Robert Greene Archive

Robert Greene on the importance of keeping your intentions hidden. "Keep others in suspended terror: cultivate an air of unpredictability." The 48 Laws of Power, Law 17

LAW 25

This is what separates a strategist from someone who simply reacts. "He will win who knows when to fight and when not to fight." Sun Tzu, The Art of War

The wise warrior avoids the battle.

a Chinese proverb:

Confucius, wow:

A lesson in strategy that most people understand too late. "When you surround an army, leave an outlet free. Do not press a desperate foe too hard." Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Machiavelli on why a ruler should never rely entirely on promises. "Men are so simple, and so much inclined to obey immediate needs, that he who deceives will always find those who allow themselves to be deceived." The Prince, Chapter XVIII

Robert Greene on the importance of controlling your emotions. "Always Say Less Than Necessary." The 48 Laws of Power, Law 4 My take: The less you feel compelled to explain yourself, the less control other people have over your decisions.

This is one of the most powerful principles ever written about conflict. "Appear weak when you are strong, and strong when you are weak." Sun Tzu, The Art of War

Machiavelli understood something fundamental about political power. "Men are so simple, and so much inclined to obey immediate needs, that a deceiver will never lack victims for his deceptions." The Prince, Chapter XVIII