The 48 Laws of Power

Learn to stand back when the time is not yet ripe, and to strike fiercely when it has reached fruition.

Strangely enough, it is your act of kindness tiiat unbalances everything.

Friends often agree on tilings in order to avoid an argument. They cover up their unpleasant qualities so as to not offend each other. They laugh extra hard at each odier's jokes. Since honesty rarely strengthens friendship, you may never know how a friend truly feels. Friends will say that they love your poetry, adore your music, envy your taste in clothesmaybe they mean it, often they do not.

Men are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit, because gratitude is a burden and revenge a pleasure. Tacitus, c. a.d. 55-120

Reputation is the cornerstone of power.

USE ABSENCE TO INCREASE RESPECT AND HONOR

Everything is judged by its appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing.

ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY

larger than life.

Lord, protect me from my friends; I can take care of my enemies.