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
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Law of Power 3: Conceal Your Intentions
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
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
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
LAW 31: CONTROL THE OPTIONS: GET OTHERS TO PLAY WITH THE CARDS YOU DEAL
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
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.
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.
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
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
"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
“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
Monday, August 4, 2008
Law 20: DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE
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
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