The 48 Laws of Power Explained in Simple Words (Part 2: Laws 16–30)

In this article, I will break down the next 15 laws from The 48 Laws of Power. Earlier, I already explained the first 15 laws in detail. This is the second part of that series. If you haven’t read the first part yet, I recommend going through it first and then continuing with this one for a better understanding. check it here

16. Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

Often when we are available to people all the time, people forget our value. They start taking our value lightly. Only when we are away from people for a while do people recognize our true value. Then people realize our importance. This rule simply means that sometimes increase your power with your sense of Absence.

Example

If you are always available in the same place or in front of people, then they will start considering you as common. But if you go away for a while, then people will miss you. Doing this will also increase your respect.

17. Keep Others in Suspended Terror – Cultivate an Air of Unpredictability

If people understand you easily, then your value decreases. That is, if people know what his next move will be, then your value and respect decrease. Because they easily predict you. This rule also means that you have to be a little predictable. When people don’t understand you, what his next step is, then people will be alert to you.

Example

If you always show your boss or employees a predictable routine, then they will relax with you and they will understand you. But if you sometimes make decisions that are unexpected for them, then everyone will be serious about you and will never underestimate you.

18. Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself – Isolation is Dangerous

When you isolate yourself from people or build a fort and sit there, you feel safe, but it makes you weak. If you stay away from the world, you will be away from information and influence of people, which is dangerous. So always be among people. Understand people’s thoughts and people’s plans.

Example

For example, if a leader isolates himself from his people and makes decisions sitting in his own room, then he becomes distant from ground reality. In such a situation, it becomes easy to plan against this leader.

19. Know Who You’re Dealing With – Do Not Offend the Wrong Person

 

Not every person in the world reacts the same way. If you offend the wrong person, then he can create problems for you. So first understand who the person is and what his nature is. Then take your action.

Example

If a person publicly underestimates his competitor, and his competitor is powerful, then he can take strong action against him.

20. Do Not Commit to Anyone

You should never limit your loyalty and attention to just one person or group. When you commit to someone, you make yourself weak. So always maintain a little freedom and be independent.

Example

For example, if you are in a company, you are close to a single client. So if that client ever disagrees, you can weaken your position.

21. Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker – Seem Dumber Than Your Mark

You should never show your intelligence openly. Because it is risky. If you appear innocent and harmless in front of people, then people will tell you their intentions openly. Through this, you can control people.

Example

If you show someone that you are not very knowledgeable, then they will reveal their strategy to you. You can benefit from this.

22. Use the Surrender Tactic – Transform Weakness into Power

If you sometimes openly resist, it can loss you. But if you compromise for a while, then people will underestimate you. This will make you see more opportunities in the future.

Example

If you temporarily back off in an argument with anyone, the confidant in front of you will feel. But this allows you to go ahead and exploit their mistakes or weaknesses.

23. Concentrate Your Forces

Don’t spread your energy and resources everywhere. When you focus more on your power, you become more impactful and stronger.

Example

For example, if you work hard on every channel in the market, then the results may be weak. But if you focus more on a single channel, its impact will be greater.

24. Play the Perfect Courtier

If you want to gain respect and influence from people, then use humility and tact. Always appear polite and harmless. Impress people as much as possible. And don’t show unnecessary ego.

Example

If you present your point in front of your boss in a smart and respectful manner. Talk to him in a good way. Then he will understand your value. But if you directly show ego then he may get irritated with you.

25. Re-Create Yourself

You should re-invent your image and identity sometimes. Because the old style doesn’t always work. So adapt new habits according to new circumstances.

Example

For example, if a single artist keeps adopting the same style, then his audience will lose interest in him. But if he presents himself with new ideas and a new image, then he will remain as popular as he is.

26. Keep Your Hands Clean

Sometimes work is risky and taking responsibility directly is dangerous. So keep your character clean. Let others do the work so that you remain blame-free.

Example

If there is a scandal happening but you are not involved in it, then your reputation will be completely safe.

27. Play on People’s Need to Believe to Create a Cultlike Following

People always want to connect naturally. If you understand people’s hopes and desires and lead them accordingly, then your followers become more loyal.

Example

If you present your product or idea to people in an inspiring way, then people will trust you blindly and your influence will increase.

28. Enter Action with Boldness

If you show hesitation in everything you do, it will look weak. So whatever you do, show it in bold and confident action. Because it is always more effective and people respect it.

Example

If you make the person in front of you hesitate while talking, then he will exploit you. But if you talk with confidence and boldness, then all the control will be yours.

29. Plan All the Way to the End

Never do any task with a short-term view. Always plan the steps and outcome of the task before doing it. So that if any unexpected situation arises, you can handle it.

Example

If you start your own business and don’t implement its long-term idea, then small losses can turn into big losses.

30. Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless

If you ever show off your success or skill, then show it in a way that makes it seem natural. If you show someone effort or struggle openly, it inspires.

Example

For example, if you have worked very hard on a project, but you make its presentation look natural and easy, people are inspired by this. This will prevent people from underestimating your capabilities.

Conclusion

This book, The 48 Laws of Power, shows us how to understand power and how to use it. But if we follow them blindly, it is not always the best option for us. Every situation, every person and every relationship is different. If you use these laws in your life very well, they will be helpful in your growth, influence and decision-making. But always remember that real power does not come from strategy alone, but from balance and wisdom.