18 Laws of Power You Weren’t Supposed to Know
I used to be very naive about power.
I thought the world was fair
and people didn’t have hidden intentions or motives.
This caused me to go through a lot of bad days.
I didn’t crave power or seek fame as many people do,
so my focus in life wasn’t to manipulate
or get people to do my bidding.
But then I realized that being naive
about power games doesn’t protect me;
it just makes me an easy target for those seeking power.
I had to learn all the power moves and games from
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
It is an excellent book, and I recommend it to everyone.
Even if you don’t seek power, this is for you
because it protects you in the corporate world.
But I would advise you never to use any of these power moves
in your relationships or with your friends.
Here are the 18 Laws of Power You Weren’t Supposed to Know:
1. Never Explain Too Much
The more you explain, the weaker you sound.
Let people wonder about you. Silence is okay.
2. Win With Actions, Not Arguments
This is the best law of power you can adopt in your life.
Ever tried convincing someone with words,
and they still didn’t believe you?
Show results.
People can argue with opinions,
but they cannot argue with results.
Instead of wasting your time telling people about your big dreams,
it is better to show them.
3. Don’t Fight Battles You Can’t Win
Not every hill is worth dying on.
Save your energy for battles that actually matter in the long run.
You lose some battles even if you win them.
Not every fight is worth your energy and time.
Sometimes, you win by losing.
4. Say Less Than Necessary
When you speak less, people lean in, listen more,
and respect your words.
Say what is necessary and avoid over-explaining your points.
People rarely listen to what you say;
they judge your energy and how you handle yourself.
5. Learn to Walk Away
If they don’t value you, just leave.
Self-respect is very important.
It is not to make them regret your absence or anything;
it is because you value yourself.
Silence and absence often speak louder
than explanations or fights.
6. Control Your Emotions
Lose your temper = lose respect.
The calmest person in chaos is the one everyone looks to for guidance.
7. Keep People Wanting More
Don’t give all of yourself too quickly.
Mystery creates curiosity,
and curiosity keeps you unforgettable.
Only certain people deserve to know you completely.
The rest can wonder and continue wondering.
8. Use Absence to Increase Respect
Disappear for a while, and people suddenly notice
your importance.
Absence builds presence because people miss what they can’t have.
What is always available loses its value.
9. Make Others Depend on You
The more useful you are,
the harder it is for others to cut you off.
If people need you, you hold the leverage.
This is also a friendly reminder to cultivate your independence.
If you don’t need others, you become harder to control.
10. Don’t Commit Too Quickly
The one who commits fast loses flexibility.
Stay adaptable;
it keeps people guessing and gives you options.
It also increases your value.
11. Hide Your True Plans
Not everyone clapping for you wants you to win.
Keep your moves private until they’re ready.
They can’t attack or sabotage what they don’t know.
Never reveal your true plans,
or reveal plans that are useless to you as a distraction.
12. Protect Your Reputation
Your name opens or closes doors before you even enter.
A single careless act can damage trust that takes years to rebuild.
Guard it and protect it from rumors.
Some people will try to sabotage your name;
never allow them to succeed.
13. Appear Weaker Than You Are
Sometimes pretending to be “less” makes others underestimate you.
Then, when you show your true strength,
it shocks everyone. It also makes others less aggressive.
But the trick is to appear weaker, not to be weak.
14. Don’t Outshine the Master
If you make your boss, mentor, or senior feel small,
they’ll secretly turn against you.
Shine, but let them shine brighter in public.
When you make them shine brighter than everyone,
you become a godsend to them.
15. Use Selective Honesty
One sincere gesture can disarm even the most guarded person.
Being honest about everything is very risky;
be intentional with your words.
16. Influence Through Scarcity
When you’re too available, people take you for granted.
Even if you are important,
disappear for a while and let people taste reality
without your presence.
17. Mirror People
We trust people who feel “like us.”
It acts on people’s subconscious.
Subtly reflect their tone, pace, or gestures, and you’ll connect faster.
Also, be wary: if a person is so perfect
and likes everything you like on the first meeting,
there is a high chance they are mirroring you.
18. End With Impact
People rarely remember the middle—they remember how you finish.
End every interaction with confidence,
and that’s the impression they’ll carry.
