50 lessons I learnt from the b...

1. Never Outshine the Master: Don't draw too much attention to yourself or your accomplishments, or you may threaten the person in charge.
2. Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies: Friends can be unreliable, but enemies can be useful in keeping you on your toes and alert.
3. Conceal Your Intentions: Keep your true motives hidden from others to maintain the upper hand.
4. Always Say Less Than Necessary: Speaking less often and more succinctly makes you appear wise and in control.
5. So Much Depends on Reputation - Guard It With Your Life: Your reputation is one of your most valuable assets, so protect it at all costs.
6. Court Attention at All Costs: Seek out attention and recognition in order to increase your power and influence.
7. Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit: Find ways to delegate tasks while still receiving the credit for the results.
8. Play to People's Fears: Fear is a powerful motivator, so use it to your advantage in negotiations and interactions with others.
9. Enter Action with Boldness: Confidence and boldness can be contagious, inspiring others to follow your lead.
10. Plan All the Way to the End: Consider all potential outcomes and consequences before making a move.
11. Learn to Keep People Dependent on You: Encourage others to rely on you, so that they are more likely to do what you want.
12. Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself - Isolation is Dangerous: Being isolated from others makes you vulnerable, so maintain relationships and stay connected.
13. Win Through Your Actions, Never Through Argument: Actions speak louder than words, so focus on demonstrating your power and abilities.
14. Infection: Spread Your Ideas Through Contagion: Ideas and beliefs can spread like a virus, so be strategic in how you present your ideas to others.
15. Learn How to Destroy Your Enemies Completely: Know your enemies and understand their weaknesses, so that you can neutralize them effectively.
16. Concentrate Your Forces: Focus your efforts and resources on a few key goals, rather than spreading yourself too thin.
17. Play the Perfect Courtier: Be the ultimate political operator, adapting to different situations and people with ease.
18. Re-Create Yourself: Don't be afraid to change and evolve, in order to maintain your power and relevance.
19. Do Not Try to Be Too Clever: Being too clever can backfire, so stick to proven strategies and avoid taking unnecessary risks.
20. Do Not let Your Emotions Distract You: Emotional outbursts and impulsiveness can undermine your power, so stay level-headed.
21. Preach the Need for Change, But Never Reform Too Much at Once: Gradual change is more palatable and less likely to spark resistance.
22. Never Appear Too Perfect: Perfection is intimidating and raises suspicion, so aim to appear flawed and human.
23. Do Not Confuse Transcendence with Good Fortune: Don't attribute success solely to luck or divine intervention, be willing to work for it.
24. Do Not Invest in Loss: Avoid investing in endeavors that are likely to fail, or that will distract from more important goals.
25. Learn to Keep People in Suspended Terror: Instilling fear in others can be a powerful tool for maintaining control.
26. Do Not Flatter the Masturbator: Avoid flattering those who are already overconfident, as it only makes them more dangerous.
27. Master the Art of Timing: Knowing when to act is as important as what you do.
28. Disdain Things You Cannot Have: Focusing on what you cannot have takes attention away from what you can achieve.
29. Do Not Let Your Moods Disturb You: Stay focused and maintain control over your emotions.
30. Do Not Be Too Predictable: Predictability makes you vulnerable, so strive to keep others guessing.
31. Do Not Strike Still Waters: Avoid attacking those who are in a state of calm and stability, as it is likely to cause unexpected retaliation.
32. Learn to Keep People in Disarray: Creating confusion and disorder can make others more vulnerable and susceptible to your influence.
33. Do Not Get Consumed by Your Own Passion: Passion can drive you to great heights, but it can also lead to rash decisions and mistakes.
34. Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew: Find the pressure points in others, so that you can manipulate them more effectively.
35. Do Not Confuse Celebrity with Beauty: Fame and popularity are not synonymous with true power and influence.
36. Learn to be the Spy: Gather information and stay informed, so that you can make informed decisions.
37. Play on People's Need to Believe to Create a Cult-Like Following: Tap into people's desire to believe in something greater than themselves, in order to build a loyal following.
38. Think as You Like But Behave Like Others: Be adaptable and able to blend in, in order to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
39. Stir up Waters to Catch Fish: Create chaos and disruption in order to take advantage of new opportunities.
40. Despise the Free Lunch: Avoid accepting gifts or favors, as they often come with strings attached.
41. Learn to Be Direct and Forceful: Be assertive and confident in your actions and decisions.
42. Do Not Embrace Any Causes But Your Own: Avoid getting involved in others' causes or agendas, as it can undermine your own power and autonomy.
43. Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others: Influence the beliefs and attitudes of others, so that they are more likely to follow your lead.
44. Do Not Confuse Wisdom with Planning: Wisdom comes from experience, not just from careful planning and strategizing.
45. Think Less of Yourself: Humility can be a strength, as it allows you to learn from others and avoid arrogance.
46. Never Go Outside the Expertise of Your People: Know the limitations and strengths of your team, so that you can delegate effectively.
47. Do Not Let Your Enemies Hang On: Neutralize threats quickly and decisively, before they have a chance to regroup and become stronger.
48. Do Not Try to Be Loved: Being loved is not a requirement for success and power, focus instead on being respected.
49. Learn to Build Monuments: Create lasting symbols of your power and success, so that they endure even after you are gone.
50. Think as You Like, but Behave Like Others: Maintain a low profile and avoid drawing attention to yourself, in order to protect your power.

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