Here at the frontier, the leaves fall like rain. Although my neighbors are all barbarians, and you, you are a thousand miles away, there are still two cups at my table.


Ten thousand flowers in spring, the moon in autumn, a cool breeze in summer, snow in winter. If your mind isn't clouded by unnecessary things, this is the best season of your life.

~ Wu-men ~


Thursday, July 19, 2012

The 48 Laws of Power, #3: Conceal Your Intentions

One of my favorite books on strategy is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers.  Where The Art of War, by Sun Tzu is written as an overview of the whole topic of strategy, seeking to provide an overall understanding of the subject; and The 36 Strategies tries to impart the knack of strategic thinking through 36 maxims related to well known Chinese folk stories, Mr. Greene focuses on how we influence and manipulate one another, ie "power".

Mr. Greene draws from both Eastern and Western history and literature as his source material. Sun Tzu and Machiavelli as cited as much as wonderful stories of famous con men. Among my favorites is about a scrap metal dealer thinking he bought the Eiffel Tower.

Each of the 48 Laws carries many examples, along with counter examples where it is appropriate that they be noted, and even reversals.

It is a very thorough study of the subject and the hardback version is beautifully produced.

Law #3: Conceal Your Intentions

This is not only straight from The Art of War, but just plain common sense. If people don't know what you're up to, they are less likely to stumble into thwarting your plans. You'll have the element of surprise in hand.
Posted by at 8:00 AM
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2 comments:

مطبخ said...

thanks alot very much

12:18 PM
Compass Strategist said...

Once one has achieved the true state of wuji, it becomes easy to becomes a person who can achieve Law #3

2:58 AM

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