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.

Reputation is the cornerstone of power.

Everything is judged by its appearance; what is unseen counts for nothing. Never let yourself get lost in the

crowd, then, or buried in oblivion.

Keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions. If they have no

clue what you are up to, they cannot prepare a defense.

NEVER PUT TOO MUCH TRUST IN FRIENDS, LEARN HOW TO USE ENEMIES

Be wary of friendsthey will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical

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

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

Voltaire, 1694-1778

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