"48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene

I hated this book as much as I liked it. On one hand, I despise the laws outlined by Robert. On the other hand, I can see how they truly reflect power struggles in the higher-ups. "48 Laws of Power is a guidebook of what to do (and not to do) to grow in political power. The rules apply to both historical examples and the modern world.

The author supports the laws with a plethora of anecdotal evidence (stories repeating from one law to another from time to time). So, what do you do (and don't do) to rise in power?

1. Never outshine the master. Your superiors must not feel like you're better than them, or they will crush you.
2. Don't trust friends too much, and use your enemies. Enemies turned friends can be more loyal than people who are friends to begin with.
3. Conceal your intentions. If people don't know what you're up to, they can't defend themselves. Mislead with red herrings and smoke screens.
4. Always say less than necessary. The more you say, the less you appear in control.
5. Reputation is paramount; guard it with your life.
6. Be conspicuous at all costs; what's not visible accounts for nothing. Stand out and court attention. The quality of attention is irrelevant.
7. Get others to work for you, but still take all the credit (unless sharing credit furthers your cause).
8. Don't come at people; make them come to you using baits.
9. Win through actions, not argument. Demonstrate, do not explicate. Verbal argument is only useful when deceiving.
10. Avoid the unhappy and unlucky. You're who you're with.
11. Learn to keep people dependent on you. The more you are relied on, the more freedom you have. Possess a talent or creative skill that cannot be replaced.
12. Disarm with selective honesty and generosity. One good move can cover many dishonest ones.
13. Asking for help, appeal to people's self-interest, not mercy or gratitude.
14. Pose as a friend, work as a spy. E.g., give a false confession to fish a real one.
15. Crush your enemies totally. Otherwise, they will come back.
16. Use absence to increase respect and honour. However, only after you've achieved a certain level of power.
17. Cultivate an air of unpredictability.
18. Isolation is dangerous. Mingle. You're shielded by the crowd.
19. Know who you're dealing with; do not offend the wrong person.
20. Do not commit to anyone, but be courted by all. Do not take sides.
21. Seem dumber than your mark.
22. Surrender tactic: transform weakness into power. When you're weaker, don't fight for the sake of fighting, surrender.
23. Concentrate your efforts.
24. Play the perfect courtier.
    1. Prefer modesty.
    2. Never appear to be working too hard.
    3. Flatter indirectly by modesty.
    4. Pay attention to your appearance.
    5. Mimic the people you're dealing with.
    6. The messenger is always killed, never be the bearer of bad news.
    7. Your superior does not want a friend for a subordinate.
    8. Never directly criticize superiors.
    9. Earn your favours, do not ask for favours on another person's behalf.
    10. Never joke about appearances or taste.
    11. Do not be cynical; express admiration for the good work of others.
    12. Be self-observant.
    13. Master your emotions.
    14. Fit the spirit of the times.
    15. Be a source of pleasure.
25. Do not accept the roles that society gives you; re-create yourself.
26. Keep your hands clean. Have scapegoats.
27. People need to believe, hijack it to create a cult.
28. Enter actions with boldness. Everyone admires the bold; no one honours the timid. Mistakes born from audacity can be disguised or fixed by more audacity.
29. Plan all the way to the end.
30. Make your accomplishments seem effortless. What is understandable (how you reach something) is not awe-inspiring.
31. Control the options; let others play with the cards you deal.
32. Play to people's fantasies. They are more desired than the truth.
33. Discover each man's weakness and utilize it.
34. Act like a king to be treated like one.
35. Master the art of timing. Always appear patient.
36. Disdain things you cannot have; ignoring them is the best revenge.
37. Create compelling spectacles.
38. Think as you like, but behave like others.
39. Stir up the waters to catch fish. Make your enemies angry while staying calm yourself. However, do not provoke those who are too powerful.
40. Despise the free lunch given to you, but give out free lunches.
41. Avoid stepping into a great man's shoes.
42. Strike the shepherd, and the sheep will scatter.
43. Seduce others into wanting to move in your direction, do not coerce.
44. Disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect.
45. Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once.
46. Never appear too perfect.
47. In victory, learn when to stop.
48. Assume formlessness. Be like water.