The 48 Laws of Power

by Robert Greene

Emotions cloud reason, and if you cannot see the situation clearly, you cannot prepare for and respond to it with any degree of control.

Anger is the most destructive of emotional responses, for it clouds your vision the most. It also has a ripple effect that invariably makes situations less controllable and heightens your enemy’s resolve.

You cannot succeed at deception unless you take a somewhat distanced approach to yourself—unless

If deception is the most potent weapon in your arsenal, then patience in all things is your crucial shield.

Power is a game—this cannot be repeated too often—and in games you do not judge your opponents by their intentions

but by the effect of their actions.

Half of your mastery of power comes from what you do not do, what you do not allow yourself to get dragged into.

Never discriminate as to whom you study and whom you trust. Never trust anyone completely and study everyone, including friends and loved ones.