Rakshit Pathak's Key Ideas from The 48 Laws of Power
by Robert Greene

Keep your plans vague and your goals hidden. If others don’t know what you’re up to, they cannot interfere or sabotage you. Use misdirection and deception to protect your interests and maintain an advantage.

The more you say, the more common you appear and the less in control. Powerful people intimidate and impress by saying less. Silence can create an aura of mystery and authority, making your words more impactful when you do speak.

Your reputation is a cornerstone of your power. Protect it fiercely and guard it against attacks. A strong reputation can intimidate rivals and open doors; without it, you cannot succeed.

Visibility is crucial for power; hide, and you lose influence. Seek attention through any means necessary—controversy, spectacle, or charisma—but never allow yourself to be ignored or disappear into the crowd.

Use the skills, time, and effort of others to your advantage. Delegating allows you to save energy and appear more capable. Always ensure that you receive the credit for the work done to enhance your status.

When you force others to act, you set the terms of engagement. Make them come to you, and you hold the power in the interaction. Use attraction, enticement, or manipulation to draw others in.

Demonstrate your power and intelligence through results rather than words. Arguments breed resentment and resistance; let your success speak for itself and silence opposition.

Emotions are contagious—associate with the happy and successful to enhance your own luck and positive energy. Misery and misfortune can spread, so distance yourself from negativity to maintain your power.

To maintain power, make others rely on your skills or resources. The more dependent they are, the more control you have. Avoid making yourself unnecessary or replaceable.

A single act of honesty or generosity can cover many dishonest ones. Use it to throw opponents off guard and win their trust, making them vulnerable and easier to control.

People are motivated by what benefits them. When seeking help, frame your request in terms of what they will gain, not what you will lose. This makes them more willing to assist you.

Gather information by building relationships. Appear friendly and trustworthy while quietly learning secrets and weaknesses that you can use to your advantage.

Leaving an enemy weakened can lead them to seek revenge later. Remove all threats and opposition completely for lasting security and to consolidate your power.

Too much presence can diminish your value. Create value through scarcity; by withdrawing occasionally, you can increase your worth and make others appreciate you more.

Being unpredictable keeps others on their toes and makes them wary of you. This uncertainty can be a powerful tool to maintain control and influence over others.

Isolation makes you vulnerable. Stay connected to the world and maintain a network of allies. Engage with others to gather information and support, which is essential for survival.

Understand the personalities and motivations of those around you. Offending the wrong person can lead to unnecessary conflict. Choose your battles wisely and know your opponents.

Maintain your independence and flexibility by not tying yourself down. This allows you to navigate situations without being constrained by obligations.