Before starting this article, let me tell you that I have explained the 48 Laws of Power in three simple parts. This is the third and final part of the series.
If you haven’t read the first part and second part, I recommend going through them first. That way, you will easily understand these remaining rules in a better flow.
31. Control the Options: Get Others to Play with the Cards You Deal
One rule of power is to always give others limited options. When you keep people within your own choices, you have the real control. People think the choice is theirs, but in reality they are doing what you want them to do.
Example
For example, you want to go out with your friend. So you give him two options: let’s go for pizza or go for a walk in the park. You have given him both options, but when he chooses either option, he will feel that the choice is his, but in reality he will be doing what you want.
32. Play to People’s Fantasies
Most people love their dreams and fantasies more than their reality. A person who satisfies people by understanding these two things. So such a person effect people.
Example
Politics shows people the dreams they want to see. But the ground reality is different from that. So people are more attracted to the side that speaks to their dreams.
33. Discover Each Man’s Weakness
Every person in the world has some weakness, such as money, honor, or emotions. If you understand and use their weaknesses, then the power to control them will come into your hands.
Example
If a person’s weakness is praise, you can get your work out of them by praising them repeatedly.
34. Be Royal in Your Own Fashion: Act Like a King to Be Treated Like One
People treat you the way you present yourself. If you always act confident and royal, people will automatically start respecting you.
Example
If you always present yourself in a professional and confident manner in a meeting, people will give importance to what you say, even if you are not officially above them.
35. Master the Art of Timing
Proper timing is also a great power. There is a right time for every task. Doing any task before or after its right time can ruin the work.
Example
As in the share market, the one who buys things at the right time and sells them at the right time is always successful.
36. Disdain Things You Cannot Have
Learn to ignore what is not in your control. If you run after it, it will become your weakness. People can use your weakness against you.
Example
If you are not getting any position, it would be better for you to ignore that position. Focus on another goal besides that position. This will make people think that you have other options.
37. Create Compelling Spectacles
Many people remember visuals and dramatic events. If you want to build your power over people, create dramatic moments that inspire them.
Example
Steve Jobs treated every product launch like a show. His presentation was like a spectacle that the world would remember for a long time.
38. Think as You Like but Behave Like Others
Keep your thinking different from others, but adjust your behavior to fit in with society. If you always look different, then people will start rejecting you.
Example
If you work in an office and everyone in the office is wearing suits but you come in wearing jeans, then people will not take you seriously no matter how much your mind is faster than others.
39. Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish
Sometimes it’s your favor thing to shake up a situation or an issue. When people are nervous, they make mistakes. Through which you can catch them.
Example
When you ask the other person a silent or trick question during a negotiation, the other person will make a mistake in their nervousness. This will allow you to gauge their thinking.
40. Despise the Free Lunch
Never run after free things. There is always some cost behind them. Learn to invest in yourself to maintain your self-respect and independence.
Example
For example, if a business partner gives you a deal for free, it’s often to take control from you.
41. Avoid Stepping into a Great Man’s Shoes
Never directly replace a great leader or a great personality in your life. Because people will naturally compare you to them. And your shine may seem less in front of them.
Example
Like if a strong CEO retires and you immediately take his place, most people will judge you by that.
42. Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter
Often a single leader controls the group. If you want the group to break up, remove their leader or reduce that leader’s influence.
Example
Just like in politics, if you target the opposition leader, his party will automatically become weak.
43. Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others
Force alone does not give lasting power. Learn to win the hearts and minds of people so that people themselves become loyal to you.
Example
If a teacher is strict with his students, the students will be afraid of him. But if the same teacher inspires them, the students will always be loyal to him.
44. Disarm and Infuriate with the Mirror Effect
Look, if you use someone’s moves or strategies back on them, then they get confused. This is a stable tool of power.
Example
If a person always criticizes you, then if you use every word of his against him, he will get angry.
45. Preach the Need for Change, but Never Reform Too Much at Once
People accept changes, but sudden dramatic changes confuse and scare them. So always reform gradually.
Example
If a company changes the entire system in a single day, employees will panic. But if they make step-by-step changes, employees will start adapting to them.
46. Never Appear Too Perfect
If you start looking absolutely perfect to people, people will start jealous you. That’s why it’s important to show people a little bit of your human side.
Example
Just like if a human accepts his mistakes, people like him. But if he starts looking like a perfect robot, people don’t like him.
47. Do Not Go Past the Mark You Aimed For
When you achieve your goal, So don’t be tempted by more than that. If you overreach your goal, you may suffer losses.
Example
For example, if you have made a business deal but then later you demand more, the other party can break the deal.
48. Assume Formlessness
The most powerful people are those who don’t stay in one shape. Always be flexible. Learn to change your strategy according to each situation.
Example
Just like a fighter who can fight in every style is very difficult to defeat. Similarly, adaptability is power in life.
Conclusion
So in today’s article, we have finally completed the 48 Laws of Power. In the previous two parts, we had covered 30 rules and in today’s article, we have also broken down the last 18 rules.
Now the point is that you don’t just have to read these laws, but you have to understand them and apply them in your life. Sometimes you have to use these rules and sometimes you have to understand them and avoid them, so that no one can put a menu on you.
These rules are a guide for you. You cannot use them everywhere, but you can use them where necessary.