But don’t get involved emotionally or otherwise. However, you don’t want to offend people, so seem interested, listen, and even make gestures of seeming support. Don’t succumb - there’s nothing in it for you the conflict will just keep growing. According to Law 20 of the 48 Laws of Power, if you succumb, their problems will consume your time and energy. People will constantly try to pull you into their quarrels and conflicts. When they tire, they’ll be ripe for the picking. Do not commit to anyone. Seem interested and supportive, but find a way to remain neutral let others do the fighting while you stand back. By maintaining her independence, she retained her power and desirability, and ruled the country through a long period of peace.ĭon’t let people drag you into their petty fights and squabbles. Her husband would become the de facto ruler, and might try to eliminate her. Marrying someone from another nation could pull her into conflicts, rivalries, and wars. She received all kinds of advice and many suitors, who she allowed to court her, but she never chose anyone.Įlizabeth refused to commit because she knew marriage in her position would lead to untold problems.
Law 20 48 laws of power how to#
Here’s another example of how to apply Law 20 of the 48 Laws of Power: When Queen Elizabeth I assumed the English throne in 1958, she came under great pressure to marry and produce heirs. Kissinger knew how to follow Law 20: Do Not Commit to Anyone. So he courted China - this brought the Soviets to the negotiating table because they feared isolation if the U.S. As secretary of state, Kissinger wanted a detente between the U.S. He avoided being tainted by Watergate, and went on to serve under the next president.īy holding back, you retain the ability to play one side against another to get something you want. When he joined the Nixon administration, he was careful not to seem overly loyal to Nixon. In return, he gave the Nixon camp information on the Paris peace talks about Vietnam and he gave Humphrey’s team inside information on Nixon. Play the game for your own advantage, but do not commit to anyone.įor example, during the 1968 presidential election, Henry Kissinger secured a promise of a high-level administration post from both the Republican, Richard Nixon, and the Democrat, Hubert Humphrey. Focus instead on keeping others excited and interested in you and hoping for an alliance. Accept the gifts if you want to, but don’t feel or accept any obligation.ĭon’t offend anyone or appear to be averse to commitment. When people are courting your support, they’ll use many tactics, including gifts and favors, to create a sense of obligation. However, if you commit, you’ll instantly lose your luster - you’ll no longer be desired and sought after. Desire is contagious - when people see that someone else is desired, they want to get in on the action too.
The more independent you appear to be, the more people will want you on their side. According to Law 20 of the 48 Laws of Power, you’ll be powerful because you’re unattainable by either side. You’ll get respect if you refuse to commit to a person or group, so do not commit to anyone.
Stay aloof and don’t commit yourself, and you’ll gain power and attention as people try to win you over. By maintaining your independence, you remain in control - others will vie for your attention, and you can play one side against another. Overview of Law #20: Do Not Commit to Anyoneĭo not commit to anyone except yourself.
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Like this article? Sign up for a free trial here. Shortform has the world's best summaries of books you should be reading. This article is an excerpt from the Shortform summary of "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene.