Quicklet on Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power (CliffNotes-like Book Summary and Analysis)

Always say less than necessary. Don’t be too verbose even if you aim to impress with words. “The more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control” (The 48 Laws of Power). Even what you’re saying is trite and commonplace, it will appear original if you phrase your thoughts in indistinct, open-ended terminology. “Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more

Play on people's need to believe to create a cultlike following. People have an overwhelming desire to believe in something.Captialize on people’s strong inclination to embrace a belief.

The Moral Effect involves mirroring what others have perpetrated upon you in a way that makes them aware that it was wrong when they realize it’s exactly what they did to you. “You make them feel that their behavior has been unpleasant, as opposed to hearing you complain and whine about it”

Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies. Friends can easily be prone to envy, so be wary of them and their capacity for betrayal. “But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove,” according to The 48 Laws of Power. “In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them.”

was wrong when they realize it’s exactly what they did to you. “You make them feel that their behavior has been unpleasant, as opposed to hearing you complain and whine about it” (The 48 Laws of Power).

The Moral Effect involves mirroring what others have perpetrated upon you in a way that makes them aware that it

The best way to protect yourself is to be as fluid and formless as water; never bet on stability or lasting order. Everything changes”

Avoid taking sides and never commit any cause except your own.

If you mislead or put in check certain people, they won’t rest until revenge is theirs. Carefully select who to take advantage of or do battle with, and never fool or upset the wrong person

This book takes a bold realist view of the world and breaks all human motivations down to the deep-seated intent to manipulate for the purpose of furthering their own self-interest. All expressions of emotion, all acts of ostensible kindness are rooted in self-interest.