way to win a war is by the art of persuasion and seduction. For if you win over a place or nation by force, their resentments towards you slowly turn into hate and therefore you lose all your power over them. But if instead, you win the war by working on their minds and hearts, using their likes and dislikes to control them, eventually you form not servants and potential rebels to your reign but fiercely loyal allies. By catering to each and everyone’s personal psychologies and exploiting their weaknesses, you slowly crush them and break them down in despair. And if you are wise enough to be the one to aid in this time of vulnerability and give them a sense of safety with you, you will eventually create an army of “allied-servants” under you. All of which are passionate in your defense.

In our own history that’s mainly about colonization, the demonstration of this law is clear with how we “accepted” our colonizers. Even though we were under the Spanish the longest, we all kind of hated them because of how harsh they treated us and we were quick to accept the “help” that the Americans gave us. They fought the Spanish alongside us and this gave us a sense of security with them; thinking that they really wanted to help us. Even during the American Colonization period, we were a lot more accepting with their ways because they gave us more self-confidence; with more and more Filipinos working in positions never unheard of during the Spanish Era. They were a lot more keen on winning our hearts than winning us through brute force like how the Spanish and Japanese did it (but course the Americans also had their share of violence here). And look at us now, growing more and more Americanized as we speak. Maybe this Law has more power than we think…

Now that we see that this has some sort of historical proof based on our own history, one question immediately arises for me: How in the world does this law go side by side with law 15, Crush your enemies totally? I’ll quote from the blog post on that entry:

“All people in the world are made to not to like to lose… its human nature, none of us like to lose or fail in a task that we set out and are determined to finish. And like many people totally humiliated by defeat, the ire and the hope of vengeance grows with every succeeding day and like a cornered tiger become willing to fight with nothing to lose.”

So, how will you know for sure that you have won your enemies’ hearts? How will you know that they are not humiliated by their defeat to you and eventually create an uprising to destroy you? If this particular law says that we should use persuasion and seduction to win over our enemies, how are we sure that they are not using the same tools to fool us into a false sense of trust as well? Making us think that they are our allies but by doing so, we become closer and closer to them. Thus, giving them more and more of their own levers and handles to try and control us with. Hmmm… What would you do?

Christian Carlo Canlas
II BS Management Engineering
History 18L Prof. Andrea Jalandoni

Law #24: Play The Perfect Courtier

2008-12-19T00:47:00.000-08:00

*Explaination

A courtier is an aristocrat that serves directly under the ruler of the area. They answer only to them and their decisions are what the leader follows. Being a courtier though is completely different from playing the part of one which, according to the book, is being able to assert power with any kind of ruler from a kindly one to the most tyrannous, in the most graceful manner. They are well-versed in the arts of flattery and passive criticism, able to woe and court the most difficult leader; knows how to keep a low profile, show how effortless any work is while still be able to gain the praises of the one they serve, be noticed and still be distant to the their patrons. A master of their emotions, they can conform to any kind of situation; both the source of pleasure and the bearer of bad news.

*Book Examples

The courtiers of the Han dynasty indirectly gave advice on the many wrongs of the emperor through anomalies in their records. Jules Mansart became King Louis XIV favorite architect by making the king out to be better than him whenever possible. Alexander the great killed a philosopher who studied under Aristotle because he spoke his mind too much. George Brummell lost the favor of the Prince of Wales and died poor and alone because he couldn’t keep his tongue in check

*Question

This might have applied to the times before but right now, do any of you think it still applies and is still useful? In the Filipino context, culture and morals, can one find a place for these courtiers?

Sendro Lorenzo D. Regala

Hi18 K 48 Laws of Power

Law 47 – Do not go past the mark you aimed for; in victory, learn when to stop.

2008-12-19T00:46:00.000-08:00

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

Law 44: Disarm and Infuriate With the Mirror Effect

2008-12-19T00:44:00.000-08:00

Nothing can beat the mirror in being able to produce the clearest reflection of an image. But the incredibility of mirrors doesn’t end there. Who would have thought that reflection images of mirrors can be a tool for deception?

The Mirroring Effect can be described in four different ways:

Neutralizing Effect. Mimic the actions of your opponents and they will be confused and blinded by your actions. They wouldn’t know what exactly your agenda is. This also gives you a time to plan for a new tactic to win over your enemy.

Hallucinatory Effect. Disguising as another person by mirroring his whole being (actions, attitude, appearance), can be really deceiving. The similarity of the fake and the real will give you the power to do whatever you like while people think you’re someone else.

Moral Effect. When people have done something that has hurt you, the best way to make them realize how much hurt they caused is to do the same thing to them. Give them a taste of their own medicine, and they’ll feel ashamed of their actions.

Narcissus Effect. A person will naturally be attracted to someone who is like him/her. If you reflect back to a person his/her qualities, it will make the person feel that you can connect with each other. Therefore, your reflection of someone else’s personality will bring you closer to the winning the person’s heart.

Marie Mancini, despite being the ugly duckling among her sisters, was the girl who captured the heart of King Louis XIV. She studied the king and exerted a lot of effort to be of the same interests as him. She reflected the king’s fantasies and passion for glory, making the king long for conversations with her. By mirroring the king, she was able to make him fall for her.

Undeniably, the power of the Mirror Effect can do many things. But you see, using the mirror effect will require a lot of effort. This includes getting to know your enemy, spying on them, knowing how your enemy’s mind works, and making sure you won’t get caught. Do you think all these efforts will be worth it?

And, are people that desperate that they’ll do anything, even deceive friends, for power?

Dana Cammayo

Hi18-L

Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions

2008-12-19T00:43:00.002-08:00

I would like to start this blog entry with two quotes: From Dr. House: “Everybody lies” and from Kierkegaard: “The world wants to be deceived”. Imagine that.

Deception, of course, is grounded on keeping the deceived in the dark until the very end: conceal your intentions. If the people have no idea what you are up to, they wouldn’t be able to put their guards up. This though is quite like a poker game in a sense that the stakes get higher as you move farther in the game. If at a point in deception, you announce your true intentions or you get figured out, everything from step 1 would crumble and the spell breaks.

To prevent this, Law 3 provides us with tools.

Decoyed objects of desire and red herrings

Appear interested in something else or something that is greatly opposite of what you really want. This intrigues the one being deceived because you are taking them from a familiar path (shattering what they expected) and leading them to a strange/ unfamiliar world. This leads us back to Kierkegaard’s statement: The world wants to be deceived.

In history, this worked for Otto von Bismarck the former prime minister of Prussia who loved military glory.

Smokescreen

Hide your intentions behind what is comfortable or familiar to distract people’s attention from your real purpose. If you lead them down a familiar path, they wouldn’t notice that you are leading them to a trap.

This worked, in history, for Joseph “Yellow Kid” Weil who was labeled as one of the most famous American confidence man in his era.

This all seems easy enough but what it requires from us is a deep understanding of human nature. This poses questions such as: “What would people want to hear?” and more importantly, “How far does the deception go?”

Marion Causing

Hi 18 K

LAW 36- DISDAIN THINGS YOU CANNOT HAVE: IGNORING THEM IS THE BEST REVENGE

2008-12-19T00:43:00.001-08:00

If you want to be on top, put yourself there, and, says the 36^th Law, stay. If something bothers you, ignore it, emphasize your disapproval, diminish its value. Put yourself in a position as high above and as far from it as possible. If you stoop down to anyone else’s level it is to their credit- they are enough of a threat to frighten you, you engage in their game, you give them power. Thus, deal with any threat, but don’t tell anyone.

Pharaoh decided to chase after the Israelites fleeing Egypt after he couldn’t get over letting them go. His army drowned in the process. The message “I am god-king, I give you leave,” would have seemed more god-kingly than “Wait! Come back!”

The point is not to look stupid. Imagine chasing a fly. It’s much smaller than you, but there’s no guarantee you’ll catch it, and you end up jumping around (damaging your composure) to no avail. You will give up anyway, after you’ve lost some dignity. If you ignore the fly, it will most likely go away. If we assume the fly wants you to jump around in pursuit of it, then you will have wasted its time and pissed it off. A good way to deal with an opponent is to irritate the life out of him. This works when you are the man chasing the fly, and when you are the fly.

Henry VIII wanted to divorce his wife (long story). This meant contending with the Catholic Church, not to mention an angry wife. Henry ignores the Church, and locks his wife away somewhere in the middle of nowhere, and proceeds to marry someone else. Had he appealed his case to the Church, he would have lost. Had he given his wife the time and opportunity to contend his wishes, she would have worn down his resolve with endless arguments and domestic tension. Instead he assumes his own superiority and deigns it unregal to let such small pebbles on the path break his stride. In the end the Church of England breaks with Rome, and Henry gets a new wife.

We are not always the king with the bothersome wife. Sometimes (or most of the time), we are the wife, or the fly. If we can’t use what power we have to ignore someone undeniably bigger (if the mob is trying to off you, you can’t ignore them away), we bait him into tiring himself out. This, of course, should only be attempted in low risk situations that don’t involve the mafia.

The point is power. You keep yourself at a higher level by diminishing your opponent’s significance. This is not to say forget the threat, but deal with it away from public knowledge. Technically, engaging in any battle puts you at a greater risk of losing. Don’t get into fights. Thinking of everyday affairs in terms of military strategy also poses a problem. If you don’t think you’re in battle, you’re not. Thus, whoever thinks he’s in battle when he’s not is chasing random flies, an entirely futile exercise. The best way to respond to a challenge is not to take it as such, and thus not to take it.

Submitted by:

Dominique Du

071208

Hi18-L

Law 16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

2008-12-19T00:42:00.001-08:00

A man said to a Dervish: "Why do I not see you more often?" The Dervish replied, "Because the words 'Why have you not been to see me?' are sweeter to my ear than the words 'Why have you come again?'"

Mulla Jami, quoted in Idries Shahs Caravan of Dreams, 1968

Jesus Christ was a very popular guy back in his time because he proclaimed that he is the Messiah. He was so popular that he created several enemies who wanted him dead for saying such things. Jesus' death on the cross changed everything – people talked about him and eventually created a religion about him, making him the most well-known person in the world.

The sixteenth Law of Power is all about using absence to increase respect and honor. When one is exposed to something often and consistently, he or she grows tired of it, making it worthless. The law suggests that you make yourself scarce in order to increase your value. A person whose work is so great attracts attention from others. If this person lurks in the shadows, then more people would look for him to see his greatness.

You must learn to how to schedule your disappearance in order for this law to be successful though. Take for example Sir Pierre de Barjac, a knight who traveled around France in the Middle Ages with Sir Guillaume de Balaun. He fell in love with a lady named Viernetta. One day, Pierre and Viernetta had a huge fight, and when they reconciled, he felt that he fell more in love with Viernetta. He said that the stronger and longer the fight, the sweeter the love is after reconciliation.

So what do you think? Does absence really make the heart grow fonder? :-)

Patricia Cristina P. Magnaye

II – BS Psychology

History 18, K

Law 31 - Control the Options: Get Others to Play with the Cards you Deal

2008-12-19T00:41:00.002-08:00

The best deceptions are the ones that seem to give the other person a choice: Your victims feel they are in control, but are actually your puppets. Give people options that come out in your favor whichever one they choose. Force them to make choices between the lesser of two evils, both of which serve your purpose. Put them on the horns of a dilemma: They are gored wherever they turn.

This law is all about laying low. Do not show off that you control the odds, make them feel all powerful, make them feel that they are the ones making the decisions, but in fact, the decisions that they are making is all in favor of you. Make them think that they are the one being served, but in fact, they are the slaves. Make them your scapegoat. Be patient, use the power of delayed gratification to make them think that you will not benefit from everything they do, but in fact, you will be the one to take it all, making them suffer for their own insolence. One perfect example of a historical person who exemplified this law of power is Adolf Hitler. He formed alliances, served others, until he convinced the ones in power to give him power. He used them as a stepping stone, and in the end he had total control.

Indeed, there is a need to do this at times, especially when other people are taking advantage of you. This is life. We have to accept the fact that everyone is trying to take control of whatever they can grab hold of. The secret is being subtle. Do not show them that you are the powerful one, else they will try to take you down. Being a threat to others will hold back your plans. Show them that you are insignificant. All the 48 laws of power go hand in hand to achieve total control. Is it being mean? Is it being evil? Or is it simply being practical? You be the judge.

Gomez, John Kristoffer M.

History 18 – Section L

LAW 19: KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH— DO NOT OFFEND THE WRONG PERSON

2008-12-19T00:41:00.001-08:00

Stephen Hawking once said that the greatest enemy of knowledge is not ignorance, it is the illusion of knowledge. Often at times, people have preconceived notions of others and, in turn, either underestimates or overestimates that person. The human mind is capable of being quick to judge and, as a result, those who are held liable for it have to face the consequences of their actions. Not everyone has the same predisposition; thus, it is natural for a person to encounter a wide variety of adversaries. Some may disguise themselves as one who is innocent and gullible or try to project a different persona in the presence of others. With this in mind, critical thinking is the key to triumph over the battlefield.

In the case of Muhammad, the shain of Khwarezm, it was a matter of underestimating his opponent, who was Gengis Khan. Genghis Khan offered sharing the Silk Route to Europe with Muhammad and even promised peace between their empires. However, Gengis Khan was a new tribal leader at that time; thus, Muhammad was led in believing that he was not worth his time and that he wouldn’t pose a threat if he rudely declined his offer. Genghis Khan attempted more than once to persuade Muhammad in accepting his offer but this led to the aforementioned in offending not only Kahn’s pride but his honor as well. This aggravated Khan into waging a war with Muhammad which led to the former seizing and destroying the latter’s empire, forcing him to flee with nothing but his worn down pride.

Never underestimate your opponent or think less of him. You never know the force of his blow when he comes in for an attack. Muhammad made a reckless move when he offended Genghis Khan. He devoted his time in expanding his empire but his actions were left short when his excessive pride caused its downfall. If someone makes a request and you find it insignificant, simply turn the person’s offer down as respectfully and graciously as you can to avoid offending him because you never know who you truly are dealing with.

There are other cases wherein your opponent can be someone driven by his insecurities to the point of obsessing over attaining revenge to those who have wronged him or someone who is totally ignorant and is unable to be deceived. In addition, he can be someone who shows suspicion towards everyone and puts those who think are after him into a bad position. In the art of battle, one has to be cunning and wise enough to know how to measure up his opponent without letting his instincts and biases carry him away. Perhaps one has to participate in the flawed system of pretensions to be the one left standing.

Teri Marcelo

HI 18 K

Law 33: Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew

2008-12-19T00:39:00.000-08:00

Law 33 delves on discovering each man's weakness and exploiting it to one's full advantage. Once you have found this weakness, then dig into its groove, "put your thumb in and turn him at will", just as you do with the thumbscrew.

It says that the most universal weakness is man's need for validation and recognition.

Arabella Huntington, wife of the late 19th century railroad magnate Collis P. Huntington came from humble beginnings and she had always sought social recognition, but did not receive it from her peers nor from the art dealers that sought her out. Only Joseph Duveen treated her well. Joseph recognized Arabella's need for social acceptance and thus went about developing the relationship with her, treating her as an equal, and never condescendingly teaching her about art, but rather making it appear that her ideas and taste for art were exquisite. Slowly, he convinced her that the best art was the most expensive art, and was successful in making her buy expensive paintings, the likes of Rembrandt and Velasquez. She further astounded the art scene by paying the highest price ever paid for a work of art at that time, Gainsborough's Blue Boy, naturally, with Joseph Duveen as the dealer.

Joseph Duveen knew where Arabella's weakness was and he just found ways to make her feel better about herself, her taste, her social standing and her intelligence. In exchange, Arabella turned out to be one of his most loyal clients. Once "hooked", he knew that she would come back again and again, never suspecting that he was turning on the thumbscrew on her. She just felt better doing what she was doing, knowing that there were people who appreciated her for that.

It actually takes a lot of effort to understand the other person's weaknesses, as we should be prepared to look out for the details, not only in the spoken work, but also in the unspoken. People normally put up a front, and thus we should probe beyond appearances. Since most weaknesses begin in childhood, know something more about the person's growing up years. Look for the roots of the two main emotional voids, which are insecurity and unhappiness, and fill it up. Feed on uncontrollable emotions, ie fear, lust, greed, vanity, hatred, etc, and as people with these emotions cannot control themselves, it leaves an opportunity for you to do the controlling for them.

I would like to believe that knowing other people's weaknesses could also be used to help other people rather than just dominating and exploiting. Doesn't this attitude make for a better relationship between peoples?

Laurine Fabul
Hi 18 L

Law 37: Create Compelling Spectacles

2008-12-19T00:38:00.000-08:00

Who does not like looking at beautiful things? The sense of sight is the last sense to develop for human beings but it is amazing how essential it is for our development and also for our appreciation of this beautiful world that we live in. People are compelled by images and visuals because they can evoke emotions at an instant, they can be interpreted in permutations we can only imagine, they can win over arguments with little or no effort at all, they can keep you at a state of awe (and keep you there) and they can tell a story longer than any book. Underneath a single picture lie stories, reasons and answers. Stories, reasons and answers that are not necessarily true or of pure nature. This is what law number 37 is all about, using images to compel people and hide what you’re really doing.

The book gave two main examples of people who used images wisely for their benefit. The first one is Dr. Weisleder from Berlin. He healed his patients by exposing them to the rays of the moon. You would say “Oh come on, who gets healed by being exposed to the moon? Did the people actually believe him?” Of course we know that no one gets healed by being exposed to the rays of the moon, but yes, people (many people) actually believed him. People lined up for him and they get healed because Dr. Weisleder made them believe that they get healed by the moon alone. Dr. Weisleder, equals the moon, equals healing (equals power). It was that simple, no need for long explanations and tongue twister names of diseases. And to quote from the book, “He recognized that people do not always want words or rational explanations, or demonstrations of the power of science; they want an immediate appeal to their emotions.”

The second example is Diane de Poitiers, King Henri II’s first and only mistress. She was 20 years older than him, so she got worried that King Henri would go about chasing after younger girls. She did what she had to and used symbols and images to keep him enthralled. She made a symbol with their initials intertwined and placed it everywhere she wanted and everyone recognized it. She then associated herself with the Roman goddess Diana. Now who would go out of a relationship when it’s all over the palace and everyone knows about it? And who would not love a goddess? Diane de Poitiers was successful in this and King Henri remained faithful to her until his death, made her duchess and gave her untold wealth.

If I should have been faithful to this law, I would have just posted a beautiful and very interesting picture or something. But in this case, words are still important than images for my all too important grade.

---------

Lea Marie G. Desuasido

Hi18 L

LAW 23: Concentrate Your Forces

2008-12-19T00:37:00.001-08:00

Essentially, this law intensifies the "put all your eggs in one basket" adage, exponentially. Rather than branching out, concentrating your forces entails deliberately holding back. Not in the timid, lack-of-carpe-diem sense, but rather identifying and building up your strengths. It may be a law, though it hardly seems like an imposition.

An important feature the law boasts is quite a big word – freedom. The Rothschild banking empire was borne from this insightful realization. Being Jews of the more unforgiving previous centuries, early inklings of the law stemmed from their affinity toward the others. This could be thought of as a less violent historical predecessor to The Godfather. They hardly worked outside of the family. It wasn't strange for the Rothschilds to marry of each other's relatives. It's not like anybody had the right to stop them. Having your brother's kid for a wife isn't so bad, right? It's not love; it's business.

And true enough their persevering, 'self-centered' ideal in their affairs set them free and bore plenty of fruits. A great example, among other things, is having 'first dibs' on any information being generated in the region thanks to their closely-knit courier system. Having ears related to you everywhere seems like a good idea.

However, does choosing to be the one-trick pony always work? When times call for a bevy follow-ups, is it worth the risk to stay repetitive, remain single-minded? This is worth considering especially in a world where emulating Superman is tantamount to security.

At the end of a lousy day, it's possible that your eggs end up chipped, cracked, and – worst of all – completely broken into. Cleaning up after the mess isn't the funnest thing in the world, but at least you can prepare a really huge omelet.

--
Joey M. Palma
HI 18 - K

law 2: never put too much trust in friends – learn how to use enemies

2008-12-19T00:36:00.001-08:00

1937 was difficult for Communist China. There was a civil war against the Nationalists and at the same time, Japan was invading. Mao’s advisors told him to let the Nationalists and the Japanese fight each other out. But Mao knew that China was too vast to be conquered by Japan. Instead, the Communists and the Nationalists, bitter rivals, fought alongside each other until Japan retreated. The story does not end there. The Communists had now gained enough experience to defeat the Nationalists once and for all.

Enemies make great motivations. They give us someone we are better than; someone we have to prove something to. They never expect it if they are treated otherwise. When Emperor Sung took over the imperial throne of China, he gave riches and positions in his palace to all those he conquered. This won them over; the Sung Dynasty ruled for 300 years. Enemies treated kindly are forever grateful. At the same time, they are out to prove that they are worthy of your kindness. Abraham Lincoln put it simply, “do I not destroy my enemies when I make them my friends?”

In fact, we have to be even more wary of our friends. They are trusted but too much power and wealth can go to the head too easily. Let your guard down and, well, look at what happened to Michael III. Basilius, a stable boy, saved Michael III’s life and the two became the closest of friends. Who better for Michael III to choose as his councilor, right? Not quite. The power and wealth quickly went to Basilius’ head. One night, the emperor awoke to Basilius in his room and by dawn, he was emperor.

The law tells us (1) to make good use of our enemies and (2) we can never be too sure of our friends. As the old saying goes, keep your friends close but your enemies closer. Like Caesar, we have our own Brutuses, but if we can’t trust our friends, then who is left? Emperor Sung was wise, but, as seen in the film 300, Xerxes did something similar. And all it took was 300 fearless Spartans to unite Greece and knock the Persian off his perch. If a long time friend can too easily betray you, what’s to stop a former enemy from doing so?

Sam Bautista

Hi18 – K

Law 27: Play on People’s Need to Believe to Create a Cultlike Following

2008-12-19T00:35:00.002-08:00

Law 27 acknowledges that people have an overwhelming desire to believe in something; thus, making humans susceptible to almost anything. Becoming the focal point of such desire by offering people a cause and a new faith to follow will yield you great power over them. Such rationale is behind the phenomenon of what is popularly know as cult-like following. Five steps are given:

First: Keep It Vague, Keep It Simple. Use simple and promising words, but don’t be too specific.
Second: Emphasize the Visual and the Sensual over the Intellectual. Keep them excited by making an appeal to the senses.
Third: Borrow the Forms of Organized Religion to Structure the Group. Form a hierarchy with you as the head. Give your new disciples rituals to perform and ask them to make sacrifices on your behalf.
Fourth: Disguise Your Source of Income. Don’t make them doubt you. Make them believe that they can achieve your status (wealth) by following you, but don’t reveal your method.
Fifth: Set Up an Us-Versus-Them Dynamic. Establish exclusivity. Make them believe that there is an “us” and “them” in the world.

Francesco Giuseppe Borri testifies to these steps. During the 1600’s, he was able to establish his own cult by claiming that he has a special power of seeing people’s souls and that whoever follows him would be given joy. “I shall soon ring my chemical studies to a happy conclusion by the discovery of the philosopher’s stone and by this means we shall all have as much gold as we desire.” He was also able to acquire great wealth demanding a vow of poverty; as a result, the possessions of his members were given to him.

One thing can be said: Cults are deceitful and dangerous. They make people believe that they should be dependent on them. They present themselves in an attractive manner, which makes them irresistible. Moreover, they toy with people’s minds and emotions that they distort people’s view of reality. If this is the case, then almost anything in the world can be considered a cult: technology, entertainment, clubs, drugs, etc. How then can you be sure that you have not yet been a victim of one?

Kriska Rivadillo

Hi18-K

Law28: Enter Action with Boldness

2008-12-19T00:35:00.001-08:00

“If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it.”

Impudence makes a lie more believable. An action done with audacity would yield more reaction, attention and oddly enough, even trust. The 28^th law tells us to be explosive at being bold. It does not require of us to know what we say and be one hundred percent sure about it, as long as we exude an air of superiority. We lie at the pretence that we know everything; that we’re not vulnerable to thinking twice and making mistakes. More so, in addition to being audacious we must remember that thinking twice and showing that we could work on compromise would lead others to thinking that we can be pushed around like a doormat. After achieving the perfect explosive effrontery, work on asking for so much more than what you have planned. If done without qualms, it would work like a charm. Audacity, however, doesn’t always work for everyone. Sometimes, you have to feign helplessness – or maybe even respectable - and just when people think you’re exactly like that, you shock them with your boldness and cunning abilities. You make everyone believe and fear you for all the wrong reasons; pretending to be all-knowing and omnipotent.

Consider what Count Victor Lustig did back in 1925 – he tried selling the Eiffel Tower to five of the most successful dealers in the scrap metal business, and he “sold” it for 250,000 francs (money amounting to $1,000,000 now). The poor victim, Monsieur P, actually believed what Count Victor Lustig said simply because he thought no one would ever pull off a con job involving something so massive and obvious like the Eiffel Tower.

The 28^th law, if put into mind (and action) could lead to two different situations: one wherein you become the best that you can be; successful in making everyone believe in whatever you say. On the other hand, you could end up being the “best” liar anyone had ever known – but in a really negative way. Boldness without careful planning could and would lead to your own downfall. In fact, pure boldness could be overwhelming, as in the case of Ivan the Terrible who was unable to tell whether or not boldness is still needed. Needless to say, his ineptitude paved the way to his own pit of failure.

Although the 28^th law would more or less work if it were planned out carefully, would you really put your morals on the line in order for you to get to the top? Would you risk being called the “big fat liar” for fooling everyone? Would you be able to take it if people find out that you’re one “pretentious snake” who’s out to use everyone? Think about it.

Anna Santos

Hi18-K

LAW15: Crush Your Enemies Totally

2008-12-19T00:34:00.000-08:00

Battles are usually fought with adrenaline pumping through veins, fueling anger or whatever emotion it is pushing people to fight. But at the end of it all, when one realizes he is victorious, everything slows down. It is then that one is given the chance to finish off an enemy, in body or in spirit, and for one who wishes to preserve power this must be done. Throughout history, this law of power has been known. Some people have followed it and some people had to learn it the hard way, just as Bumpy Johnson in the 1940’s did.

Bumpy, then the Godfather of Harlem once took a boy named Flash in his care. Bumpy trusted Flash and made him do errands and business deals. Flash took this to his advantage, however, and started to steal from Bumpy. Soon enough Bumpy learned about this and beat up Flash in a public place. Flash was beat up to a pulp and Bumpy had a chance to kill him. He didn’t. Soon after, Flash framed Bumpy for crimes he didn’t commit and Bumpy was thrown in Alcatraz.

Enemies like these – enemies for life, are better finished off than left standing. Not doing so will only leave them even more willing to finish you off. Humiliation is not something people react positively to. If it doesn't fuel a fire, it starts one, and the only security you will have after defeating a foe is the thought that he can no longer hurt you. For one who desires power and a lasting victory, crushing enemies totally is the only choice.

Leo T. Zacarias
Hi18 - L

LAW 25: RE-CREATE YOURSELF

2008-12-19T00:33:00.000-08:00

What do kings, generals and pharaohs have in common?

HEADGEARS

2 important things for this power:

Societies Perception

Your Image

As the 25^th law of power states: RE-CREATE YOURSELF. Meaning: not to be controlled by society and how it creates your image, create a new identity that garners attention then everything else falls to pieces after.

In my opinion, it simply means:

Image = Power

The standard image given to you means nothing (unless you’re of royal blood though, lucky guys).

Ever heard of a female Pope?

One is Pope Joan, who dressed up as a man to become a Pope. She slowly went up the ranks until she became one. However, she gave birth while trying to mount a horse ending her “mamacy”.

It’s still a mystery but, it shows an important point; how one could seize power by dressing up. People having no power can obtain it by simply changing his image. Like if signet rings were to be worn by non-ruling class people way back when in Egypt, giving them authority, anyone can gain power by creating an image that demands one.

BUT, being able to stand out is not all that is important. Anyone can stand out, in a good way or bad, depending on the people around you.

Take the first monotheist from Egypt, Akhenaten. His idea was good but, it was at the wrong place at the wrong time. For this idea to work you need to be “in” yet “out” at the same time. Have an idea that everyone can relate with not only you.

SO, more than the inner goodness, the outer image projected plays a much more important role. People who don’t know you would judge you from your appearance. For people in power it’s important because they wouldn’t really meet everyone they’re ruling, so the creation of “that” image (along with the skills or maybe even without it) is a must to get respect, in a way, power.

Changing your image can benefit you in so many ways.

I mean, if you were to save a serial killer wearing a coat against say a priest wearing bloody and tattered clothes from a sinking ship… not knowing who they are, who would you save when next to you is someone with a knife impaled deeply in his face?

"If you look like you know what you’re talking about, most of the time people will believe you"

JR Resma

HI 18 - K

38th Law of Power: Think as you like but behave like others.

2008-12-19T00:32:00.000-08:00

Deception has always been a powerful weapon in many fields. Basketball players fake a shot, to give more space for the real shot. Some photographers edit images to make pictures more beautiful. Prostitutes deceive people to hide their genders to get customers. And even animals use deception as a form of offence and defence.

With deception, wise men can be outwitted by a wiser man. Tomasso Campanella was a Dominican monk and philosopher. He did not believe in heaven or hell may not be a problem now, but in Europe in the late 16^th century, this is a sin called heresy. Naturally the Inquisition threw him in prison and was tortured.

Deception as defence. Nearing his execution for heresy and being unable to renounce his beliefs. He pretended to be a madman. To be sure that his insanity was real the Inquisition continued to torture him until he was sentenced to life imprisonment instead of death. Locked up under a dungeon, he continued to write. This time he learned his lesson.

Deception as attack. Now out of possible execution, Campanella started to make his way out of prison. He wrote The Hispanic Monarchy, the book was generally the opposite of what he believes in. But what the book did was it showed the authorities a facade that he finally joined the orthodoxy. And the facade worked, in 1632 Campanella was let out of prison.

Deception as attack and defence. Now free, Campanella continued to write, this time he published Atheism Conquered. In the book was heretics’ belief that was countered by the Catholicism. With this as his strategy, he insinuated his true ideas while attacking his supposed side. This amazing strategy worked like clockwork, he cannot be attacked because the book was on the side of the Church but at the same time he can freely express his thoughts the other way around.

This law shows how powerful deception is. When being straightforward gets people into trouble, like what happened to Campanella when he first said his thoughts. It pays to be wiser and lay low. Like a chameleon, who gently fades in to the surroundings, it waits patiently and then attacks.

Villamor O. Dagamac Jr.

HI18 section L

LAW 21: Play A Sucker To Catch A Sucker—Seem Dumber Than Your Mark

2008-12-19T00:31:00.000-08:00

Law 21 is saying that one must play dumb while remaining smart; play the fool to gain an advantage. How does that work? When made to feel superior, people tend to get complacent. It is a very rash thing to show your superiority to others. Playing dumb is all about the goal of manipulating the sense of security of others.

Intelligence is the obvious quality to downplay, but why stop there? Taste and sophistication rank close to intelligence on the vanity scale; make people feel they are more sophisticated than you are and their guard will come down and when it does, it becomes the perfect time to strike.

One example of when such strategy was employed was during the Trojan War, the war that the Greeks fought against the city of Troy. This war is believed to reflect a real war between Greeks and the Troad inhabitants. The siege lasted for ten years and ended when the Greek warriors employed treachery. The Greeks made it seem to the Trojans that they were giving up. The Trojans—feeling superior to have made the Greeks leave—were caught off-guard when the Greeks gained entrance by hiding in the Trojan Horse and subsequently ransacked and burned the city.

The strategy of playing dumb is still widely used. Several books on cross-cultural business warn westerners when engaging in business with Asians. These books give the impression that Asian businesspersons opt to hide their capabilities and bide their time until a chance to surpass the rest arises.

Have YOU ever tried to play the wolf in sheep’s clothing?

Roshmia T. Pundato

Section L; 11:30-12:30

LAW 26: KEEP YOUR HANDS CLEAN

2008-12-19T00:29:00.002-08:00

Even for the powerful, making mistakes is inevitable. So is the need to do unpleasant work. But the truly powerful never let their hands soiled by errors and malevolent deeds. They use others as scapegoats and cat’s-paws to keep their hands sparklingly clean.

When Henry VIII became king, to ease dissatisfaction caused by his greedy father’s means of raising money, he blamed the royal ministers and had them beheaded. Scapegoats. Years later, Thomas Wolsey carried the burden of daily government. But in doing his job, he gained many enemies. In popular mind, he was responsible for imposing heavy taxes to pay for wars. He did the dirty work. Cat’s-paw. Through these, Henry’s image just remained untainted.

Law 26 simply says that the powerful must maintain his immaculate appearance, an epitome of civility and competence. When he blunders, he manages to hide them and ensures another person is blamed then “sacrificed” – scapegoat: Ts’ao Ts’ao of China once used a chief of commissariat as scapegoat when he wrongly estimated rations for his army. When the powerful needs to do something unpleasant, he manipulates others to do it for him – cat’s-paw: Cleopatra of Egypt once used Julius Caesar and Marc Antony as cat’s-paws to squash her enemies. These two tools have other purposes.

Scapegoats. Good reputation lies on what people know, and mistakes should be concealed from them through scapegoats for one to gain such an image. Aside from taking blame, scapegoats also function as warning: killing innocent people shows enemies that you can sacrifice the innocent to protect your own power.

Cat’s-paws. There will inevitably come a time when one will need to do something unfavorable; cat’s-paws are used. It saves appearances, like with Henry VIII. It also saves energy and effort when it’s used to do one’s bidding.

However, scapegoats and cat’s-paws must be used with great caution. They hide involvement in dirty work, but once revealed, events will go unmanageable. Sometimes it’s better to take the blame – play the penitent leader; or do the dirty work yourself – and instill fear in subordinates. But this should be done sparingly.

To be powerful and stay dominant, one cannot just float up – he needs to step on something. And what can be more convenient than stepping on other people and letting them lift you to the top – with them keeping your hands all clean? Let the good come from you, and the evil from others.

Macalinao, Maria Christina M.

Hi18 - L

Law 30: Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless

2008-12-19T00:29:00.001-08:00

“Power doesn’t have to show off. Power is confident, self-assuring, self-starting and self-stopping,

self warming and self justifying. When you have it, you know it.”

-Ralph Ellison

Few people gathered in the open-air stadium. “Unang labanan. Handa sa pagpugay, handa. Pugay.” and the tournament begins with the opening match. All the teams seemed ready for the upcoming matches; all the teams hyped up with the exception of one. The one with members curled up on random benches around the stadium trying to catch up on sleep that they probably did not get the night before.

The Ateneo Arnis Team did not show up groggy to insult the other teams or look seemingly overconfident to the ongoing battlers but rather, they looked unprepared because their schedule was indeed unprepared; causing them to sacrifice sleep to go all the way to Baguio. The opposing teams, on the other hand warmed up by showing off their techniques—maybe to scare off their opponents or to simply ready themselves from their unfamiliarity with the moves. That was their biggest mistake.

Espionage was used by the greatest of civilizations during war for a reason—to find knowledge and information about the rival armies and everything else that revolves around it. Hattori Hanzo was one of Tokugawa’s trusted warlords who used the Iga ninjas to gather information about the civil disorders after the death of Nobunaga; securing Tokugawa Ieyasu back to his home castle.

We were taught never to show off our techniques to other teams so they won’t learn from our indistinct moves. In relation to this, we were taught to find that same flaw in the other teams to know beforehand which skills they know and will use in the upcoming fights. Other than training our own set of moves, we practiced counters to some variations of usual techniques used by our enemies in former tournaments. We were awarded overall champions for that event.

They gave us the necessary information by showing off their techniques to learn how to beat them. To show effortlessness in your accomplishments is not to be taken only literally; deceiving by showing the lack of effort can also get you that win.

Miguel Leopoldo S. Ignacio

Hi18-L

LAW 48: Assume Formlessness

2008-12-19T00:26:00.001-08:00

The 48th Law of Power 
Assume Formlessness
 
Every other individual would want to protect themselves and at the same time achieve what they desire. In order to do these they formulate ways that they think would be able to help them achieve their maximum capabilities. Probably some of the ways they think of to be able to achieve their maximum capabilities are to plan their life, protect themselves from pain, and focus on their expertise. They study hard at what they think would profit them best, and try to be exceptional in their chosen fields. With these ways they believe that they could fulfill their desires. What they do not know is that these ways would, in the long run, be their short-comings. An example given on the book are the Spartans, who focused on creating a society dedicated to the art of war, they devoid them of pleasure and removed their system of money believing that it would ruin their discipline; they learned nothing but survival and warfare.  With that they did not know how to handle money and luxury, as their territory progressed and expanded they needed to cope with the changes as they win and conquer which they were not able to accomplish, and resulted to their downfall.
The objective of this law is to make someone be unpredictable, and difficult to understand by the enemies. It will enable them to be in the lead without the enemies actually knowing that they are being defeated, but later on realize that they are losing which would most probably create fear and lower their morale. This way the enemies would find it difficult to know what you think as well as your moves while you can completely predict what they think and how they move. This law also gives importance to a person’s ability to adapt to the changes and uncertainty, wherein they would not falter and get confused when the time comes that they encounter great changes.
If one creates this shell or supposedly protection, one does not become open to the world and the changes accompanying it. With that it will become difficult for that person to adapt to the changes and being rigid and unable to move on; making that person predictable and open to the attack of an enemy. So if you would want to be powerful and great, you must not submit to a specific plan or tactic, you must be capable of changing these plans depending on what happened and what changed throughout the whole situation, and one could be assured of the great chance of victory.
 
Alysa Marie D. Alberto
Hi18-L

LAW #35: MASTER THE ART OF TIMING

2008-12-19T00:25:00.001-08:00

This law can be summarized and can easily be understood by analogy to the game of Chess:

Long time. Patiently, you wait before making your move. You carefully set up your pieces, moving them on the free squares, not eating the pieces of your opponent, yet.

Forced time. This is the part when you move/attack which rattles your opponent because you put him in a trap. You have created an unforeseen situation for him, and he is forced to act quickly, making moves that were unplanned, to save the more valuable pieces. This way, you upset his timing.

End time. Finally, when things are going as they should be, you should quickly strike like a snake and hit the button: checkmate. Game Over.

Chess is really about the art of timing. You devise your plans, patiently setting up the pieces on their positions. And when the time comes, you surprise your enemy with your attacks.

Time can be on or against your side. If you do not act quickly, or if you act too impulsively, it may spell out doom. It’s so easy to say, but to master the art of timing can be as powerful as to controlling the future. Napoleon’s defeat at the battle of Waterloo can be said to be a result of bad timing on his part. The night before the battle, it rained. The heavy guns sank and they could not properly charge the enemy on the wet field. Also, it was bad timing for the French when Blucher arrived on time to backup the English.

Time is really just a concept, a perspective. It is the only resource which each man equally has. It’s our way of putting order into a chaotic universe. What makes it seem faster or longer than it should be is when emotions play up. The trick here is to be in control of your emotions, and thus in control your time. This being said, I think it’s the most practical and most important rule of power.

Jaclyn Lourdes Yap

Hi18 K

LAW # 25: RE-CREATE YOURSELF

2008-12-19T00:24:00.000-08:00

What do kings, generals and pharaohs have in common?

HEADGEARS

2 important things for this power:

Societies Perception

Your Image

In my opinion, it simply means:

Image = Power

The standard image given to you means nothing (unless you’re of royal blood though, lucky guys).

Ever heard of a female Pope?

One is Pope Joan, who dressed up as a man to become a Pope. She slowly went up the ranks until she became one. However, she gave birth while trying to mount a horse ending her “mamacy”.

BUT, being able to stand out is not all that is important. Anyone can stand out, in a good way or bad, depending on the people around you.

Changing your image can benefit you in so many ways.

"If you look like you know what you’re talking about, most of the time people will believe you"

JR Resma

HI 18 - K

Law 30: Make your Accomplishments Seem Effortless

2008-12-16T23:21:00.001-08:00

Law thirty revolves around the idea that every action commited in order to reach a goal must be executed with absolute ease and grace. Kind of how Tony Stark, aka iron man, presented himself towards society as both powerful and wealthy at the same time. One must constrain the techniques he or she used in order to accomplish certain tasks.

It is important to note that whenever one executes different tasks, regardless of whether or not it points to business, one must do it gracefully and elegantly. Remember, people never want to see the flaws in your actions. And by carrying out your tasks in a way that seems flawless, will influence people to look up to you. Snefru who was an Egyptian pharaoh during the 4^th Dynasty ruled like a god, elegant in every manner, thus resulting to his people believing in him and worshipping him as if he were a god.

Have you ever heard the phrase “Speech is great; but silence is greater” or “Silence is the ultimate weapon of power”? These phrases were coined up by Thomas Carlyle Charles De Gaulle, arguably two of the most powerful and wealthy men throughout history. When you lose or release the information you used in order to achieve your accomplishments, it raises questions. Thus lowering the way people view you. Take it from Lex Luther, Superman’s “nemesis”, from “Smallville”. He conceals all of his accomplishments to keep a competitive advantage over the information that he gathers. Silence is a gift that should not be taken for granted.

It is evident that most, if not all, human beings have the urge to point out their accomplishments and how they distinctly completed them. It is our nature to be praised and recognized with what we accomplish. This should be avoided at all times no matter how tempting it may feel. Beware of revealing your tricks and strategies to other people, for they may be used at your expense.

The main question that revolves around this law rests on ones perception of success and happiness. You may find yourself in the shoes of certain heroes. Always silent, always hiding their tricks up their sleeve. Is it worth hiding in solitude and keeping silent for the sake of absolute power over others? Or is it worth being open towards others regarding your accomplishments and how you executed them at the expense of gaining absolute power and control?

Submitted by:
Richard Gerhard B. Hahn
II BS Communications Technology Management
History 18, Section L
Prof. Andrea Jalandoni

Law 19: Know Who You’re Dealing with – Do Not Offend the Wrong Person

2008-12-16T23:20:00.001-08:00

“If you know both yourself and your enemy, you can come out of hundreds of battles without danger.”

- Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Lack of information often leads to hasty conclusions, which in turn lead to choices often regretted by those involved. Underestimation (or overestimation, in some cases) often stem from such cases of misinformation. One such event happened back in 1920 when American art dealers were suffering terrible losses. Their buyers were slowly dying off and there were no other people who would replace them – at least, not anytime soon. Trying to avoid any further losses, they set aside their differences and joined together in hopes of saving themselves.

One of these dealers went by the name of Joseph Duveen. Under normal circumstances, Duveen would wait and try to understand the thought process of his potential victims. However, everything was far from normal when one is on the brink of losing everything so he decided to go on with the plan he and his associates came up with. The plan would have been flawless, they would enthrall Henry Ford - the wealthiest man in America back then - with books that showed the alleged '100 Greatest Paintings in the World'. Once Ford buys the paintings from them (they had them all), their problems would be solved and Ford would've been the world's greatest collector. But when they offered the three-volume set of books to their potential savior (they gave them to him as a gift to further captivate him into falling for their plan), Ford just told them that he had no need for the originals because all of them were right there in the books that they just gave him.

Not everyone works the same way. This was the lesson that Duveen learned with his brief encounter with Henry Ford. Ford was simply too much of a simpleton to actually fall for the trap that had been set up for him. If only he had decided to examine his target for a while longer, Duveen's plan would have worked (or another plan may have been formulated) for him and his associates.

Information is one of the most important – if not dangerous – resource one can ever hope to have. The only problem left really is that those around you can analyze and use information against you. Try to appear to be what you are not; that would be the only possible way to counteract what others may be plotting against you. All that’s left to do afterwards is to watch them wonder what probably went wrong.

Kevin Bjorn Villanueva Umali

Hi 18-L

LAW 39- STIR UP WATERS TO CATCH FISH

2008-12-16T23:19:00.000-08:00

Bursting into infuriation against an opponent certainly does not signify authority. People often take things too personally that they lose their demeanor and snap right at their adversary. It becomes humorous when they start believing that their outbursts indicate power. Tantrums neither terrorize nor stir loyalty. They actually generate suspicions and apprehensions about one’s power and they bring out one’s weakness. To demonstrate one’s aggravation is to show that one has lost his/her supremacy to shape events.

Back in the 1800’s, Napoleon discovered that his foreign minister Talleyrand had conspired against him. While they were holding their meeting, Napoleon started talking about people who were plotting against him. Simultaneously, Talleyrand stood there, looking unmoved by Napoleon’s rambling, as if he had nothing to do with the matter. Napoleon was pushed to the edge at the sight of Talleyrand’s nonchalance and just blew up. He started yelling at him and later exclaimed, “What about your wife? You never told me that San Carlos was your wife’s lover!”. Now, did Talleyrand’s betrayal have to do anything with his wife? I don’t think so.

Napoleon clearly displayed weakness when he got enraged. He directed his anger towards his enemy. Whenever these kinds of occurrences take place, a person should bear in mind that a treacherous act is not directed exclusively at him/her. The cause is much bigger and is not worth the trouble to comprehend. Napoleon took everything personally so he let his fury get the best of him.

It would be best to stay calm when your enemy is angry. It is then that you ultimately gain an advantage. So stir the waters, let the fish go up the surface, get them to act before they are ready, and let hold of the situation. Beware however, because some are best left at the bottom of the pond. There are those who never fall prey even to the sneakiest of acts.

Monica Copuyoc Hi18- L

Law 12: Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim

2008-12-16T00:25:00.000-08:00

Some say that there are two kinds of people in this world, those that deceive, and those that are deceived. In an extremist point of view you have to make a choice. If there are only two kinds of people in this world; would you want to be manipulated, or the one in control of things?

According to this law, these are the steps on how to deceive people:

a. Pick a potential victim (preferably the meek).

b. Build up your disguise. You should have a reputable name because the people will not fall for the trap otherwise. Be honest, generous, and sincere. You must not be transparent at all costs to avoiding jeopardizing the risk of your cover being blown. (Keep in mind that your objective is to break down your victim’s barrier so that he/she may be vulnerable for your advantage.)

c. Device a plan that will give you the most gains. Make sure that is feasible and fool proof. Since you can only go so far with this plan, the plan should be flawless.

d. Take your time. Set up everything and process into the plan.

e. Once your potential victim trusts you and you have completely deceived them into giving in (with a big amount of money, promise of promotion, etc.), execute your plan.

f. Enjoy the fruits of your deception (money, pride, etc.)

Does this work in our world today? Where there is too much hostility and people distrust each other by default, is there any room for even the chance of planning this scheme or would there be a failure right away? Also, imagine yourself as the corrupt person. Given a choice in deceiving people, would you risk building a rapport for a long time for a bigger reward (but a bigger risk of blowing your cover) or push through with small time deals (will give small but guaranteed rewards)?

Mara Liboro
Hi18 - K

Law 40: Despise the Free Lunch

2008-12-16T00:11:00.000-08:00

This law points out that nothing is more costly than something given for free. Receiving a gift from someone puts one in the position of being under his/her debt. And this is often indicative of one’s inferiority to the gift-giver. Otherwise, why else would you think Blair Waldorf would pay her enemy for keeping mum about her dirty secret in the show called Gossip Girl? As leader of the pack, she just has to be the one in control.

Think about the famous people in history who won their battles by employing this tactic. Pietro Aretino, for example, knew that in order to win the great Marquis of Mantua as a patron for his writing career, he shouldn’t appear to be in need. Instead, he wrote the Marquis a poem and offered it to him it as a gift. By doing so, not only was he able to make himself equal and free from the Marquis’ control, but he also got what he needed.

Albeit giving something for free can be deemed to be an act of bribery, we can’t deny that it’s a powerful tactic. From the gift-giver’s perspective, it works well to one’s advantage. Lorenzo de Medici, heir to the banking empire in Italy, often wielded the weapon of patronage in facing his enemies. Though his act’s motives were questionable, it proved to be a clever thing to do since it has effectively diluted the people’s opinions of his ugly source of wealth. People like Medici knew well that generosity was highly capable of softening people up to be deceived, and that was what he succeeded at.

It’s not uncommon to expect something in return when you do someone a favor. In fact, it’s an innate trait in most of us. Even our friends would do so. Personally, I think being indebted to someone is a psychological thing. Feeling like you owe someone just because he did you a favor is more like a state of mind and a matter of choice.

When your friend has wronged you and you have reason to prolong your anger towards him, would you submit to waving the white flag when he suddenly hands you a gift? What if it’s one of those presents that you’ve wanted for a long time but never really had the means to obtain? Would you stoop down and take that as an opportunity? Or would you stick to your reasons and remain steadfast?

Chua Rojas, Serica Ruth
HI18 - L

Law # 18Do not Build Fortresses To Protect Yourself - Isolation is DANGEROUS

2008-12-16T00:09:00.000-08:00

It isn't always right to think that isolating ourselves from the hurtful world can protect or save us more than being exposed to the people responsible for chaos. Ch'in Shih Huang Ti, isolated himself because he was so terrified of human contact. A little background, he was the one who conquered all kingdoms surrounding his own kingdom Ch'in, unified it all and called it China. He even built a palace with 270 pavilions, thus, not letting anyone know his whereabouts. This isolation made him paranoid, that everyone was out to get him. He ended up losing control over his kingdom that his eunuchs and ministers had to take over, who also happened to plot against him. Due to his isolation, he lost himself and his contact with his sources of power and information.

Unlike Ch'in Shih Huang Ti, King Louis XIV made himself seen by everyone. He made the Versailles to make sure that he has an eye and an ear on everyone and everything around him, of course, with much more focus on his nobles. He made himself open to coming information about him and everything. There was no possibility of privacy at the Versailles because the rooms are interconnected and the hallways lead to larger rooms where the nobles gathered. Being the center, he always has the chance to look at things, noticing and knowing everything. His power was practiced more because of his constant contact with the nobles. He will always know if someone was plotting against him and he could stop the plan easily. He didn't let anyone out of his sight. Louis XIV did the right thing.

Making yourself the center of everything makes you powerful and keeps you in control because you know what everyone is doing. Just like the Versailles, be open to communication. Remember, without keeping an ear to what is happening, you will be unable to protect yourself.

Why be miserable and alone while protecting yourself when you can be powerful and in control while doing so? What do you think?

Es mejor amar que aislarse.
It's better to LOVE than to isolate oneself.

Clarice Colleen Q. Manuel
II - ABEC

LAW 22 - USE THE SURRENDER TACTIC: TRANSFORM WEAKNESS INTO POWER

2008-12-16T00:07:00.000-08:00

In the times of the Peloponnesian war, the small island of Melos, whose people back then served as allies to the nation of Sparta, found itself caught in the crossfire between their allies and the great nation of Athens. The more powerful Athenians were drawn towards Melos as it was very strategically placed. They sent a delegation to Melos, in the hopes of persuading its people to surrender, rather than having to suffer an all out attack. Melos, however, though clearly outnumbered, refused, stood proud, chose martyrdom over strategy, fought, and failed miserably. Their allies, the Spartans, whom they had hoped would eventually come to reinforce them, never showed up. In the end, the Athenians claimed Melos, killed all of its military men, sold its women and children for slaves, and repopulated the island with their own people.

Law 22 simply teaches us that in times we are faced with an unbeatable foe, it would usually be best to lay down our arms and surrender. This would place our adversary in a position of momentary satisfaction and complacency. We on the other hand, would be given the chance to recoup, and behind their back, plot our revenge. In the long run, this is more strategic and proves to be the wiser choice. Simply stated, it merely tells us to take strategy over pride. Had the Melians chosen to surrender, and become allies to the Athenians instead, they could have had the chance to momentarily feign obedience and plan a rebellion, eventually tearing up the colonizers from the inside. At the very least, they could have gained a few things, either economically or culturally, from the invaders.

The application of this law could be seen through the course of our history as a nation. Being outnumbered, our forefathers were wise to temporarily succumb to each of our invaders, getting what we could from each of them before eventually striking back, and gaining our sovereignty. Indeed, we would not be what we are today without the few contributions of each of our colonizers.

Submitted by:
Angelo Ricardo L. Mendoza
II BS Communications Technology Management
History 18, Section L
Prof. Andrea Jalandoni

LAW 27: PLAY ON PEOPLE’S NEED TO BELIEVE TO CREATE A CULTLIKE FOLLOWING

2008-12-15T23:59:00.000-08:00

This law assumes all humans possess the acute need to believe in something, making us innately gullible (especially in group settings). Those who exercise this law gain a tremendous amount of power and wealth through the 5 steps of cultmaking.

1. Keep It Vague; Keep It Simple. Use ambiguous and obscure words, but keep it simple or lose your credibility.

2. Emphasize the Visual and the Sensual over the Intellectual. Make an appeal to the senses, or risk losing your following over boredom.

3. Borrow the Forms of Organized Religion to Structure the Group. Great societies are characterized by order. Organize members in a hierarchical structure.

4. Disguise Your Source of Income. Live luxuriously as proof of the truth and success of your claims, but keep your methods of acquisition disguised.

5. Set Up an Us-Versus-Them Dynamic. Provide a sense of exclusivity and fabricate an ‘us against the world’ mentality.

In the 1600’s, this law proved effective when Francesco Giuseppe Borri proclaimed that he had the power to see people’s souls, and would discover the controversial philosopher’s stone; all of which, were revealed to him in a dream by archangel Michael. Promising “to those who follow me all joy shall be granted,” he gained a great following and accumulated a fortune through deception.

Strongly resembling one of history’s famous charlatans, Marcos promised the Philippines a brighter future. Treated like a saint in certain regions of our country and with a cult following to this day, defending him, "He didn't steal, he simply kept the fortune they accused him of stealing. But the time will come when all the money will be recovered and used for the development of our country" says spokeswoman Sunni Artegaron, could he be the noveau master of the art of cultmaking?

Elise Noelle Anne Adriano Lim
II BS Communications Technology Management
History 18 Section L
Professor Andrea Jalandoni

Works Cited:
1.) Willis, David. Philippines Cult Idolizes Marcos. BBC News Asia. 8 December, 1999.
Retrieved December 15, 2008.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/555789.stm
2.) Greene, Robert. Law 27 Play on People’s Need to Believe a Cultlike Following: 48
Laws of Power. Profile Books Unlimited. 1999. 215-226.

Law 4: Always say less than necessary

2008-12-15T23:51:00.000-08:00

“Knowledge is Power”, this is probably one of the most famous sayings in modern world. We humans love to think, reason, and interpret. As the book 48 laws of power would put it: “Humans are machines of interpretation and explanation; they have to know what you are thinking.” This is the fundamental principal behind the fourth law. The more you talk, the more information you give away and thus, the more your power decreases. This is because by talking, we reveal our intentions, biases, quirks and personality (basically, we reveal who we are). When this information reaches the ears of other people, it can be used to stop your plans, it can be used against you or it can be used to gain your favor.

On the other hand, when we say less than necessary, we put others on the defensive. The silence will make them uncomfortable and as a result, they will try to fill in the void with comment and talk. In the process they will reveal something about themselves, which you can later use against them.

When King Louis XIV was in court, he would say very little. All he would say is “I shall see”; then without telling anyone, he would implement whatever he decides. His officials did not know what he wanted; as a result, the officials ended up talking more in an attempt to convince the king on their stand. They had to do this because they did not know what the king wanted, so they are unable to make decisions based on the king’s wishes. They were uncomfortable around the king because of his silence. As a result, they said a lot more thus exposing their own beliefs to the king. King Louis XIV would then use their words against them.

Words once uttered cannot be returned so choose your words carefully.

Sean Co
Hi 18 K

Law 32 – PLAY TO PEOPLE’S FANTASIES

2008-12-15T23:43:00.000-08:00

The power of dreams do not only lie in sleep. They hide, after all, within the unconscious that accompany us while we are awake. This, from the instinctive nibbling of nails to the automatic lifting of the chin, affects history in proportions that literally change the world.

In the early 1900’s, there was a small political party that did such a thing. They started out as a small movement among the many political parties within their country, and eventually became the strongest, dominating all the others on the rise to power. Some of the party’s well known ideologies include economic and political liberalism, totalitarianism and, most of all, racial superiority. The effects of these, possibly unknown to them at such an early stage, include the genocide and persecution of the Jews. This small movement was none other than the National Socialism, or, better known as Nazism.

Under the leadership of Adolf Hitler, the political party, played the people of Germany like a playwright controlling the fate of his actors. Coming from the loss at World War 1 and the treaty of Versailles, both of which dealt a severe blow of humility, Germany was in a state of chaos and despair. The people did not really want to believe that they had lost in the war. By appealing to the people’s fantasy that everything will be set right, Hitler gathered and led the fragments of Germany into further years of war and bloodshed. The National Socialist party offered the people none other than the moon – beautiful and tempting, yet unattainable to the very end.

A question stands out from all this – Why are people inclined to believe more in fantasy rather than reality? Is reality not tangible within the grasp of human reason and easier to comprehend? ---And fantasy more distant, ambiguous and utterly unattainable?

Human nature. People normally dream of attaining things that are ideal and perfect for them, and it is not surprising that reality will look more bleak than usual when compared to the fantasies that people envision. Human beings are, after all, innately ambitious. I guess in a certain sense, this is why we choose to have role models who, to each of us, are examples of perfection.

This specific law tells people how to gain power at the expense of other people. That in mind, then the whole world would be in chaos, where everyone is at each other’s throats, utilizing poisoned apples in preference to sharpened steel; to deceive those around you with their own ambitions to further your own. Fit for the masses? No. Just because one has the ability to attain power does not mean that one is fit for power.

Filbert Tan
HI18-K

LAW 29: Plan all the way to the end

2008-12-15T23:39:00.000-08:00

We have a goal whenever we want to do something; and we do whatever is necessary to achieve that. We must always prepare ahead of time and take into account every possible circumstance, whether good or bad, that can happen when tying to achieve something. Sadly some become blinded by the mirth given by the goal that they become visionaries or plan vaguely that rather than becoming successful individuals they pay for their ignorance.

The Maginot Line was a set of fortifications built along the borders of Germany and Italy forwarded by then Minister of War André Maginot. Its purpose was to provide time for the French in any case of attack so that they can buy time to mobilize their armies. The fortification was influenced by such success during the First World War. The actual plan and reason for its construction was sound and impressed the higher-ups, thus its creation. Armed with Anti-tank cannons and many turrets it would seem to be invincible. The French thought they had all they needed to prevent any major casualties and heavily relied on this construction…

It would’ve… if that was the only way for the Germans to go…

The Germans went around it through Belgium and that was what practically left the fort standing pretty. One of the technical faults here was that the fort was made to only fire in one general direction, where it was facing. The weapons didn’t have any means to change direction. Although the more common sense fault was the fact that they didn’t cover all possible fronts. They were blinded by their “genius” of creating a masterpiece of a fort and by its purpose that they forget to take into account its flaws and other possible points for improvement.

We may always come up with a great plan, sometimes surprising even ourselves that we could’ve thought of such a thing. A lot of times, that’s where the planning ends, we forget that everything doesn’t fall neatly in place for us. We always have to prepare for any possible circumstance, planning in detail so that we understand what has to be done. Only then can we say that our plan will work.

Jame N. Say
Hi 18 K

Law 25: Re-create Yourself

2008-12-15T23:38:00.000-08:00

Imagine yourself as the painter, about to create the best masterpiece that’d re-define who you are, and painting it on a blank canvas. From mundane to extraordinary, you can create your very own magnum opus that commands attention, interest and desire. You have the power to establish a newer and a more superior YOU.

Akhenaten, an 18th dynasty pharaoh of Egypt, was one of the pioneers of identity re-creation. Since he wasn’t satisfied with his initial role as an “accidental” successor to the throne, Akhenaten attempted to be someone different – and making society change as well. First by changing his name from Amenhotep IV, Akhenaten had vowed allegiance to the Aten. From polytheism which society had foisted, Akhenaten centralized the people’s religion into monotheism. He also re-created Egyptian art, as he allowed for and supported a rather realistic type of sculpting – with his protruding belly and pear-shaped body.

Julius Caesar was a master in re-creating himself in almost every moment, such that he could be an actor and a director on the world stage, at the same time. He always played the leading man with gusto, and altered events according to his desires and to keep his audience at the edge of their seats. Amidst bad publicity, Caesar could play details around and emerge larger than life.
Just as the kings, you can command presence and respect from society. You can be whomever you want, whenever. Given the chance, what type of identity would you want to forge into your own and why? Do you believe that you’d be a better person if you were able to re-create yourself? Why or why not?

Gliza Marasigan
Hi18-L

LAW 20: DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE

2008-12-14T22:45:00.000-08:00

What did Elvis Presley say about falling in love?

A few years ago, he sang "Wise men say,Only fools rush in" (Can't Help Falling In Love) For Elvis, falling in love might have been a fool's game, however when Queen Elizabeth I played the game of love(or at the least- game of affection), she was nobody's fool.

Queen Elizabeth I is known as the "Virgin Queen" for the simple reason of not having been married to anyone in her reign as queen of England. She was the epitome of the non-committing life, but it didn't stop her from drawing the attention, interest, attraction and affection of all eligible western 16th century bachelors. Being the center of attention even gave her advantage over diplomatic affairs. For the peace between France and England she had flirted with the dukes of Anjou and Alencon, and had civilly withdrawn when the peace treaty was settled.

Another female force named Isabella d'Este also practiced similar ploys for diplomacy's sake. Isabella was determined to let her state of Mantua remain independent from clashing foreign powers. She did not take sides with any who obviously had higher power but instead she pleased them with favors. This way the higher powers returned the favor by not invading them.

Law 20 simply states that committing to anyone will renounce all power of being desired and advantageous. Being independent is the key to maintain control over the people around you. Over time, independence will be respected, and then desired and then coveted. To gain power, be vulnerable- give the impression that you are interested to commit- and take this advantage to control.

Yet, there remain questions- with our country’s current situation: was it wise enough for our ancestors and heroes to have fought are independence? or is it wiser for our PGMA to rub-elbows with the American government now?

Is this concept of independence applicable to our country? Is there any country that is completely independent? Why do you think they are independent?

Maybe, like how the song goes, our heroes were foolish to have fought for our independence because they couldn’t help fall in love with our country. Sometimes I just hope we could be foolish in the same way and appreciate our country more.

Cristal Chael Rodriguez
Hi18-L

LAW # 35 : Master the Art of Timing

2008-12-14T22:43:00.000-08:00

“Space we can recover, time we can never.” -Napoleon Bonaparte (Emperor of France)

The idea of time is such a mystery. It is said to be an “artificial concept” attributed to the “limitless of eternity”. We cannot explain for sure what it is, but we can say that it is given much importance and significance by many. “Time is gold” as the famous saying goes.

The 35th law of power tells the story of a French seminary-school teacher named Joseph Fouche who had an uncanny sense of timing. Fortunately, his sense of time proved to be in his advantage after numerous times of escaping imprisonment and even death. He started off as a revolutionary, became a moderate then a radical. He served King Louis XVIII during his reign then served Napoleon when his new citizen army were beginning to close in on Paris to take over. He kept switching sides to say it simpler. He was a skilled manipulator who knew how to move...and of course, WHEN to do it.

Fouche’s story offers us 3 lessons. First, is that we must always work with the spirit of the times. It is of key importance that we anticipate what is about to happen so that we can plan the perfect time to make our next move. Second, prevailing winds do not always require that we run with them. If there is prevailing conflict or turmoil, it is not always best that we ride with it. We must anticipate what the effect of it would be before taking any action. Third, we must have remarkable patience. Patience is any person’s best ally. Waiting may seem irritable but it is worth it because in the end, we may get something significant to our advantage.

“Since we have constructed the concept of time, we are also able to mold it to some degree, to play tricks with it.” The ability to do this is a tremendous gift so we must always learn to use it wisely and to our benefit. We must never let go to whatever time brings. This is why there is no reversal for this law. Allowing time to control us is a fatal move. We must be the ones guiding time instead of the other way around. If we can do this, time will surely carry us to power.

Raizza Encinas
HI18 Section L

LAW 15 CRUSH YOUR ENEMY TOTALLY

2008-12-14T22:38:00.000-08:00

A tiny ember with enough time and fuel can cause even the greatest forests to be destroyed. All people in the world are made to not to like to lose… its human nature, none of us like to lose or fail in a task that we set out and are determined to finish. And like many people totally humiliated by defeat, the ire and the hope of vengeance grows with every succeeding day and like a cornered tiger become willing to fight with nothing to lose. Is it then not better then to destroy your enemy before they have a chance of revenge?

In Chinese history, there is a woman who was part of the royal harem of the emperor. She was Wu Chao. Fearing for her position and life of pleasure, she quickly did what she could to make sure she gained favor from the son of the emperor. Though, following Chinese law, after the death of the emperor she was sent to a convent for supposedly the rest of her life. She smart though and was able to keep in contact with the emperor’s son, the new emperor. After returning to the palace, she quickly made friends with the emperor’s wife while still sleeping with the emperor in which she bore a son. During of the empresses’ visits, Wu Chao smothered the chills and blamed the murder on the empress in whish led to the execution of the empress and the instatement of Chao as empress. With the emperor being accustomed to a life of leisure, he instated her with all imperial power. Later again, with her fearing that the emperor had favor on her niece, she poisoned her niece’s food. Then as her sons grew older, she either killed or had them exiled one-by-one, securing her place of power long after the death of the emperor.

Wu was able to keep her power for so long because she had no mercy for anyone that might threaten her position. She destroyed her enemies as soon as she suspected a threat, giving them no time to retaliate. She was ruthless and cunning.

Is that also not how we are supposed to act in the face of opposition? To prevent future aggression against us, we have to destroy the source of the aggression before it get to strong, not just physically, but psychologically. All hope must be taken away from them and destroyed. Is that not the smarter action? To crush your enemies totally?

Gabby Locsin
Hi 18 K

Law #29: Plan all the way to the end.

2008-12-14T22:37:00.000-08:00

A plan is a systematic scheme made in advance for the future. Consequently, it’s also one of the greatest weapons of all time. Planning, on the other hand, is a skill that requires a lot of critical thinking to master. Experts on this can foresee the different possible circumstances that he might encounter in the future. Knowing so, he is able to make adjustments, solutions to prepare for his imminent jeopardy.

I remember watching the movie troy, the movie that portrays the classic battle between the Spartans and the Trojans. If the Spartans continued on with their reckless attacks on the city of Troy, then they would have definitely lost. Instead, they thought ahead. They made a plan so brilliant that it would be remembered throughout history. They faked a retreat by leaving a massive wooden horse in front of the gates as if signifying an acceptance of defeat. The cocky Trojans accepted it as their trophy, and celebrated their victory throughout the night. When the Trojans decided to call it a night, the Spartans then came out of the horse and slew the still sleeping Trojans. Eventually, everything worked flawlessly for the Spartans that the Trojans were not able to react immediately.

The common mistake, as the book says, that us individuals have is that we are too “imprisoned in the moment” that we end up not visualizing the probability of a greater dangers which might lie ahead. In addition, we also get excited at the present. We usually think that opportunities should not get away. Hence, once we give in to that vague opportunity, we let bigger ones slip away.

Sometimes pushing forward isn’t the best thing to do. We should just hold back for just a moment. Look what’s ahead of us. Plan every step we will make. Once everything’s in place, stick to the plan.

Lambino, Mikail H.
Histo 18 - L

LAW 24: PLAY THE PERFECT COURTIER

2008-12-14T22:36:00.000-08:00

The court society structures itself with power by gathering around the ruler. This is done in order to solidify the hierarchy of royalty, nobility, and the upper classes and to keep the aristocracy both subordinate and close to the ruler so that he could keep an eye on them. The court serves power in many ways but most of all it glorifies the ruler. Mimicry was one important aspect; one wrong move would spell death or exile on a courtier. A courtier must successfully imitate the actions of his master; what the master does, the courtier must follow. A successful courtier had to walk a tightrope, pleasing but not much and obeying but somehow distinguishing himself from other courtiers.

Great courtiers throughout history have mastered the science of manipulating people, they make every one else fear their power. However, they are modest and talk less about themselves and instead admire the good work of others. Most importantly, they always make their masters look better. Courtiers also are experts of the word as they never say anything more than necessary. Moreover, they can disguise their anger and frustration. Perfect courtiers are magnets of pleasure—people want to be around them because they know how to please. They are sources of charm and they provide the promise of delight.

It is often difficult to satisfy the master, but to satisfy two in one stroke takes the genius of an excellent courtier. One great example is Jean-Baptiste Isabey. Isabey found a way to grant the requests of two masters, Talleyrand the negotiator of the French and the Duke of Wellington. Both masters had asked Isabey for them to be highlighted on the center stage of an epic painting—an epic painting to immortalize historical events after Napoleon was defeated and imprisoned, held during the Congress of Vienna. When the painting was unveiled, both the masters were satisfied and honored. A large hall filled with diplomats and politicians were on the painting. On one side the Duke of Wellington enters the room and all eyes are turned toward him and on the very center sits Talleyrand.

A man who knows the court is a master of his gestures, of his eyes and of his face. He thrives in a world where everything revolves around political power and dexterity. Learn and apply the laws of courtiership and there will be no limit to how far you can rise in the court.

Czarina Kathryne Masagca
Hi18-L

Law 16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

2008-12-14T22:35:00.001-08:00

I recently watched the Chris Brown and Rihanna concert and was reminded of a common practice seen at most shows. The artists pretend to leave towards the end of their set, only to get the audience pumped up shouting for more, and then finally return much to the enlightenment of their fans. This, I noticed, is a way for performers to excite the already tired audience by scaring them into thinking that the concert may just be over. This practice complements the famous saying, “You don’t know what you have ‘til it’s gone.” When the artist returns for the last few songs, the audience ends up seeing him in a new light and is more enticed to listen to his music.
“I Shall Return.” These uttered words are familiar to practically every Filipino. General Douglas MacArthur made this statement after leaving the Philippines upon the command of President Roosevelt in 1942, just a year after the attack on Pearl Harbor . Distraught Filipinos had a newfound hope that they could cling to, and eagerly awaited the day that their American hero would come back and save them. General MacArthur indeed gained respect and honor because his long-awaited return garnered so much hype amongst the people. He is undoubtedly the most famous American soldier who came to the Philippines even though he didn’t walk in the Death March like thousands of others did. Because the country was in a time of turmoil during his absence, Filipinos were able to spend that time thinking that his promise would someday be fulfilled. So even before the General arrived and successfully secured Manila and Corregidor , he was already treated as their savior.
However, is the respect and honor gained due to one’s absence authentic? Is it not possible that we are unconsciously forcing ourselves to build up hype about a person because we know that having him in our presence is better than not having him with us at all? Is it really respect and honor that we feel for a Prodigal Son, or is it just relief that our situations will become stable once again?

Regina A. YuloHi 18 L

LAW 45: PREACH THE NEED FOR CHANGE, BUT NEVER REFORM TOO MUCH AT ONCE

2008-12-09T02:55:00.002-08:00

Change has always played a vital role in humanity’s survival. If consumption of a certain plant made them sick, they’d cease ingesting it and find one they could eat. If a certain political system did more harm than good to the economic status of a given population, it would be replaced with a better one.

Centuries have past, and through proper change, men have understood the basic principles of how to live off the land. A key word in the previous sentence would be “centuries”, pertaining to the time it took for certain change to be accepted. It does take time for people to get accustomed to certain rituals and beliefs. It would be difficult to take people out of their comfort zone and impose a new set of beliefs, especially if the change trying to be made is rooted in tradition or has been practiced for long periods of time. To solve this problem and make the transition much simpler, the changes should be introduced in a way that does not seem that far off from what is already accepted. This can be done by altering the appearance of the change into something that observes past protocol, while giving it in acceptable dosages. Different forms of revolt can be avoided, if the measures mentioned are followed.

In the early 1500’s, King Henry VIII of England decided that he wanted to re-marry since his current wife, Catherine of Aragon, was not able to bear him a son. The Catholic Church strongly opposed his plans of divorce, and threatened to excommunicate him if he did. Thomas Cromwell was able to aid him in finding a way to re-marry. He suggested that the king severe his ties with the Roman Catholic Church, and make himself the head of his own church in England, so that he could freely marry anyone he pleased. The abrupt change, which was a clear break from the past, caused much turmoil. People revolted, forcing the king to reinstate Catholic sacraments and old rituals.

Where King Henry VIII failed in trying to evoke change, Mao Tse-tung succeeded. By sugar coating his revolution and observing past protocol, he was able to successfully establish communism in China. He was able to do this, even if some of his methods were unethical. The secret was in making his poison look sweet. The Ateneo was able to impose a dress code which students have grown accustomed to. They based their change on the student handbook, which is in a way part of tradition. Students actually realized that the dress code was not that difficult to comply with, for it was only enforced in certain areas of the school. Since the school did not go all the way in imposing a school wide dress code, the students saw it as a reasonable form of change, and minimized major revolts. Why do people dread change so much? Is leaving their comfort zone that difficult to do, especially when the change is possibly beneficial?

Paolo Banaga

Hi18-L

LAW 9: WIN THROUGH YOUR ACTIONS, NEVER THROUGH ARGUMENT

2008-12-09T02:55:00.001-08:00

One must never underestimate the power of words. Yet, we must not fail to remember that words can either side with you or go against you. If used the wrong way, It can bring you down. No matter how correct and indestructible you think you are, keep this as a mental note: People won't always agree with you. They have their own insights, beliefs and may see things in completely opposite perspective. Real power comes with demonstration, not argumentation.

Our heroes would have never been heroes if all they used was language as their weapon. Presidents would never be able to lead their own countries into greatness if all they had were eloquent speeches. Words don't always convey the truth. Today, where lies and broken promises are made, words must be proven, lest they mean nothing.

Roman consul Mucianus wanted the biggest mast in order to attack the Greek town of Pergamus. He ordered an engineer to build this so that he could successfully carry out his plan. Instead,what he did instead the opposite. The consul's soldiers warned him against this idea but in his heart, he believed that he was the expert and knew what was best for the team. In his defense, he argued that bigger was not necessarily better. A smaller mast would be more effective and easier to transport. He believed in the illusion that what he had done was right and that he would be rewarded for his efforts.

WRONG!

The consul was in rage after hearing about this and called the engineer. Obviously, he did not know who he was messing with because again, he argued with the same reasons. However, his speech did not save him. The consul punished the engineer by stripping him in front of his soldiers, scourging him, and left him to die looking like a fool.

There is a misconception that the easiest fastest way to win a battle is to win with words. Although, before you know it, you'll be raising the white flag. Use your words to distract and to deceive while thinking about ways to bring your opponent down. Don't attack an enemy with just your mouth.

Krizia Javate
Hi18-K

LAW 32: PLAY TO PEOPLE'S FANTASIES

2008-12-09T02:54:00.003-08:00

How does one manipulate fantasy? Is it simply subject to making the unreal and the out-of-this-world believable? Is it simply giving the people what they want, or, at least making the people hear what they want to hear? Playing to people’s fantasies may seem easy enough, but playing it effectively and making sure that it stays a fantasy – without getting into trouble for not following through – is the tricky part.

The most important concept to keep in mind when playing with someone’s fantasy is pleasure. The more pleasurable and desirable it is, the more power he has over his subject. Consequentially, the more power he is able to attain, the more effective the fantasy becomes. And winning them over is easily accomplished because pleasure is something that people want and need to the point that they are blinded from reality, most especially when these people are in need of relief from suffering.

In the movie 300, King Xerxes tried persuading people into thinking that he is a god by playing with their fantasies. He said that he can offer them wealth beyond their imagination. He said that he has countless women who are part of his harem, and who will be at their every whim, satisfying their every desire. He also said that he would even spare their lives, which, in a way, can be considered cheating death. And in order to attain everything, all they have to do is carry out the simple task of bowing down before Xerxes. What more can you ask for? An easy task in exchange for what seems to be more than just survival. It’s life on a silver platter.

Keep in mind and be sure to “never come too close to the place where you are actually expected to produce results.” Once the public demands proof of their fantasies, and you’ve got nothing to show for, then too bad. After all, one can only bend reality to a certain extent.

Ironic, isn’t it? Who knew that the power of fantasies, something that can be fabricated by one’s own imagination without boundaries and limits, can only go so far?

Juan Carlos Miguel Galvez

Hi18 – L

Law 31: CONTROL THE OPTIONS. Get others to play with the cards you deal.

2008-12-09T02:54:00.001-08:00

Ninon De Lenclos, a seventeenth-century French courtesan, grown accustomed to a life of luxury thanks to her many wealthy, powerful lovers, was forced to come up with a system to maintain this lifestyle as much as possible after the death of her mother and in the face of having no family, no dowry, and no backup plan to fall on after she aged and retired from the life of a courtesan. She then came up with an ingenious modus operandi: she would choose to sleep with her lovers/clients only as SHE pleased. Instead of discouraging clients/lovers, this made men desire her even more and her "lovers" grew in number. It became an honor to be included among her"payeurs" and "martyrs". The very possibility of being with her and the decision to take a chance being theirs and theirs alone drew men in entirely.

It is the power of choice and freedom, or even the mere illusion or semblance of such that can make people submit to your demands willingly, and at times, even without seeing themselves as being dictated upon or coerced. Making every choice and possibility you offer your enemy or pawns something that they will benefit from either way (in Ninon's admirers' case, either honor without her favor and company or the honor PLUS the pleasure of her favor and being with her) or even giving them a set of options only you will benefit from (since there is the "freedom" to choose), at the very least, would result in them doing what YOU want and giving you what YOU desire, since it is "their" decision. This also makes any negative consequence something they feel responsible for and something they cannot take against you.

Does this always work though? Won't people see through it since you end up getting what you want and they are still, in a way, forced into doing something? Also, can limiting the options ever be a good thing?

Kristina Tan
Hi-18 K

Law 34: Be royal in your own fashion: Act like a king to be treated like one

2008-12-09T02:53:00.001-08:00

How we carry ourselves in front of the crowd or how we project our whole self can send off different messages to the people we interact or even meet everyday. It’s like saying if you want people to respect you or like you, you earn that respect and act the way you can magnetize and reel in the people. Radiate a character you seemed destined to embody.

Does Louis Philippe, the Duke of Orleans sound familiar to you? He was perceived to be this king who did not wear the scepter or the crown, but rather a king who would walk down the streets of Paris with a gray hat and umbrella. He projected a rather unkingly vibe, thus, triggered the people to lose that respect for him as their leader because they thought they could push their king around. As stated in the book, “Leaders who try to dissolve that distance through a false chumminess gradually lose the ability to inspire loyalty, fear or love.”

Christopher Columbus did otherwise. He was merely a son of a humble weaver; however, he was able to create that aura that he was destined for great things and that he was bound to a kind of royalty. In his voyage, he certainly was not qualified, but because of his boldness he was able to win the king’s favor. Columbus knew how to sell himself and charm the nobility which indeed worked to his advantage.

Trick here is to set your own price. If you value yourself that much and you believe that you are destined for greatness, it will reflect through how you choose to present yourself. Three things to ignite that fire: always make a bold demand, go after the highest person in the building in a dignified way to create the appearance of greatness, and give a gift to those above you to say the two of you are equal.

This is very promising isn’t it? But would you go too far as humiliating other people or completely denying who you really are to elevate yourself? Would you choose to be someone else you’re not? Think about it.

Rhea Entuna

Hi18-L

Law 34: Be Royal in Your Own Fashion: Act Like A King to Be Treated Like One

2008-12-09T02:52:00.000-08:00

“How you carry yourself reflects what you think of yourself.”

Not everyone has the credentials or royal background to become a king. When faced with this problem, easy, act like a king instead. As long as you believe in yourself, you are worthy to do so. If you are confident, it will shine outward for other people to notice. In effect, people may think that you have enough reason to act like a king and can be inspired to give you respect, admiration, and loyalty. With confidence and presence, you can overcome limitations and separate yourself from the crowd.

Christopher Columbus was a former merchant and son of a cheese vendor. Still, he believed he was destined for great things and acted accordingly. Columbus had little knowledge in navigation, sailing ships, and leading a group of men. But he was able to earn respect from the king of Portugal, and had Queen Isabella fund his voyages because of the way he projected himself.

Louis-Philippe was once king of Paris. He had the royal background, but he was a “bourgeois king.” He wanted everyone to be equal. Instead of depicting a kingly image, he acted like a common and ordinary man. People started despising him, some even pushed him around.

This rule must not be taken to extreme. By humiliating others, soaring to high, and being vulgar or arrogant, you are asking for trouble. It is important to be regal, noble, and dignified, as if destined to wear a crown, right?

Philip Albert T. Verde

Hi18 – K

LAW 6: Court Attention At All Cost

2008-12-04T18:23:00.000-08:00

At the end of the day, lessons taught in school, values learned from our parents and teachings the church aims to deliver all point to one thing: We are all unique. One is indeed powerful if he or she knows what sets him or her apart from everyone else.

It is important to note, however, that if that doesn’t work, it is important to “attack the most visible, most famous, most powerful person you can find.” Not only will it help others notice you, it will also make one remember you.

We must “understand: people feel superior to the person whose actions they can predict.” True enough, we must be unpredictable. This goes without one being notorious, but one must establish his or her true identity and keep others guessing. A certain mystery always helps!

“The mysterious makes your forces seem larger, your power more terrifying.” Popular TV shows nowadays are so successful because they keep audiences guessing. Similarly, one must “never appear overly greedy for attention, then for it signals insecurity, and insecurity drives power away.” Why do you think, at one point, Britney Spears lost her prowess?

Great leaders like Louis XVI of France spent extravagantly and everyone noticed. Similarly, President Erap had a reputation that kept people wanting more of him. These two individuals, however, have one thing in common: they did not reign for very long. Their uniqueness got them in the end, didn’t it?

Gianina R. Fortun
Section K

Law #17: Keep others in suspended terror; cultivate an air of unpredictability.

2008-12-03T01:00:00.000-08:00

I love the portrayal of the fictional Japanese Tribe assassins from Lian Hearn’s ‘Tales of the Otori’ series. By day, they represent standard components of Japanese culture—they act on different occasions as minstrels singing songs about the old heroes everyone knows about, or merchants selling the same kinds of ware everyday. By night they play on their victims’ false senses of safety, and delight in different methods of murder—maybe poison pellets for this one unsuspecting enemy, and a swift twist of the garrote for another. Immediately the village is in uproar about their victims—who are the killers? What is their modus operandi? Who are their next targets? Unpredictability, as well as the tension that comes with it, is a potent weapon.

The discussion of this law was appropriately opened by a detailed description of the baffling conclusion of the match between Boris Spassky and Bobby Fischer in the 1972 World Championship of Chess, with the latter opponent deliberately employing all sorts of unpredictable strategies—from his moves to his erratic behavior—to destroy his Russian rival. Chess is a sport that functions primarily on the act of reading your opponent, and if you’re given no basis for his or her judgment, your own may be affected greatly as a consequence.

The strategy plays on a state of confusion that has the power to defy logical norms and even prevent the making of rational decisions. Those who encounter it will usually put on the ‘hit-or-miss’ defense—they try to play along with each tactic of unpredictable behavior, at the cost of putting holes in their protective barriers--letting the strategist know of their every reaction and giving him time to determine the best way to secure victory.

However, sometimes it is best to pay attention to the concept of cultivation—the background that you allow your subjects to familiarize themselves with, the knowledge of even the simplest daily patterns for them to base their own patterns on. In this sense a certain degree of consistency may be required as a prerequisite for gaining power—those whose lives you intend to rattle later on will be more dependent on their state of comfort, and even more unsettled and less discerning when you suddenly turn the tables.

Do you use unpredictability tactics in your everyday life, and with whom and pertaining to what events? In what instances do these tactics work, and to what benefit?

Peep Warren

Hi18-L

Law 21: Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker

2008-12-01T06:44:00.000-08:00

Flattery, when performed properly, is the one of the surest ways of getting what you want. And what can be better than being treated as the most intelligent? Assuring anyone that they know more than you will always lower their guards because they think that they are always one step ahead of you. That assumption gives you room to scheme up something right under their noses. Because seriously, who would expect that an idiot is capable of deceit and deception?

Arnold and Slack were two prospectors who managed to pull of one of the most amazing jewelry cons, even managing to swindle Tiffany's and some of the biggest tycoons in the 1870's. They played on the news of the gold rush in the US and the diamond mines in Africa and announced the "discovery" of the new diamond mine in West America. They bought their own gems and everything to show the investors that they were real. Of course, all the big shots thought that they were "winning one over" the two by buying the mines when really, they were the ones duped. How did they manage to do this? By playing stupid.

Another good example of this is in poker. It's a trick called sandbagging, acting as if your good hand sucks. Poker has always been a game of probabilities. But I think it's also in your presentation. It's all about successfully buffing up your opponents' egos and making them bet more than usual.

But think about it... this law can't always work. Before even pulling off such a performance, you have to make sure that your cards ARE better than everyone else's. Otherwise, everything will be in vain. There are so many ways that this law (as well as all the others) can go wrong... is it really worth the risk?

Isabella Ocampo Hi18-K

Law 30: Make your accomplishments seem effortless

2008-12-01T06:30:00.000-08:00

The charm of superheroes largely lies in their abilities to perform gargantuan amounts of tasks with preposterous levels of difficulty effortlessly. Had they been cursed with a daily routine of going to the gym to maintain their strength and physique, then they would have been just another body builder. They are all naturals of the art of being super, and they never tell anyone about how they do it, save for their significant others and other obscure cases. And if further examined, it is in the exposure of their secrets and alter egos that their demise begins to be orchestrated.

John Lennon is a superhero who never spilled his secrets that even his stupidity is considered a genius. In My Life, considered to be the world’s most everlasting pop song, has always been widely credited to John Lennon’s supreme whiz, and yet, much of its magic in arrangement are done with the aid of studio production double-tracking, half-step, half-speed recording. The last track in Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band entitled A Day in the Life is said to be the pinnacle of the Beatles’ brilliance, mostly, of course, credited to John Lennon. Nevertheless, unknown to most of their listeners, the song is mostly arranged by their producer, George Martin, and the band spent no less than 28 takes on the song. John Lennon never blew these to the press during his time. In fact, much to everyone’s displeasure, John, during the late 70’s post-Beatle era, even denounced the geniuses of the songs, renouncing that they’re all “rubbish” and mere “childishness.”

As dreamers, we choose to believe in superheroes and be amazed by the unbelievable. Superheroes keep secrets in order to keep us bedazzled, and keep them as our heroes. But if we never know for ourselves how to save ourselves or how to do things, then we remain stupid. A man who relies on someone else to save himself, will never be saved for long. Is it then worth holding back secrets for the sake of power?

Rafael Sobrepena
Hi-18K

Law 33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew

2008-11-28T19:09:00.001-08:00

Everyone has a weakness. It may be an insecurity, an emotional need or a secret pleasure. Whatever it is can be used to your advantage. Push the right buttons and voila, whatever you want, served to you in a silver platter, with the person totally unaware.

Napoleon didn’t apply that law in his invasion of Russia. He charged using his old war tactics which were dependent on the enemy’s terrain. Since Russia’s terrain didn’t match that of his old conquests, his modus operandi failed and they lost that war. Napoleon’s mistake was the assumption that what worked before would work again. He didn’t find out Russia’s weakness beforehand and that was a cause of his demise.

Contrary to Napoleon is Queen Catherine de’ Medici. She was the acting regent of her next son in line for the throne and so as not to relinquish her power, she formed her escadron volant (“flying squadron”) of young girls to keep the unsuspecting men in court at bay.

Queen Catherine had learned that distinguished men in court wanted to feel they could win a woman regardless of his status, which he just inherited. She sent members of her flying squadron to seduce the men in court and her girls would keep tabs on the men for her, and sway their decisions, if necessary. She used the men’s weakness to her advantage and she succeeded in remaining in power.

Weaknesses, although not openly expressed, can be seen through gestures and unconscious signals. As Freud said, “No mortal can keep a secret. If his lips are silent, he chatters with his fingertips; betrayal oozes out of him at every pore.” It makes you wonder: What have you given away so far?

Theresa Rosario Tan
Hi18-K

Law 17: Keep Others in Suspended Terror: Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability

2008-11-24T11:10:00.000-08:00

The U.S Pacific Fleet was once considered as the most powerful and most crucial part of the American defense in the Pacific during WW2. For some of you who aren’t familiar with this fleet, this was the one bombarded and attacked by the aircraft and midget submarines of the Imperial Japanese Navy on the dawn of December 7, 1941 at the shores of Pearl Harbor. As a result of the bombing, more than two thousand lives were taken, including civilians, and more than a thousand were injured.

The ironic and sad thing about this tragedy is that the event that took place in Pearl Harbor wasn’t the unpredictable thing that happened. The unpredictable thing happened in the White House when the president at that time, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, expressed “great relief” upon hearing the news that the Japanese had struck. He knew that there was an existing threat to their nation, even years before the attack happened, but he deliberately decided to ignore the warnings. He intentionally did so because he wanted to use this blow as a mean to use their power to take over the “enemy” (as discussed in numerous conspiracy theories).

I don’t know for you, but for me, I was surprised to have found out this other side of the story. Prior to this shocking revelation, I really thought that the Japanese were just plainly geniuses to have had pulled off a trick like this on one of the most powerful nations in the world (Thanks to the movie Pearl Harbor). But I guess they really didn’t make that much of a statement after all.

After reflecting on this event that took place more than sixty years ago, I can’t help but question myself on whether or not the event that took place on September 11, 2001 was a conspiracy as well. I have seen videos (thanks to Youtube) showing demolition bombs exploding before the towers plunged into the ground. I also can’t help but link the two. I mean, it both happened on American soil. The movie, Pearl Harbor, was released on 2001. It both involved planes. It resulted in a war which affected a lot of countries. And of course, their presidents (Bush? Oh yes HE can).

Now, just imagine if our own president decided to plot such scheme on our country. You may laugh at the idea of Rizal Park being hit by an airplane right now but hey, anything is possible. Besides, she is still the president, she has the power and she can also plot other schemes. We thought that EDSA 1 was enough but we already experienced 3 in less than two decades. Who knows when EDSA 4 will come into play?

As you can see, the unpredictable is really terrifying. You don’t know what to expect which makes you feel anxious and wary on what to do when placed in such situation. It’s like one’s fear of an earthquake. One fears it because one doesn’t know when it will strike.

Unpredictability may also cause harm which makes it even scarier. No matter how much you prepare for something important, a lot of things may happen. And if things don’t go your way, there’s a big chance that you might get too hurt that it would eventually affect your whole being. Therefore, you should never expect too much.

Expect the unexpected.

Tom Manahan
Hi 18 - K

Law # 18: Do not build fortresses to protect yourself – isolation is dangerous

2008-11-23T04:37:00.000-08:00

Somehow, the security of a citadel overlooking an urban sprawl below seems to be the safest place for a sovereign leader to reside forever. On the contrary, it will prove to be his/her greatest mistake as it leaves him/her vulnerable, exposed and fixed at a single spot.

Cut off from everything, an isolationist risks the country from civil disorders. Without a firm hand to guide them, appointed ministers start to lose faith and establish their own fiefdoms. Townspeople look at the citadel as if it is the devil. Left alone, the isolationist starts to lose perspective, grace and communication – the very traits that should enable him to rule.

Qin Shi Huang united China from its past of warring states. That China has its many wonders and remarkable organization is attributed to him. However, he retired with himself in Hsien-yang with only a few subjects knowing his whereabouts. To add to his mistakes, he challenged the teachings of Confucius and retreated more in seclusion that instead, his eunuchs ruled the country. Even in death he was isolated.

Power is dependent on social structures and interaction. Therefore, isolation is no way to gain it. A prince needs to be permeable, floating from circle to circle and seeking information and contacts whenever possible. Mobility counters plotters. A strong visible leader captivates. Ladder-climbers are held in place by promises of later ascendancy. Conformity binds everyone to a central point.

Louis XIV made all the nobility stay with him in the palace of Versailles. His rule was that everything should revolve around him. Nobles were humbled because of conformity and fear of the Panopticon – a system of total surveillance. People are awed by the order and grace of the state. Because of this, he ruled 72 years, making France the dominant state in his time.

Other people that are successful because of this law are Cicero (born of a low nobility yet was able to climb up), Shakespeare (he knew the hearts of the people), Talleyrand (blending in different regimes) and Darius I (organization of satraps and “eyes of the king”).

We are then left with a dichotomy of the watchmen and the townspeople. If you are a townsperson, are you willing to subject yourself to a policy of the Panopticon – total control? If you are a leader faced with this quandary, will you choose to be the watchman?

Dylan Kemuel Maynigo Valerio
Hi 18-L

Law 42: Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter

2008-11-23T03:42:00.000-08:00

Perhaps it is interesting to note that the law's title is also a well-known bible verse: "Strike the shepherd that the flock may be scattered" (Zechariah 13:7). In any social group, there may be one or several people who inevitably rise to prominence—presidents, monarchs, generals, even school group leaders who seem to take charge and "rule over" a certain social group. These rulers rise to prominence primarily because of their influence over others. The law suggests that to be able to garner influence over a certain group of people, or to assert power and superiority, you must target their rulers.

Before the Spanish colonization, indigenous Filipino communities were overseen and lead by religious leaders called babaylans. They functioned as the communities' shamans, philosophers, and healers. Their influence was so prominent that when early Spanish colonizers tried to spread Catholicism in the country that they chose to target and convert the babaylans of the communities first. Consequently, the rest of the indigenous peoples followed suit—without questioning their sudden shift of principles from polytheism to Catholicism. What the babaylans believed, the people followed. The babaylans were the "shepherds" of the indigenous communities—prominent leaders with influence over their people. The Spanish saw this and exploited this aspect to their advantages. They knew that in order to capture these indigenous peoples, they had to target their leaders first.

What the Spanish did was an example of gaining power over people by taking over the powerful through direct means. But there are also other ways to take over the powerful: a more covert, but equally powerful way is through isolation: separate the ruler from the ruled, and taking over will be an easy task. Isolating can be done via banishing a ruler (e.g. 6th century B.C. Athenian democracy), or by weakening a ruler's power through diminishing his influence.

While the law has definitely helped many great rulers in history to garner power over other rulers—and consequently, power over people, the law assumes that the ruled are powerless without their rulers. Are there instances when a struck down ruler actually benefited the ruled? Or is it a no-fail principle that the ruled is powerless without a ruler?

Chio Cebrero
Hi 18 L

Law #1: Never Outshine the Master

2008-11-23T03:40:00.000-08:00

Nicolas Fouquet, in a bid for more power in France during Louis XIV’s reign, threw a grand party in his honor. Already an established favorite, Fouquet envisioned, for himself, unlimited power and authority throughout the kingdom if he is able to situate himself as Finance Minister. When the current finance minister died, he threw a grand party for His Majesty using all his connections, displaying his inventiveness, his unique cleverness. Fouquet intended to honor the king but succeeded only in overshadowing him.

After the party, Fouquet was arrested, tried for stealing from the national treasury, and made to spend the last years of his life in solitude.

He had broken the cardinal rule of power which holds that subjects of those empowered must take care not to inspire insecurity in their masters. The powerful are dangerous and, at times, extremely paranoid and distrustful of those who surround him. Who wouldn’t be? They have what everyone wants.

A display of power is threatening especially those who are Empowered. Therefore, those in the service of the Empowered should take care not to appear as a threat to power. Always leverage oneself into a relationship close to power and once privileged with a position, only time stands in the way of finally achieving it.

Power is the authority to bring about change – it is control. Society created the concept of power as a device for organization – to develop a hierarchy and as a way of arranging ourselves out of chaos and destruction. It is meant to be creative, not destructive.

Different kinds of societies – like the Egyptians -- seem to be dependent upon Power as a superstructure - which makes organization, development and, eventually, civilization, possible. Despite this, Power is equally able to create chaos, conflict and, ultimately, destruction. Power struggles -- rooted deep in our consciousness and help form the very base of our identity (including gender roles, etc) -- are manifested through politics, media wars.

The situation of power denotes domination and submission (in all their shades and gradients). Our dependence on Power begs the question: is society capable of existing without Power? If we are, can we consider a classless mass of humanity a society? How do we relate to each other in the absence of designated niches in society?

kyra ballesteros
hi18 K

Law 10: Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky

2008-11-20T02:08:00.000-08:00

Anne Boleyn was quite the seductress in England in the 1500s. She penetrated into the lives of the royal family, the family of King Henry the VIII. Because of Anne, the inevitable rift between the church and England had begun. Had King Henry the VIII avoided his entanglement with the Boleyn family, his life and that of his family would not have spiraled down.

The separation of the church and of England is a big deal in Christian history. This marked the beginning of a new branch of religion. Apart from that, the marriage of Henry and Catherine under the church was declared to be null and void. And Henry proceeded to marry Anne soon after.

As soon as Anne became Queen, many commoners despised King Henry’s decisions and often blamed these decisions on her. The King’s annulment to his marriage with Queen Catherine caused his excommunication from the church. Eventually, Anne’s tendency to argue and her tendency to stand up for herself were disapproved by the King. Thus, when Anne was not able to bear him a son, he found reason to have a new mistress and soon Anne was executed. Whatever force it was that drove Anne Boleyn to do what she did, be it for fame, for the money, or pure jealousy, everyone that she pulled into her circle was taken down with her, into her miserable life.

The only way to avoid being taken down along with the miserable people is simply, as the law says, to avoid them. Sometimes it may be too late. These people, who live in their misery, can still be helped, but if they don’t help themselves then it would be pointless. This law is easier said than done. Put yourself in the shoes of the miserable. Would you want to be left to your own misery, even by your own friends? Is it really your fault? Wouldn’t you rather be helped and brought out of your miserable life? would you help a friend in misery?

Anne Andrea Lacson
Hi18- K

Law 14: Pose as a friend, work as a spy.

2008-11-20T02:06:00.000-08:00

‘No one sees the source of your power, and what they cannot see they cannot fight.’
The key to power and to success is foreknowledge. Great armies will lose if they went to battle knowing nothing about their enemies. Vietnam War ring a bell? The Americans stood no chance against the Vietnamese.

The trick here is to understand that espionage isn’t really limited to those spies you see on television. It’s something everyone is capable of. A simple conversation with your target can give you all the information you need: his strengths, weaknesses, secrets, everything. Be careful though, you don’t want them to know you’re fishing for information. It might backfire. The article mentions a French politician, Talleyrand. He had the ability to suppress himself in the conversation, to make others talk endlessly about themselves and inadvertently reveal their intentions and plans. He had a gift. People said he was a superb conversationalist yet he actually said very little.

There’s a trick you see, make them feel your worthy of their trust. Give them a fake confession and you might just get a real one. In conversations you must learn when to say the truth and when to tell lies. False information can and will protect you from practitioners of law 14. In fact you can both collect information and protect yourself in conversations. By planting information of your choice, you control the game.

‘While spying gives you a third eye, disinformation puts out one of your enemy’s eyes.’
We Filipinos are familiar with this law, we’ve even created a perfect term for these types of people. Plastic. It makes you wonder, who are your real friends? Or better yet, do you even have any?

Jaime Lizada
Hi18 K

Law #5: So Much Depends on Reputation - Guard It With Your Life.

2008-11-17T20:11:00.000-08:00

Today it could be a brand, a rank, or maybe even a nickname (e.g. Bernard “The Executioner” Hopkins) but reputation still remains what it was a thousand years ago - someone else’s impression on oneself or, in other words, it’s what one is known for. And over the years, attention to one’s reputation has always been a top concern among politicians, entertainers, and leaders in general. Reputation, however, can be thought of as a double-edged sword, case-in-point - Ferdinand Magellan.
In the 16th century, Ferdinand Magellan discovered the Philippines through the Visayas. He then befriended the Cebuano natives and gained their trust. But just when things were starting to look up, here comes Lapu-lapu flashing his bolo and telling him “No.” Lapu-lapu shook his fist in defiance to the Spanish rule and spat at the idea of submission (much like Leonidas to Persian emissary in 300). Long story short, Magellan attacked and had his world rocked by none other than Lapu-lapu. For that time, Mactan bamboo triumphed over Toledo steel and Lapu-lapu had labeled himself as the Leonidas of 1521.
Being perhaps the only conquistador in history not to use natives against each other, Magellan has proved one point - that he was too arrogant for his own good. He had all the support of Cebu’s Rajah Humabon, yet relied solely on his troops - armed to the teeth with Spanish steel - one of the best in the world at the time. But what could have led to this conquistador's humiliating demise?
Perhaps he regarded the reputation of Spanish technology too highly, and forgot that their heavy armor disabled them in the mud. Perhaps he, being Portuguese, sought to construct a reputation of might and military prowess by defeating Lapu-lapu without the aid of natives to prove his worth before his new Queen. Either way we put it - reputation betrayed him, whether it was the reputation he thought he had or the reputation he sought to create. But can you blame him? Would you have done the same?

-Denis Andrew T. Flores
Hi 18-K

The 26th Law of Power: Keep Your Hands Clean

2008-09-06T15:52:00.000-07:00

Four simple words, used to define political action at large for as long as we can remember. In essence, the Law suggests, nay, prescribes the use of a scapegoat in order to avoid potentially sticky situations. By utilizing (emphasis on the term) others to receive the blame for your actions or circumstances, you shift public attention from your own shortcomings and avert anything that might incite misgivings towards your position or potency. An example of this would be Emperor Nero persecuting the early Christians, on whom he blames a large conflagration that consumed a large part of Rome.

The Law also recommends the use of a “cat’s-paw” to do one’s dirty work for him; once he has outlived his usefulness, hew can be discarded, silenced or sacrificed. An example of this would be President Jose Laurel being manipulated by the Japanese occupiers to formally head a puppet government, while he is also put at the receiving end of many allegations by patriots of being a collaborator.

The Law encourages people in power to discard friends like a monkey going through bananas; once one has taken all that he could benefit, he leaves whatever is left in the dust.

However, this Law does have a flipside: if, for instance, a person in power uses his contacts to do his under-the-table dealings and his cover is blown, he might face exponentially worse results, like impeachment, or possibly even lynching.

Nathan De Leon
Hi18-O

Law of Power 3: Conceal Your Intentions

2008-09-04T00:15:00.000-07:00

It will be infinitely easier for your enemies to thwart your plans when they know what you're up to. So plant fake clues, cover your scent with red herrings, hide your motives with false sincerity and you will have them exactly where you want them to be and in the end achieve your goals.

The third law of power discusses the various ways on how you can conceal your intentions. one way is by sending mixed signals; confuse your enemies or your target/s with decoys or by being ambiguous and unpredictable. Do the things they'd least expect you to do and when they think they've got you figured out, do something unexpected and contrary to what they think you are or up to. This was the advice of the infamous courtesan Ninon de Lanclos to a young marquis who was pursuing a beautiful countess. Bysending mixed, ambiguous signals instead of outrightly confessing his love would the marquis catch the countess' interest. All went well for the young nobleman until he violated Lanclos' instructions and revealed his true feelings to the countess right away. the countess then lost all interest in him and even felt used and embarrassed.

Another way of hiding your intentions is by pretending to support something which is against your beliefs, principles, goals and motives. Back this up with false sincerity. This was the technique Otto von Bismarck used in attaining the position of Prussia's premier and achieving waht he wanted for his country. Bismarck was for the war against Austria but, seeing that Prussia's armies were still incapable of defeating the enemy, he preetnded to be against it, an action which shocked many becaue they thought he would support it, and persuaded the king not to send Prussia's troops into battle. The King was grateful to him for this and raised Bismarck to a position where he could strengthen and ready Prussia's armies for the war. When he finally led Prussia to war against Austria, his country brought home the victory, he had succeeded and had won the favor of many.

Another way of disguisisng one's actions is through the use of smoke screens--something you can hide behin and use to direct your opponent's attention away from your intentions and motives. This was what the infamous conman Joseph "Yellow Kid" Weil used in deceiving a wealthy businessman. A smoke screen is one of the main keys of deception.

Also, in deceiving someone and concealing your intentions, play on human nature. People instinctively trust appearances. Try to look and act like someone they can trust becuase, ovce they do, they will be honest with you about everything. Thus can you discern their purposes, motives, personality, character, flaws, strengths and weaknesses. Most people think they can win the favor of others by being completely honest. Take advantage of this. Do not atttract attention to yourself. Appear as bland and as uninteresting as possible. Your enemies will take you for granted and they won't see you as a threat. Be like a wolf in sheep's clothing; appear meek and mild and then attack at the right moment, when your opponents have set their defenses down. This is how the Ethiopian warlord Haile Selassie made a powerful enemy surrender to him.

Always remember to never cause any suspision amongst your foes. Strike when and where they least expect it.

Janna AmigoII AB Lit (Eng)Hi18 N

LAW 31: CONTROL THE OPTIONS: GET OTHERS TO PLAY WITH THE CARDS YOU DEAL

2008-08-05T01:47:00.000-07:00

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

LAW 19 - Know who you're dealing with. Do not offend the wrong person.

2008-08-05T01:45:00.000-07:00

This law is actually pretty short and direct. I've managed to compile quite a few points based on my comprehension on it as well as some learned lessons related to it in the past.
But first, a fable from Aesop:

The Lion and the Mouse
Once when a Lion was asleep a little Mouse began running up and down upon him; this soon wakened the Lion, who placed his huge paw upon him, and opened his big jaws to swallow him. "Pardon, O King," cried the little Mouse: "forgive me this time, I shall never forget it: who knows but what I may be able to do you a turn some of these days?" The Lion was so tickled at the idea of the Mouse being able to help him, that he lifted up his paw and let him go. Some time after the Lion was caught in a trap, and the hunters who desired to carry him alive to the King, tied him to a tree while they went in search of a waggon to carry him on. Just then the little Mouse happened to pass by, and seeing the sad plight in which the Lion was, went up to him and soon gnawed away the ropes that bound the King of the Beasts. "Was I not right?" said the little Mouse.

Little friends may prove great friends.

I remember this story vividly amongst others because it was one of the first that my parents ever taught me. Every now and then, I'd realize its importance whether I be either the mouse or the lion. As I'd repeat over and over, in-your-face and implied, we are not invulnerable.

So, let's get started then...

1. Be humble. If you think too much of yourself, the likelihood of you offending someone and burning bridges goes up. This of course, can not be a good thing. Conversely, should you respect and treat even the most inept people (whether in terms of influence, strength-in-arms, or what not) with utmost respect, you stand a much better chance at forging beneficial, long-term relationships. This is obviously a very good happening because though they may not help you directly, the very presence of a good word in your name is well worth a litle of your patience.

2. Karma. What goes around comes around. You are but mortal. There is a saying that we will all get our due someday. This in mind, what ever you impose upon even the most unassuming of your contacts would eventually work its way back to you. Very easily understood. Very difficult to remember during the right times.

3. Change. Related to Karma, this applies to times as well as people. For example, that weakling you just trod upon just happened to evolve into the biggest, baddest entity out there while you rested in your laurels. Over time, entropy has either reduced or depleted what fighting chance you have. And since he still remembers who pile-drove him into the ground when he was weak, you can't expect too many things to turn out well...

In conclusion, I must warn that this is not an exercise in domesticated docility or unfettered tolerance of anyone's behavior. It is still your call to decide whether further relations with certain people are worth pursuing or not. How you execute such decisions is also up to your will, but it would be most beneficial to you to ensure that the very worst relationship you would ever harbor would be "neutral".

Why? Well, try to remember that you are not invincible.

All it takes is one person, enraged due to an act of arrogance, to bring it all down on your head.

To build relationships is to have your own Sword of Damocles. You have the power, you have the responsibility. But all you ever need is a single act of disrespect or disregard to end you (mind, body, soul, reputation. one at a time, or all at once) instantly.

LAW 46: NEVER APPEAR TOO PERFECT

2008-08-05T01:41:00.000-07:00

The Philippine Society claims to condone Envy, or so our morals and Christian values exclaim, but I believe that our limited and uneven allocation of resources has given birth to hybrids of envy. Comparing our local game shows to Western games shows, or American ones in particular, manifests crab mentality. The old "Game knb?" elimination round format had the "Atras powers" mechanism to pull back people who are ahead or keep them from reaching the next round. It disgusts me to watch the Filipino version of "The Wheel of Fortune" because while a contestant spins the wheel, his opponents would yell "Bankrupt! Bankrupt!" or "Lose a turn! Lose a turn!". We don't see this kind of behavior in the foreign versions it is exclusive to the Philippines or as they would say, "walang ganyan sa States" these are indirect manifestations of "unhappy admiration". Envy is no longer the "He has it I want but one too" mentality, in the Philippines, it has evolved into "He has it, i want it. The only way I could have one too is if I get the one he already has.".

"Of all the disorders of the soul, envy is the only one no one confesses to."
Plutarch, c. A.D. 46-120

I am very much sure that we have had our share of envy, but because it is deemed unacceptable, we never really talk about our "unhappy admirations". After watching the play "The Death of Memory", about characters who were trapped and forced to remember their repressed memories, I spent some time with the friend I watched it with and we thought and talked about the things we felt like we had forgoten or chosen to forget. The most interesting of which is feeling envy during the early parts of our childhood. Coming from very different backgrounds, it is funny to see how we both had the same feeling at one point or another. I believe that everyone who was once in grade school or kindergarten has had this experience. A classmate comes with a toy or something that does not seem interesting, but as people start fussing over this new thingamajig we get irritated and wonder why people are giving whatever it is so much attention then we slowly find ourselves becoming more and more attracted to that thingamajig but we still do not know what is so "cool" about it. At the end of the day you want one of your own and the next day the whole class comes to school with their own thingamajig.

We are not influenced to feel this way but influence does bring the feeling about. Given this example leads me to believe that envy is, in a way, innate but is repressed or something we refuse to admit because the confession to envy is admitting that someone is better than us and that we are inferior.

What makes envy seem so evil is that more often than not the people who see the fruits of success up close, those who are close to the people doing well are those who are filled with that deep feeling of envy. Running in the same circle, people wonder why someone who is doing the same thing becomes more successful than they are. From these circumstances, sabotage begins. The things they can tell you and their access to your resources makes things a lot easier for them to make things more difficult for you and ruin things for you. It is very difficult because it is hard to distinguish if someone is sharing your bliss with you or just saying they are. To understand the difference between true compliments and envious comments is very important. More often than not, those who envy will find grounds to criticize the person who makes him feel inferior. It can also be disguised through excessively praising that person's achievements.

Knowing and understanding that envy is innate and that one would never admit to feeling envy. You must come to terms with the fact when you start to gain success people will grow envious and you and envy will lead people to work against you.

By having people close to you feel like integral parts of your success is something that you could truly leverage off. When people feel responsible for your success and if they feel that they are rightfully given credit for the achievement, they will do what they can to help one maintain his status. There is a different with having someone feel that they need you and that you need them. The second is definitely more flattering while the first may have someone feel like a charity case - which is definitely not insulting and will stir up feelings of envy and inferiority, it will fuel their desire to bring you down.

If those who are prone to have "unhappy admiration" feel like they are better than you in certain aspects, you will reveal their true feelings for you when you hear them talking about how they better than you. This is strategic because you will know who to look out for and if someone you have in mind should be watched more closely.

The key element to leveraging off other people is showing them that you are not perfect. By displaying a flaw, they are distracted and while they pick on your flaws, they do not sabotage your operation.

Going back to the "Game knb?" elimination round concept, more often than not, the person who moves up to the next round is someone who slowly works his way toward the front steadily and quietly behind the person who is made to move back everytime someone is given the opportunity to use their "Atras Powers".

angge tioseco

LAW 23: CONCENTRATE YOUR FORCES

2008-08-05T01:39:00.000-07:00

“Conserve your forces and energies by keeping them concentrated at their strongest point. You gain more by finding a rich mine and mining it deeper, than by flitting from one shallow mine to another – intensity defeats extensity over time. When looking for sources of power to elevate you, find one key patron, the fat cow who will give you milk for a long time to come.”

Law 23. Concentrate your forces. The law simply states that we need to concentrate on a single goal, on a single task in order to outshine those in distraction. It focuses on the aspect that we only need to have one goal, one master, and one plan. It teaches us five things, to never dissipate your forces on several fronts, to concentrate your power on the enemy’s weakest spot, to hold power within your clan, to affix yourself to one source of power and to learn that power, always exists in concentrated forms.

Through out history, many powerful individuals have used this tactic to achieve power. For instance, Egypt, one of the richest and most powerful civilizations in history attained its power because they do not dissipate their forces. When an Egyptian leaves Egypt for war or travel, it is very important that he goes back home. The Rothschild banking family, an international banking and finance dynasty was able to sustain power through carefully arranged marriages within the family. They were able to expand their power by keeping power within their clan. Another one is Cassanova. He was able to get success by always, always, concentrating on one single goal. When he was imprisoned, he only had one goal: to escape, and no matter how impossible it is, he never changed his goal, and then he had escaped. On numerous occasions, this is not the case. We are human, and if we get a taste of success, we keep wanting more. “Drunk with success, and sick with ambition.” A practical example would be that of Deal or No Deal. Players, prior to the game, may aim to just bring home an ample amount of money, let’s say 200, 000. But as the game progresses, greed brings them down. When banker’s offer reaches 200, 000, and they see that the million is still there, they change goals, they want more. Often than not, they go home, not victorious but losers.

A more relevant observance of the law, would be the choice of being the jack of all traits, master of none, or be an expert at one. More often than not, it is always better to be very good at something than to have little knowledge on everything. But this statement is very dangerous. We entrusted our future in the Ateneo. And what does the university teaches us? Liberal education. Ateneo teaches us to have little knowledge on everything. Unlike the University of the Philippines which pays less attention to their General Education subjects, our core subjects, are of great importance. Ateneo doesn’t make us experts, but teaches us how to be human. Good thing, Greene also puts a reversal of this law. He acknowledges the fact that there are moments where concentration is dangerous and dispersion is the better move.

As a matter of fact, Greene have included laws that seem to contradict each other. And at the last chapter, he also wrote a law that you must break all the laws previously written and think for yourself. And this is the real essence of power, and life itself. There is never an utmost truth. And this is law may be right at the right time, at the right place, at the right circumstance and for the right person -- or it could be the other way around.

Now, would you rather be a jack of all traits or a master at one? Is it quality or quantity? And for you, how can one mission be greater than a thousand options?

If you want to read the whole law by Robert Greene, visit: http://www.scribd.com/doc/489037/Robert-Greene-The-48-Laws-of-Power, page 194.

- Joan Therese C. Medalla

- Hi18 N

Law 20: DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE

2008-08-04T08:38:00.000-07:00

One of the most benevolent and well-known rulers of the 16th century, Queen Elizabeth I, was a follower of Law 20: DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE. It sounds like silly advice, especially since modern-day politics depends on your connections, but after much thought, one realizes that it is useful counsel.

We are made to believe that to succeed in politics means making the right connections and hobnobbing with the people who can give us a lift to the top. This particular law warns us to do so with caution. True commitment to any side is the easiest way to topple off the seat of power, because it opens our weaknesses to enemies and makes us vulnerable. The best course of action is to appear available to all, yet succumb to the appeals of none. Power is easily gained when the two sides of a fight both desire you for their fight and it then becomes laughably simple to push your own agenda into the fray.

In this case, emotions can be one’s worst enemy. Mastering one’s emotions is critical to following this law successfully; how can you ensure your agenda’s triumph when you are easily swayed by emotional appeals from possible allies/enemies?

It seems to me that our politicians have mastered this law beautifully. Our countrymen do not know where our politicians’ loyalties truly lie. However, I fail to see how this can better our country when the people themselves feel betrayed by and distrust our leaders. In today’s selfish world, can this law truly give nations the peace they seek?

Angeli Cruz Hi 18-O

LAW $&: Do Not Go Past The Mark You Aimed For; In Victory, Learn When To Stop

2008-08-04T08:37:00.000-07:00

The taste of victory can really be sweet. The feeling of elation as one has achieved the goal he has worked so hard for can make him feel invincible. Yet, many get knocked off from the top they’ve worked so hard for. Why does this happen? Can we really not avoid the wheel of fortune that can hurtle us down as easily as up?

What most people forget about when reaching their goal, is that it’s not all about reaching the top, because what’s harder is staying on top.

The problem with gaining victory is all the glory and praises you get, which can disillusion some people into thinking they’re invincible. Such foolish arrogance will be the cause of their demise. Arrogance blinds people of their purposes, and also of the costs of their victories. Arrogance will propel people to recklessly move forward, when what they should be doing is to take a step back and examine the situation rationally, because it would only cause them trouble if along the way they make more enemies.

When people continue moving forward, they sometimes lose what they already have. This is because the victories you have gained can cloud your judgments and reason. Sometimes make you even think that you can gain more victories with the way you have gained your other victories. This is wrong. Each situation is different, circumstances are different, and if you keep repeating your methods of winning, you become predictable.

Like Cyrus the Great, who led the Persian Empire, he made a mistake of thinking himself as superhuman and incapable of defeat. He was unsatisfied with his numerous conquests and wanted to conquer more. And so he went up against a queen, and pursued to take her land and people from her. Even when the queen told him to quit, he knew of no such words and just enraged her. This was where Cyrus the Great met his demise. One act of arrogance undid all his other works, and his empire fell.

Cyrus is an example of someone who did not follow the law; he did not stop with his other many victories. Though it is important when crushing enemies to either crush them completely or to leave them alone entirely, because leaving an enemy half beaten will foster bitterness and revenge. But, when do we know when something is overreaching? Can’t people aim for something higher and focus on that to achieve it? When do we really know when it is time to stop?

An example of a follower of the law, who was able to achieve her goal and become even greater, was Madame de Pompadour, a great woman who kept changing her strategy in order to keep her role as the king’s mistress. She knew that the king bore easily, so she always had a plan to keep him entertained. When the king became unsatisfied with her in bed, she just encouraged the king to set up a brothel. Younger and prettier women at the king’s disposal would entertain him, but would never be able to replace her with the charm and sophistication she had.

Madame de Pompadour always kept her goal in mind, and never stepped beyond her boundaries as a mistress. She became even more cunning and strategic after her moment of triumph. She never flaunted her good fortune, and she dealt with her enemies not by fighting them, but with extreme politeness, charm, and grace, she was able to win her enemies over. This made her even more famous and able to keep her position longer than any other mistress.

For us to keep the victory we’ve obtained, we must be like Madame de Pompadour who succeeded in her plans, because she created the rhythm in which people played into; she constantly changed her pattern, which kept her enemies off balance and making it harder for them to predict her motives. She was cautious not to repeat same thing, because she knew it would bore the king, but was also cautious not to make aggressive moves, than could cause her disfavor. Most importantly, she was able to keep her power by combining cunningness and strategy by recognizing the role of luck in the circumstances she had.

-Marykris P. Uy

HI 18 - O

Reflection on the 44th Law of Power: Disarm and Infuriate with the Mirror Effect

2008-08-04T08:36:00.000-07:00

Dino Tariman – 074248

Pleased to See YourSELF?

Everyday I meet lots of people, from the moment I wake up, go to school, attend classes until I reach back home. Lots of people, lots of personalities and surely a variety of interests. Some are serious, others are wacky or silly, while others ... well, just about any kind of personality imaginable. I too, along with others, am a unique personality with my own desires and motives.

Just like what Greene said, mirroring the other makes the other see himself and hence develop a certain fondness of his reflection. Since I got his confidence in me after a hard time of pretending that we have the same interests, I get access to his mini library and able to get his help whenever needed. We don't argue often because he sees me as a friend. It is quite a favor actually because he likes to counter argue many of the interests my real friends have.

Greene was right that others will love seeing themselves in other persons. He calles this the “Narcissus Effect.” Personally, I think it stems from a disillusioned appreciation that there is someone who wants to be like you. Especially in my case, he knew already that we won't make great friends due to our personalities but I showed him that I am interested in what he is interested. In doing so, I got the weak side of him and am now able to manipulate him into supporting my goals.

Greene also adds that some of the effect of this “mirroring” is the “Neutralizing Effect” which is basically baffling the other because the other can't see your true motives because the other is blinded by you mimicry. Another is that of the “Moralizing Effect” which is, in short, a way of correcting the other by making the other feel the bad side of his actions. This is a particularly effective way of teaching someone because it allows the other to experience the bad consequences of his actions. Lastly, mirroring the other disguises you from very observant eyes because the similarity of both (you and the other) confuses the observer making it harder to determine who did what. This Greene calls this last effect as the “Hallucinatory Effect.”

I also think that it stems from the concept of utang na loob. My “friend” will try his best not to fight with me for the sake of the friendship that has already developed. The “friend” will make efforts to repay the acts of kindness I showed him. Especially here in the context of Filipino culture, many sees these little acts of kindness as personal favors. Perhaps people are motivated to feel indebted because it's not everyday that they are appreciated for who they really are.

However, I must say that this mimicry is very hard to do because the “copy”, can only be an unfaithful copy of the original. It is, perhaps, not the wisest move but it definitely can produce the desired results. Therefore for me, mimicry is an art to master and it begins by knowing your enemy.

Law 22: Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness Into Power

2008-08-04T08:35:00.000-07:00

Weakness and power, by definitions, should be opposing each other. These two concepts are yin and yang. Power fears weakness, and weakness desires power. Imagine my surprise when I read my Law - the Law that put these two concepts on the same side.

Weakness, says Robert Greene, can actually be a powerful thing when used properly. He says that sometimes giving up can be to your advantage, because if you bide your time after your surrender, you can resurface more powerful than your opponent. Of course, it's not instantaneous. The price is that you tolerate your opponent lording over you for a while - days, months, years, who knows - until such time that he thinks he's got you eating out of the palm of his hand... When in truth, you know that you're the one who's got him eating at the palm of your hand. What he doesn't know is that, while he was busy flaunting the fact that he's won over you, you were observing him for his weaknesses. And the thing is, his growing pride and head of hot air becomes weakness enough for you to succeed at least halfway.

I especially liked that anecdote about Voltaire.

"Voltaire was in exile in London at a time when anti-French sentiment was at its highest. One day walking through the streets, he found himself surrounded by an angry crowd. "Hang him. Hang the Frenchman," they yelled. Voltaire calmly addressed the mob with the following words: "Men of England! You wish to kill me because I am a Frenchman. Am I not punished enough in not being born an Englishman?" The crowd cheered his thoughtful words, and escorted him safely back to his lodgings."

- The Little Brown Book of Anecdotes, Clifton Fadiman, 1985

Clearly, the English had been had. I thought, 'Were they that passionately patriotic to actually buy such a statement?' - and it occurred to me, that perhaps they were, at that time, and Voltaire knew it. He played to their desire, the desire to be superior (which proves to be a weakness of some sort), and he succeeded.

I acknowledge that using the surrender tactic will take discipline. You might ask, 'What? Discipline? Isn't it disappointing enough to take that walk of shame of surrender? Now I need discipline to make it work?' Frankly, yes. You'll need discipline so that you don't lose your cool when your superior is ROFL His FAO about how he's.. well.. your superior. You'll need discipline to bide your time, and to know when your superior is at his weakest, most vulnerable moment. You'll need discipline to read his actions carefully to even know what his weaknesses are. Discipline, and a whole lot of wit and cunning.

Makes you wonder, doesn't it? I don't know about you, but it made me wonder about one thing: You know how sometimes you think you get away with "crazy" things behind your parents' backs, because they don't react on it when you get home? What if they actually DO know, and are just biding their time to ground you? How to get out of that one...

Krizia Cureg, Hi18 O

Law 36: DISDAIN THINGS YOU CANNOT HAVE: IGNORING THEM IS THE BEST REVENGE

2008-08-04T08:34:00.001-07:00

Sometimes the best thing to do in a situation is to not do anything at all. Making a big deal out of a petty problem just fuels it and turns it into something worse. If we let ourselves be bothered by something, it will just drag us down. This is basically what law 36 is trying to convey.

Often times, those that we desire the most in life are those that we can’t seem to grab a hold on. The more we want something the more we chase after it. With this, we end up being controlled by our desires turning us into a pathetic person. In order to prevent this from happening, all that is needed to be done is to turn our back to what we want and show our contempt and disdain because by doing so we can drive our targets crazy.

Almost the same goes in dealing with our enemies, the more we pay attention to them the stronger they become. This is because we acknowledge them by making a big deal out of them and the more we do so, the more open we are to their influence making us the weaker ones. The best way to deal with this is to choose to ignore them and before we know it, they’ll be playing by our rules, blinded by their desires to have an effect on us.

When we’re faced with a problem, showing how much concern and anxiety it is causing us will only worsen things up. Instead of doing that, this law suggests that in dealing with such problems, it is better to play the contemptuous aristocrat and not acknowledge the existence of the problem. There are several ways we can carry out this strategy:

The sour-grapes approach – when there is something you want but you cannot have, it is best to not show your disappointment by complaining about it. Instead, act as if it never really interested you. That’s the tactic of the powerful.

When you’re attacked by an inferior, show that the attack has not even taken a toll on you let alone concerned you. The same goes when dealing with a blunder. The best response is to treat it lightly as if your mistake wasn’t much of a big thing to worry about.

Warning:

This tactic may back fire among equals: Being indifferent can make people misjudge you as insensitive.

But with a master, it can have a great effect if done decisively: you’ll be able to avoid his angry response, save him the time and effort of brooding over it, and he’ll be able to show his good nature.

Making excuses and denials will only make situations worse. It is wiser to play things the opposite way as suggested in the strategy.

A lot of powerful people in the past have used this law to maintain their supremacy over others. For those who weren’t wise enough to do so only ended up wasting their time and energy getting played into the hands of their target.

In playing the card of contempt, one needs to be careful and delicate on matters. Most small troubles vanish when left alone but there are still some that will grow unless we deal with them. Developing the skill to sense problems and to distinguish between the disastrous ones from the mild ones is essential to be able to effectively deal with them. We just have to remember to never completely take our eyes off the problem for a spark can just happen at any moment if we let our guard down.

Sharleen Ong Chiong

HI 18 - O

Law 32: Play to People’s Fantasies

2008-08-04T08:33:00.001-07:00

Law 32, “Play to People’s Fantasies”, talks about how one can gain power by promising the something incredible to people who are willing to believe in it due to ignorance and false hope. Their own fantasies blind them from seeing the true and harsh truth behind their lives. As said in the book, “Change is slow and gradual. It requires hard work, a bit of luck, a fair amount of self-sacrifice, and a lot of patience.” With these thoughts of ignorance and false hopes, however, it would be very easy to manipulate men. Many people would like to believe in doing things the easy way- where no amount of blood and sweat is needed since the only thing you truly need is luck. But in reality, how lucky can you really get in this life? Lucky situations without manipulation are very rare. This kind of situation is very seen even in history.

Caesar, Crassus and Pompey wanted to expand their political power by reforming the tribunate of the people. However, due to the conflict between Crassus and Pompey for their belief that they are increasing their popularity at the expense of the other, Caesar found the way into playing their fantasies by giving them positions next to his. He was able to become consul due to their combined influence and wealth.

This power, however, requires extreme caution. There is no telling when people will be oblivious to your plan. If you plan to control this power, you must keep the people suspended in their fantasy. Keep your distance, play it safe. Can you control this power?

-Alan Mamonluk, IIBS MIS

LAW 19: KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH-- DO NOT OFFEND THE WRONG PERSON

2008-08-04T08:31:00.000-07:00

In the early part of the 13^th century, Muhammad, the shah of Khwarezm, managed to build a huge empire and its center was the great Asian capital of Samarkand.

In 1912, Genghis Khan, the leader of the Mongol empire (then, was a small but growing empire) wanted to reopen the Silk Route to Europe and offered to share it with Muhammad, while promising peace between the two empires. So, Khan sent him (Muhammad) an embassy which includes all sorts of Mongol’s finest goods, which in turn, it seemed to him, an extreme act of arrogance, to try to talk as an equal to one so clearly his superior. Muhammad rejected Khan’s offer.

Khan tried again, this time, sent a caravan of a hundred camels filled with Mongol’s finest and rarest articles. But then, before the caravan reached Muhammad, the leaders of the caravan wee executed.

Khan sent another caravan to reiterate his offer, thinking the execution of the former caravan leaders was a mistake. This time, Muhammad himself had one of the ambassadors beheaded, and sent the other two back with shaved heads—a horrifying insult in the Mongol code of honor.

Khan declared war and was able to seize Samarkand and other parts of the empire. Muhammad fled and died. His vast empire died with him. With that, Genghis Khan was sole master of Samarkand, the Silk Route and the rest of northern Asia.

***

If only Muhammad knew how to deal with a man like Khan, he may not have faced such misfortune.

There are many different kinds of people and you must deal with them differently. But, before you could, you must first make certain distinctions—distinguish the wolves from the lambs, the foxes from the hares. Being able to recognize types of people and to act accordingly is critical. The 19^th law of power gives us these classifications:

The Arrogant and Proud Man

This man’s touchy pride makes him dangerous. The Muhammad-Khan story above is an example. Be careful not to insult this man in any way, they may overwhelm you with a violence that is so sudden and extreme. If at any point, in your dealings with this person you sense an oversensitive and overactive pride, flee.

The Hopelessly Insecure Man

All people have insecurities, and often the best way to deceive them is to play upon their insecurities. But then, those people who are decidedly more insecure than average presents great danger. Be warned: his ego is fragile and practice of trickery of any sort on this man should be given a second thought. This man will attack you in bites that will take forever to get big enough for you to notice. Study your mark well.

Mr. Suspicion

Mr. Suspicion is in fact the least dangerous (if compared to the two above). Even so, be careful, for this man usually sees the worst in other people. He imagines that everyone is after him. Play on his suspicious nature to your advantage. But if you become this man’s target, watch out.

The Serpent with a Long Memory

If deceived, this man will show no anger on the façade; he waits and calculates. Then, when he is in the position to turn the tables, his revenge is marked by a cold-blooded shrewdness. Be extra cautious of this snake, and if you have hurt him, either crush him completely or get him out of your sight.

The Plain Unassuming and often Unintelligent Man

This man is a tempting victim for deception. But, this man is a lot harder to deceive than you imagine. This man does not even possess enough imagination to be tricked. The danger with this man is not that he will harm you or seek revenge, but merely he will waste your time, energy, resources, and even your sanity, in trying to deceive him. Continue at your own risk.

The ability to measure people and to know who you’re dealing with is the most important skill you must have in conserving power. Dealing with people blindly will cause you to live your life in constant sorrow, if you even live that long. Study people’s weaknesses and insecurities and learn how to play with it. But take extra caution in measuring people. Never rely on your instincts in judging, for you may commit the greatest mistake in your life. Also, never base your judgment on one’s appearance. He could be a wolf in a sheep’s clothing. Lastly, choose your opponents and victims carefully—in that way, you can reduce possibilities of offending or deceiving the wrong person.

Katherine Joy L. Conde

Ii AB MEC

Hi18 Sec O

Law #15 Crush Your Enemy Totally

2008-08-04T08:30:00.002-07:00

Revenge is sweet, they say. It is a fountain for the vindictive, a tonic for the beleaguered. That revenge has changed the course of history is a fact for since times past, a number of personages have been involved in this deed of vengeance.

Mary Queen of Scots was said to have articulated, “No more tears now; I will think upon revenge.” This she said after the murder of her secretary, David Rizzio on 1566. The murder was orchestrated by an opposing faction led by her husband, Lord Danley. The following year, Lord Danley was found murdered. In the same way, sometime in the 19^th century, Cornelius Vanderbilt, an American industrialist, wrote a letter to his former business associates that read, “You have undertaken to cheat me. I won't sue you, for the law is too slow. I'll ruin you.”

We all want a sense of security – security from imbalance, chaos and adversity. It is, however, a fact that we cannot acquire such surety as long as our enemies exist – they who plot against us, who plan our demise. The revenge of our challengers can be a frightful thing, especially when they have been afforded time to prepare for the next confrontation.

According to Robert Greene, “…the only peace and security you can hope for from your enemies is their disappearance.” Total annihilation of our adversaries is key then, as Law #15 tells us. Anytime we acquire the opportunity, unreserved obliteration is essential. This way any hatred an enemy may be brewing will not turn into retribution that may ultimately be the root of our downfall.

But then when we ponder in the few prized moments we reflect on life, we are made to realize the appropriateness of this law with regards to Christian morals which value compassion, mercy, and forgiveness. In this day and age, being a ruthless power player is unlike being one in the past, when homicide was not as abhorrent in the eyes of society. We may not kill our enemies like we kill animals for domesticity – it is now against the law. Total attainment of power is repressed as moral beliefs prevent us from being like Wu Chao, Empress of China, who killed even the flesh of her flesh to attain the position of power she held for years or like Liu Pang, who put a bounty on the head of his former friend, Hsiang Yu, indirectly bringing about his tragic death.

I now inquire everyone: Is power worth more than good associations with others? Is it worth crushing our fellow men, be they friends or enemies, knowing the already established moral tenets of society?

~ Joselle R. Feliciano

Hi18 Sec N

Law 27: Play on the People’s Need to Believe to Create a Cultlike following

2008-08-04T08:30:00.001-07:00

Simply being a member of a group gives one a certain feeling of oneness, exclusivity, belongingness and appreciation. Think of all the times when you are alone and when you are in a group, is there a huge discrepancy in how you act and how you think? Given this scenario in your head, perhaps you will agree with me that it is not at all surpising that there is that tendency of people to act differently or sometimes even ‘out-of-character’, when they are with other people. There is something in us that when we are in a group we experience reality differently. When in a group, we may laugh our hearts out at something that we initially, on our own, thought was annoyingly corny. Maybe our role as relational beings can explain these changes we experience when we are with other people. We have that tendency to transform when we are with other people. There is that poteniality for a heightened emotional vulnerabiltiy, irrationality, blind confidence and the like. Whatever the case maybe, the reality of it is simple; being in a group influences our behavior, our way of thinking and our ability to manage our emotions. If this is how a much the group we are in influences our way of thinking and our way of acting towards our environment, just think of how much a cult, a devotion to someone or to an object, may influence who we are and how we act.

Why is it that cults, despite the claim of the modern generation of having intellectual maturity, are still very much present in our modern world? No matter how ridiculous a practice of a cult may be, people still join and take part of their out-of-this-world rituals. A good example of what I’m talking about is the example given in the chapter regarding Giuseppe Borri. Giuseppe Borri formed a group from which he demanded the members to observe the strictest vow of poverty. All the goods and the money they posses were handed over to him. He accomplish this by saying, “I shall soon ring my chemical studies to a happy conclusion by the discovery of the philosopher’s stone and by this means we shall all have as much gold as we desire.” Isn’t it brillant? From an outsider’s point of view, we see how prone people are in believing this kind of nonsense. Imagine, giving your money and your possessions without much assurance of the things promised to you? Again, brillantly done. He recognized the need of the people to believe in something and he played with their vulnerable desire. He was able to generate so much power from the weakness of the people that he was able to do whatever he wanted. Given these things, we can now ask, why did these people believe and follow these aimless promises? How did their head/ leader achieve such power of control over their followers?

Law 27 gives 5 steps in order for us to gain power through the building of groups/ cults.

Step 1: Keep it Vague, Keep it Simple.

This step tells us that in order to create a cult we must be able to attract attention. And this is done through the use of orality or the use of words. Words unlike actions are hazy and deceptive; you can use words that will give them reason to join you and what they will get if they join you. But you can never be too specific, always keep the mystery blanket up so your members will always make their own interpretations on what’s going to happen and on what they are going to get from joining you.

Step 2: Emphasize the Visual and the Sensual over the Intellectual.

What’s more interesting watching a funny Japanese prank on YouTube or reading about the same Japanese prank on Wikipedia? I suppose you would say watching it on YouTube. It works the same way here; boredom and skepticism are two of your worst enemies. You have to amuse them all the time and the best way to do this is to appeal to their 5 senses.

Step 3: Borrow the Forms of Organized Religion to Structure your Group.

You have to have order in your cult. Create practices and rituals that will bin your group together. You should have a hierarchy of some sort so that your position as head would be recognized by everyone. Talk and act to them like a prophet to emphasize your group’s quasi-religious nature.

Step 4: Disguise your Source of Income.

You must never be seen as hungry for money and the power it brings; by disguising the source of income you give them no reason to doubt you. Make them feel that your wealth comes from their pockets but from the truth of your methods. And by following your methods, make them feel that someday they will achieve the wealth that you have.

Step 5: Set Up an Us-Versus-Them Dynamic.

Make your followers believe that they are part of an exclusive group. You do this by invent an idea that an opposing group is trying to ruin you and your followers. This will strengthen what they believe in and if they really believe in you, will do anything to stop them.

This psychological manipulation suggested by the 5 steps presented allows us to see how we, as humans, think and behave when in a presence of a group and a ‘powerful’ dictator. There a certain vulernabiliity in us that is played with. We become gullible to the irrational ways of explaining reality. We let go of our logical reasoning and become easily persuade by what we see, feel, touch, smell and taste. We lose our reasoning and intellectual maturity. This happens because there is that desire in us to experience life in a greater fashion. We thrive for mysteries that life brings. This gives us a break from the monotony that we experience. Mysteries give us a sense that there is more to life than what is already there. I do not believe that these people follow simply because they were attracted. Yes, they were attracted but they were attracted by the novelty that each cult brings to their lives. There is a sense of difference, exotiscm and excitement that these cults bring to the people. People follow because this gives them a break from the boredom or the problems that they are experiencing their own lives.

So if you want to gain power in this world, play with this weakness of the human being, the need to believe. With this, you will achieve the power you are looking for.

Mico Fernandez

Law 11: Learn to Keep People Dependent on You

2008-08-04T08:29:00.001-07:00

Learn to keep people dependent on you. By making people dependent on you, you gain extra arms on your cause, and in the long run gain power. As Machiavelli mentioned in The Prince,:

[B]y arming [your subjects], those arms become yours, those men who were distrusted become faithful, and those who were faithful are kept so, and your subjects become your adherents.

Perhaps one good example is Charlie Wilson’s life. It was the late 1970s. The USSR invaded Afghanistan and many Afghans, including the Afghan resistance called Mujahideen, fled out of Afghanistan or were killed. They lacked sophisticated weaponry, which enabled the onslaught of USSR forces, and the loss of countless lives. The Cold war was still at hand and both the United States and USSR were both bent on winning. And this is where Charlie Wilson, a member of the US House of Representatives, entered the picture.

Charlie Wilson made a pitch to fund the CIA’s covert operations of supplying the Mujahideen weaponries sophisticated enough to make a good stand against the Soviets, at the very least. By making the Afghans dependent on the United States’ support, Charlie Wilson made a new ally out of a seemingly weak force, which eventually served to benefit the United States as the Cold War progressed. Eventually, the Soviets withdrew its forces in Afghanistan, and the USSR crumbled some years later.

You are not limited as well as to make dependent the weak. You can also make dependent the powerful, influential people as well. Michelangelo, for example, made Pope Julius II dependent on him, where the latter, though obviously irritated at the slow pace of Michelangelo’s magnum opus, had no choice but to continue on depending on his services to see the completion of the Sistine chapel frescoes. Michelangelo can always have a new patron, but Pope Julius II can never replace Michelangelo. Make yourself like Michelangelo to Pope Julius II, the same way as the US to the Afghan Resistance. Make yourself ‘irreplaceable’, so that while others depend on you, you sustain power. Your ability to sustain other people’s dependence on you places you in a unique and powerful position to demand and expect things and favors in return for your virtue (reliability), ultimately giving you control over your “dependents,” while rendering you indispensable to them.

Of course, one has to sustain this kind of relationship in order to sustain power. Going back to the Charlie Wilson story, after the troop pull-out of the soviets in Afghanistan in the late-1980s, the United States pulled-out its resources as well in Afghanistan. Humanitarian aid was not given, despite calls of Charlie Wilson on giving such aid to Afghanistan. Think about this: if the United States were able to give such support to the Afghans in the late 1980s, and have sustained the dependence of Afghanistan to the US, would there be a rise of the group called Taliban?

---

Ian Christian Ver P. Cadeliña

PS: If interested to learn more about the life of Charlie Wilson, consider watching the released movie about him, entitled "Charlie Wilson's War".

LAW 27: PLAY ON PEOPLE’S NEED TO BELIEVE TO CREATE A CULTLIKE FOLLOWING

2008-08-04T08:27:00.002-07:00

People have a need to have something or someone to believe in. This results in a belief system that they can devote themselves entirely. Also remember that people are interested in things that are mostly supernatural or fantasy.

Law 27 explains that anyone can create a cult as long as they follow five easy steps:

Keep it Vague; Keep it Simple.

Emphasize the Visual and the Sensual over the Intellectual.

Borrow the forms of organized Religion to structure the Group

Disguise your source of income

Set-up an Us-Versus-Them Dynamic

In short, these steps prevent the people from really thinking and being skeptics. People are entranced by the promise of receiving greatness from their leader by the things they are asked to follow or do. These steps create a mist of lies that are seen as true and concrete things by the followers. The law forces the people to turn to worshipping false idols, which from a Christian perspective, is a grave sin.

One instance in which this law is depicted is from the historical context. In 1653, Francesco Borri told everyone with great enthusiasm and elaboration that the archangel Michael had given him the power to see people’s souls. The people were swayed by his convincing speech that they began to follow him.

This law takes advantage of the fact that the more people involved, the easier it is for one person to be swayed by the thoughts of others in the group. “Before God we are all equally wise - and equally foolish.” - Albert Einstein

Maria Alexis D. Salaveria

Law 8: Make Other People Come to You - Use Bait if Necessary

2008-08-04T08:27:00.001-07:00

This law, I believe is perhaps one of the most versatile and happily satisfying laws, mentioned in the book. Why? It is a law for destined victors, entailing the various levels of manipulation and exertion of control over others. Though very simple sounding, and may seem like a law for lazy bums, the implications of making others come to you, benefit you in more ways than you may believe.

Its all about control and manipulation.

Why spend so much energy in looking for the opportune moment of victory, when you can have others reveal it to you themselves?

As was the ever dangerous and powerful Napoleon. Baited, taunted at the Isle of Elba, Napoleon, in his exile, practically ran himself to defeat at Waterloo. Forcing an already bankrupt France into a costly campaign at his return, Napoleon destroyed his chances of ever rising into power again.

And of course, to be able to fell such a great man, Talleyrand, orchestrated an elaborate trap, setting the bait, playing on Napoleon's pride, creating the illusion of an easy vengeance, while having full control of the environment, that finally brought the great beast to its knees.

But it does not limit itself to combat or war. A person who commands the attention and the presence of others, commands reverence and respect. It is same in the sense that an orator who gets flocked by numerous people, is easier to take seriously, than one who goes around looking for his audience.

You really just have to know what kind of bait you're going to prepare.

Know your target, find that bait you just know they can't resist. Be it a promise of conquest, revenge, welfare, riches, safety or love.

And watch as they slowly come to you and walk right into the palm of your hands. Its as if they pick up and attach the strings themselves. Make them believe that they are in control, make them think that they have the opportunity to strike.

All you have to do is wait and keep yourself safe within your home and watch as everyone becomes your eager quarry.

Mark Bantayan
II BS MIS
Hi18 N

Law 22: USE THE SURRENDER TACTIC: TRANSFORM WEAKNESS INTO POWER

2008-08-04T08:25:00.000-07:00

How do you escape a bear attack?

Play dead or lay motionless on the ground
Pretend you are Steve Irwin and wrestle the animal
Run home crying to your mother

Law 22 says: Option A

Why option A? The most probable reason bears have for attacking you is self-defense. A male bear will attack if it believes you are intruding on his personal space. A female bear will attack you if she identifies you as a danger to her cubs. If you lie still, the bear will be less likely to attack you. You will not be a threat to the bear.. You can scamper off to the safety of your La-Z-Boy later.

Law 22 states that if you are the weaker party in a struggle for power, your best chance for survival is surrender. Surrender doesn’t mean giving up the fight.. To your enemy, it will seem like you have granted him victory. In reality, you have done three things: A) bought yourself time to formulate an exit strategy B) irritated your enemy by not giving him the fight he expected you to put up, and C) initiated the wait for his power over you to wane. If you are weak and decide to meet your enemy with aggression, you give him the satisfaction of bloodying you with defeat. If you meet him with arms raised, either he will be more amenable or he will be unsettled. YOUR SURRENDER IS NOW A TOOL OF POWER.

The Problem with Martyrdom

The reversal of surrender is martyrdom. Martyrdom is a passive-aggressive way to deal with your enemy. It is like saying that you would rather die than switch loyalties. But, the problem with dying for a cause you support is that you don’t instantly gain the renown of Joan of Arc or Lorenzo Ruiz. Dying for something you believe in doesn’t mean you’ll instantly strike inspiration in the hearts of people. Your death will not always mean something great. Imagine all the people who have died fighting for a cause. There are millions of them, yet they are nameless to us.

When you face the enemy and decide to take the path of martyrdom, that’s it for you. There is no Plan B, in case Plan A goes up in smoke. If you choose to use surrender as a tool, you will live on to exact revenge on those that smote you. If you choose to live, you can see your plan through. If you surrender and live on, there’s a good chance you’ll get the upper hand back if you play your cards right.

-Camille Martinez

LAW7: GET OTHERS TO DO THE WORK FOR YOU, BUT ALWAYS TAKE THE CREDIT

2008-08-04T08:21:00.000-07:00

According to the book, this law states that in order to maximize your success in a span of a lifetime, you must master the art of manipulation— having others do the dirty work for you and giving them little or no real incentive. This makes you capable of taking full advantage of others’ wisdom, knowledge, and legwork to further your own cause. It will save you a lot of time and energy to accomplish various tasks, leading you to receive more than you deserve and resulting in your gaining of a godlike aura of speed and efficiency.

This law actually encourages people to act like vultures. An animal that survives the jungle’s dire setting through devouring the animals that another predator or that nature had killed, thus obtaining nourishment from the fruits of another animals’ labor. All he needs to do is to acquire patience to circle above the jungle and wait for his prey.

Moreover, in order to be on top of others, you must learn not to complain about the injustice happening in our society. Doing such will not only render you helpless, but also leave you impoverished. Rather, learn how to thrive off of others’ skills and creativity. It is better to protect yourself and join the game. You only need to establish a power base and become a vulture yourself. Find people with the skills and creativity you lack to work under you and make them believe that their receiving enough while you simply take the credit from their work.

In the Philippine setting, this law is most apparent in our ways of doing business. Take for example the rise of “networking” here in our country. In this kind of business, there are two ways of earning money. First, you earn money by selling the products offered by your company. Second, you earn money through recruiting people who will work under you by recruiting other people while offering them a certain amount of incentive, much similar to the commission you get. In this business, you will earn more by recruiting people: the more you recruit, the more you earn. In addition, you obtain money from these people’s hard work. If you motivate them well enough and convince them that recruiting other people will also do them good, you will gain more. Once you establish a good foundation, you can just bum around and still be filthy rich.

Never do yourself what others can do for you…

Authority: There is much to be known, life is short, and life is not life without knowledge. It is therefore an excellent device to acquire knowledge from everybody. Thus, by the sweat of another’s brow, you win the reputation of being an oracle.

-Baltasar Gracian, 1501 - 1658

Sean Paul Baldemeca HI18 - N

Law 17: Keep others in suspended terror: Cultivate an air of unpredictability

2008-07-29T03:57:00.000-07:00

Today, we live in a world that revolves and worships the idea of a "structure". We thrive on structures, we thrive on plans, we thrive on knowing things before they even happen. In a way, this is good. It allows us to build serenity. Society today has forsaken the beauty of imagination and succumbed to the stoic rule of law, leaving us to the monotony and unimaginative way of modern life.

So, it's to no surprise that one of the laws of power involves shaking things up a bit. Spontaneity, imagination, originality, capriciousness. These are all things that welcome power in a person. How do you think did Bobby Fischer beat Boris Spassky for the World Chess Championship? Certainly not by subscribing to a single strategy, because Spassky was an anticipator; he bases his strategy on his opponent's. Fischer understood this, and knew then on that the way to beat Spassky was to be spontaneous. How can a reactive opponent beat you when there's nothing to react upon?

But one must be careful. As Aristotle will lecture us about the virtue of the mean, anything in excess will always be wrong. Become too spontaneous and you may be mistaken to be indecisive or worse, mentally ill. That's what we get for living in a society bereft of imagination, after all. In lieu of things we do not understand, we turn to the expert positivists to provide an immediate answer.

The point is this: People today have a need to understand things. In a way, that's the only thing they worry about. Somehow, we have all come to this illusion of positivism (that everything has a purpose). People today need to KNOW, otherwise they panic. And when they panic, it's people like Bobby Fischer who suddenly shine, because they know that there are certain things that just need to be DONE.

It's a lot like what the Joker mentions to Harvey Dent in the hospital. "Introduce a little Anarchy". In a way, the Joker is an embodiment of the 17th law of power. Because of his volatile nature, his unpredictability, and his lack of a true "nature", the Batman could never anticipate the Joker's next move, because the Batman was someone who deduced someone's nature or purpose first, then acted. Meanwhile, the Joker simply wanted to see the world burn.

"See, this is what happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object."

Leiron Conrad T. Martija

LAW #30: "Make your accomplishments seem effortless."

2008-07-29T03:56:00.000-07:00

Your actions must seem natural and executed with ease. All the toil and practice that go into them, and also the clever tricks, must be concealed. When you act, act effortlessly, as if you could do much more. Avoid the temptation of revealing how hard you work--it only raises questions. Teach no one your tricks or they will be used against you.

Do not let other people see the sweat and hard work you have put in a specific task. Some people believe that such an exposure will be proof of their greatness, but this action really entails the weakness of the person. This will only make other people realize that what you have accomplished is something that they, too, can do. Keeping your clever tricks under wraps will make you very admirably, if not godly. "Keep your effort and your tricks to yourself and you seem to have the grace and ease of a god. One never sees the source of a god's power revealed; one only sees its effects."

In my opinion, it is a demonstration of a very Filipino trait when we expose to others the hard work that we had exerted into a specific task. We need so much the recognition of our peers, for us to be well-known and renowned for something that we had done. But such an action could lead to our very own downfall, or our seeming "not powerful" at all--this will result into other people knowing what we are capable of doing, and this will entail their knowing of what they can do as well. With such an event, our hopes of seeming powerful in our own right has its sole purpose defeated.

As a student, which do you prefer: revealing everything you're capable of doing, as well as all the hard work that you have so exerted in the hopes of completing them? Or do you prefer to just "hide" behind an air of mystery that will just make other people want to anticipate what your next action will be? :)

*end of blog entry*

Kiara Faye B. Lagrisola

Law 26: Keep Your Hands Clean

2008-07-29T03:55:00.000-07:00

Certain events in history show us that the most powerful people are those who seem to have a spotless reputation. People with a good reputation are easily loved by his/her constituents, therefore giving him/her greater power over them.

But then again, powerful people are STILL people. Therefore, they definitely aren’t excluded from major lapses of judgment which, if revealed to the public, would easily lead to the downfall of a once powerful people.

Don’t fret, people. There is a way to keep an untarnished and God-like reputation even if we all make mistakes. It’s just as simple as using others to your advantage, making them your scapegoats and cat’s paws.

Before we move on, let us first define what scapegoats and cat’s paws are. Scapegoats are people to whom the blame is given to whenever you commit a mistake. On the other hand, cat’s paws are people who are manipulated to do the dirty work, just so you would still be the kind and peaceful ruler of the people.

One of the people who used the tactic of using people as cat’s paws is Cleopatra, probably the most famous ruler of Egypt. Contrary to popular thought, Cleopatra didn’t really seduce both Julius Caesar and Marc Antony. Instead, she cleverly manipulated the two men to her advantage, making them her cat’s paws. Her seductive charms may have been part of the package, but her wit eventually made her achieve what she wanted.

This tactic may be a useful tool, but, when overused, will have negative repercussions on you. Remember, subtlety is key. As cliché as it may seem, anything in excess is bad. Therefore, we have to remember that apology is the best way to go at times, don’t you think?

Pauline Purugganan
Hi18-N

Law 20

2008-07-29T03:54:00.000-07:00

A commitment brings about a sense of loyalty of one side. Often times, on committing to one side, we may never know what it is on the other side and often as well ended up on arguments on which we really do not much deserve but forced to be due to commitment. On some scenarios however, the 20th law of power seems to appropriate to be used. The 20th law of power suggests the lack of commitment but gain from the better option of two sides of the conflict. That way, one can be free from unnecessary conflicts and gain total control; it’s a win-win situation. Nothing to lose. Take Elizabeth I for example, she knew that siding with one of the states in Europe (on French, Flemish, Spanish and others) will spell doom as she will be at war because of her allies. All men tried to court her, she kept their hopes up but she answered to none. She kept on doing this until she died but in doing so left England safe from all unnecessary wars. Being neutral in this sense doesn’t mean being isolated from everything that is happening outside rather it only means that one has a clear view of the scenario and getting the best out of the two sides. This law however must be exercised with caution because when taken it too far, instead of pleasing both sides, they will take turn it against you and will allied themselves in the process of eliminating. In performing this law, just make sure to keep the excited and keep your emotions at your bay as to be aware of the mission at hand; of independence to oneself and commitment.

Jose Antonio Lopez

Law 16: Use Absence to Increase Honor and Respect

2008-07-29T03:53:00.001-07:00

When a person dies, only good things are told of him. No funeral is complete without a eulogy in praise of one’s achievements in life. One however, does not have to wait for that day to enjoy the adulation of others. One only has to know the truth of law of absence and presence and skillfully employ it.

The sixteenth Law of Power emphasizes the use of absence to increase respect and honor. When a person has become too present, feelings of suffocation may arise, as in a relationship. Constantly being around stifles the imagination and excitement—there is no room to grow, nothing new to look forward to. Your loved one knowing everything about you early in the relationship might not be something to be happy about. What do you think? If so, how should one go about a relationship then?

This law also states that value can be created through scarcity. A rare jewel is priceless because of the fact that it is difficult to obtain. It’s the same with people. When one is constantly around, he becomes common, even something to resent.

However, one does not create absence at just anytime. This law can only be successfully realized when one’s presence has already been established. After all, you can’t miss something you don’t even know about, right? Deioces of Medea had realized this by first making a name for himself as an honorable, wise and just judge. It was at the height of his power that he completely withdrew from the justice scene. He made himself scarce, and because his skills were suddenly no longer available to people, they came begging for his rule. Had he withdrawn himself sooner, he would have only been forgotten, even resented. But what happens after that? What ways can you think of to keep interest or respect after the whole disappearing act?

There is an art of knowing when to retire. Observance of this law is like creating a kind of death before death and a kind of resurrection upon return. Establish your presence then, to avoid becoming someone common or taken for granted, know when to withdraw.
Yay, or nay? What are your thoughts? :D

<3 Patty Geollegue

LAW 33: Discover Each Man's THUMBSCREW

2008-07-29T03:50:00.000-07:00

No one is invincible. Everyone has a weakness. It can either be well disguised or openly seen. What matters is that you find your enemy's weakness before he or she finds yours.

Finding one's weakness is easier said than done however. Everyone develops a psychological defense as they grow up to cover-up their weak points. It would take sly tactics and a strong set of nerves to break that defense.

Carefully examining the unconscious signals sent by your enemy is vital in finding a weak point. Pay attention to your victim's actions and see if anything can be used to your advantage. If your foe is an emotionless rock and doesn't give anything away, pretend to open up to him or her and hope that he or she opens up to you. Remember that most weaknesses develop during childhood, so try to go as far back as possible when talking to your victim.

When dealing with a group of people, make sure to go for the weakest member first, or as most call it: the weak link. Again, search for any insecurities or uncontrollable fear, and take advantage of it.

The trickery an art dealer named Joseph Duveen performed is a perfect example for this law. There was this humble woman named Arabella Huntington who was branded as a gold digger for marrying a very wealthy man. Realizing her insecurity for being wrongly perceived by society, he began courting her and getting to know her for who she really is. She loved the way Duveen treated her, so when her husband eventually passed away and left her all his riches, she used the money to buy his paintings. Duveen's plan worked perfectly. Instead of simply selling her his paintings right away, he first found her soft spot then capitalized on it.

Now before you run off and begin looking for your nemesis' thumbscrew, remember that you're doing this for power, not for the pleasure of toying with your enemy. Danger lies in losing control when pushing the wrong buttons.

So... What's your weakness? I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours!

-Marvin Velasco-

LAW 14: POSE AS A FRIEND, WORK AS A SPY

2008-07-29T03:49:00.000-07:00

This law is about knowing, gathering, and using information to your advantage. In this law, various truths and information are power. These pieces of information are important for you to know your friend or enemy. However, these kinds of information are not easy to acquire. Most people keep secrets of their weaknesses, motives, and obsessions hidden--resulting in your not being unable to predict how these people will act in the future.

There are three ways to gather or spy for information. One of which is to pretend to have a friendly front and do the spying while having the friendship. One has to suppress the intentions so the other does not doubt nor notice something weird through the duration of the relationship. If done successfully, you will have not only gain access to information; you will gain allies as well. Talleyrand, a French politician, practiced this method. He has a way of getting secrets out of people in conversations. He has the talent of hiding his thoughts and plans while making others talk about themselves and their secrets.

Another way to gather information is to have others spy for you. For this method, it is best to get people who are close to the person you are spying on and pay them to spy for you. This powerful tool can backfire when the person you are paying to spy might reveal your spying and double-cross you. In 1944, the Germans felt the reversal effect against the English when they were bombing wrong targets. The Germans relied on their spies they planted in England but the agents have been discovered and that the English-controlled agents were giving them false and deceptive information to test people. Chosroes II, king of the Persians in the seventh-century, gave a fake secret to his courtiers. If he noticed that the courtiers have been acting differently after knowing the secret, he would know the secret has been revealed and told. He then banished both courtiers for disloyalty and distrust.

With this law, you should ask yourself, if you are a true friend. Do you trust your friends? Do you think your friends trust you? Are you keeping secrets from the people around you? Why is this so?

What if you can read minds? Will you use it to check if what they say is true? Will you read the minds of your friends, family, loved ones and enemies to your advantage?

-Juan Luis A. Faylon, HI 18-N

LAW 17: Keep Others In Suspended Terror: Cultivate An Air Of Unpredictability

2008-07-29T03:46:00.000-07:00

“Unpredictability is the greatest asset a leader can have.”
–-Richard M. Nixon1

Humans like to live with the familiar, with patterns in their daily activities. When this concept of familiarity is disturbed, they are thrown into confusion and fear.

Cultivating an air of unpredictability instills confusion, tension, and fear on the people around you. They wouldn’t know how you would react or what you would do; they’ll be unnerved and literally be on their toes, unable to do nothing else but speculate and wait anxiously on how you will act and what you will do. In the process, your presence gradually becomes a threat.

In 1798, French Vice-Admiral François-Paul Brueys D'Aigalliers did not expect the Battle of the Nile to start on the night of August 1. Brueys, who studied the strategies and tactics of British Rear-Admiral Horatio Nelson, did not worry about an ambush; he and his men unhurriedly got ready for the battle for the next morning whilst Nelson gathered his most trusted men and “let each act to his own initiative.”2 The British ambushed the French. This caught the French fleet off-guard, resulting to their inability to act immediately. Thus, because of the unpredictable act the British executed, the French were defeated immediately and the latter conquered victoriously.

Besides being a “weapon of terror” (Greene), unpredictability also has a way of stirring conversation among the people around you, with you, yourself, as the topic. No matter if these conversations may be true or not, the fact remains that you are in their center of interest and attention. You become the “talk of the town”. But sometimes, unpredictability can also be the end of your power. Inconsistencies in your behavior and actions may trigger people to think you have a “serious psychic problem” (Greene), or worse, just plain indecisive, concluding you unfit to be a leader.

After all that, I want to ask you a question: even if one has accomplished a lot by being unpredictable, isn’t it still hard to follow that leader or person of power with this attribute, let alone trust him or her? Is it worth it? Think about it.

1http://www.civic-strategies.com/resources/quotes.html
2http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_the_Nile

Kira Gochuico
HI 18 N

Law 29: Plan to the very end

2008-07-27T23:27:00.001-07:00

“The ending is everything. Plan all the way to it, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles and twists of fortune that might reverse your hard work and give glory to others. By planning to the end you will not be overwhelmed by circumstances and you will know when to stop. Gently guide fortune and help determine the future by thinking far ahead.”

In events, decisions and actions man must know what limits he has. To limit what outcome he would want to achieve and understand what things may happen, both desired and undesired outcomes. Man must be able to look at both of these occurrences to be able to respond properly or act accordingly to them. For if an undesired outcome occurs and he fails to comprehend in time, act accordingly to the situation or think of the possible solutions to it he would most definitely fail in which he has planned for.

Planning to the very end does not only mean to think of it and simply have hopes for it. Planning does not only involve seeing the desired outcome but also the steps in which one must take to get to it. To plan would be the processing of an action towards a purpose. A purpose or goal or dream or desire to achieve whatever it is one wants. In order for man to do that he must plan for it in all aspects.

Man must desire something concrete something that when man has achieved, he would be satisfied. It is not so much to say that man must dream or aspire for little, but man must aspire for what he knows he can do and he will be willing to do. Bismarck of Germany aspired and planned for what he knew he would be willing to do and what he knew he was capable of doing. He planned on uniting Germany and that is exactly just what he did. He did not get lost in his pride which most men have fallen to when they accomplish something. This is when, when man achieves something, he shall aim for the next bigger thing. This may become what we may call hubris that has led to the down fall of many great men.

Ram C Hidalgo

Law 1: NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER

2008-07-27T23:17:00.002-07:00

GUIDE TO GAIN POWER AND SUCCESS

Golden Rule: “Always make those above you feel comfortably superior and brilliant”

Reminders:

1.) Always flatter, compliment and praise your master discreetly.

***Be careful of overdoing this since the master could eventually sense your deceitfulness

General Examples:

Make it seem that you need his/her help. Intentionally commit harmless mistakes which would enable you to ask for his/her assistance.

Make it seem that he/she is the ultimate source of your amusement and laughter.

2.) Keep in mind that you can unintentionally outshine a master by merely being your charming, pleasant, charismatic and graceful self. Do not go too far in displaying your talents – you might cause and draw insecurities and fear from the master. Learn effective strategies so that they would not be insecure of your exceptional qualities.

3.) If the master already respects you and treats you as a special person, do not think that you can already do anything you want. Have a sense of your limits.

4.) If the superior is already on the process of falling, do not be afraid of surpassing him. You don’t have to be merciful. Hasten his/her downfall. Estimate his power and from there, find ways to outwit him. But, if the master is already very weak, do not do anything, be patient, and let nature take its course.

Following the observance of Galileo:

Galileo, an astronomer and mathematician in the 1600s, gained support for his researches by following Law 1. He used his discovery of the 4 moons of Jupiter as a tool for honouring the Medicis’ greatness. First he made Jupiter, the mightiest of the gods, as the Medici symbol. Furthermore, he connected the reign of the Medicis to the shining and the ascending of the stars. He told them that Cosimo I was like Jupiter and his 4 brothers were the moons which were revolving around him. Because the family was greatly pleased with what they heard from Galileo, they made him his official court philosopher and mathematician with a full salary.

Avoiding the mistake of Fouqet:

After the death of the prime minister of France in 1661, Nicolas Fouqet expected to be the successor. In order to assure his victory among the others, he planned suck up to King Louis XIV by honouring him as a guest in his extravagant party. Unfortunately, his plan backfired. His huge palace, money, popularity and magnificence intimidated the King and caused him to be insecure. As a result, the King framed him. Fouqet was arrested the next day and was accused for stealing from the country’s treasury. In the end, he was found guilty by the court and spent the rest of his life imprisoned.

Explanation and basis of Golden Rule and Reminders:

Masters and superiors often want to be the center of all attention. They want to be seen as more brilliant, intelligent, creative and powerful than others. Obviously, they always want to have a great reputation. More often than not, they want to have control and supremacy over their followers. Moreover, they want to be glorified all the time.

Of course, even masters have insecurities. People can’t help to be envious and resentful on the things don’t possess. As for these superiors, they always want to have a sense security in their position and qualities.

It is in the course of nature that power will eventually fade. I am sure that you will in the future be in the shoes and exceed the powers of your master. When the time comes…..

Remember that with great power. comes great responsibility.

Marion Adalia

2 BS MGT-H

History 18 Section N