The prophet Muhammad, Joseph Smith (Mormonism), and even Steve Jobs all used this law. Jobs promised to "put a dent in the universe." He didn’t sell computers; he sold a rebellion against gray IBM suits.
: "Assume Formlessness" (Law 48) encourages being as flexible as water to respond to any situation. Reputation Management
Greene’s central thesis is jarring to the modern ear: Those who ignore the mechanics of power are destined to be dominated by those who understand it. The 48 Laws Of Power
The legendary card sharp, "Canada Bill" Jones, wore cheap suits and acted confused while playing poker, causing wealthy men to feel confident enough to bet their fortunes against him. He was, in reality, a mathematical genius.
Mao Zedong
Drawing on 3,000 years of history, Greene distills the wisdom (and ruthlessness) of schemers, kings, courtiers, and conquerors—from Machiavelli and Louis XIV to Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum—into 48 sharp, memorable laws. Each law is presented with a historical example of its mastery, a cautionary tale of its violation, and an "image" that locks the concept in your mind.
In a meeting, say "I don’t quite understand this clause," forcing the other party to explain their weak argument. You control them by letting them think they control you. The prophet Muhammad, Joseph Smith (Mormonism), and even
Nicolas Fouquet, Louis XIV’s finance minister, threw a lavish party to impress the king. He outshone the monarch. Fouquet was arrested shortly after and imprisoned for life.