Leyes del poder

WISDOM IN A NUTSHELL

The 48 Laws Of Power

By
Robert Greene

Penguin Books 2000
Hardcover Edition ISBN 0-670-88146-5
Paperback Edition ISBN 0 14 02.8019 7
452 pages

The 48 Laws Of Power

Page 2

The Big Idea
A comprehensive, well-researched synthesis of timeless philosophies –from Machiavelli to
Suntzu, as applied in real-life situations by powerful figures in history such asQueen Elizabeth I
and Henry Kissinger. Absorbing and entertaining, this book lends business people a wealth of
ideas on the subtle art of playing the power game, exercising clever cunning, and understanding
human weaknesses. Whether it is in the boardroom, at a power lunch, or a cocktail party– these
laws will make you master of the game and give you the edge over your rivals.

1. NEVEROUTSHINE THE MASTER.

• Transgression of the Law.
Finance Minister Fouquet unintentionally outshone his master, King Louis XIV, making
the King feel insecure by throwing a lavish party that would show off Fouquet’s
connections, cultivated manner and charm. Thinking this move would make him an
indispensable asset to the king, Fouquet had actually offended his master who did not
like the factpeople were more charmed by his finance minister than by him. The King
found a convenient excuse to get rid of Fouquet.
• Observance of the Law
Galileo was clever in observing this law by giving glory to his patrons. In order to solve
his perennial problem of funding, he dedicated his discovery of the moons of Jupiter to
the Medicis, since the royal symbol of the Medici family was the planetJupiter. He then
commissioned an emblem for them, with each moon representing one of the sons who
revolved around the patriarch. The Medici family became his major patron, appointing
him their official court mathematician and philosopher, thereby giving him a more
comfortable life and a steady salary.
Wisdom in a nutshell:
• Present your ideas in such a manner that they may be ascribed to yourmaster,
or could be viewed as an echo of your master’s thoughts.
• If you are more intelligent than your master, act as if you are not.
• Never take your position for granted.
• Never let favors you receive go to your head.
• Discreet flattery is much more powerful. Make it seem like you want to seek his
expertise and advice.

2. NEVER PUT TOO MUCH TRUST IN FRIENDS, LEARN HOW TO USEENEMIES.
• Transgression of the Law.
Michael III of the Byzantine Empire in the mid-ninth century A.D. placed too much
trust in his friend, Basilius. This was a young man who had once saved his life, and in
return, was given all the privileges an emperor could bestow on a friend. Michael
turned the peasant Basilius into a sophisticated and educated courtier. Basilius later
on became greedy formore wealth and power and had his former benefactor and
best friend Michael III murdered.

• Observance of the Law
Emperor Sung of China in 959 A.D. was able to turn all his enemies into loyal friends.
He persuaded his generals to retire to a life of nobility and give up their dreams of

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The 48 Laws Of Power

Page 3grabbing his throne one day. He spared those who conspired against him, and was
able to win over enemies with his generosity.
Wisdom in a nutshell:
• Do not rely on friends. They will never be totally honest with you. They will not
openly disagree with you in order to avoid arguments.
• Enemies expect nothing so they will be surprised when you are generous.
• An enemy spared the guillotine willbe more grateful to you than a friend.
• When you decide to hire a friend you will discover qualities she has kept hidden.
• Skill and competence are more important than friendly feelings.
• Hiring friends will limit your power.
• All working situations require a kind of distance between people.
• You destroy an enemy when you make a friend of him.
• An enemy at your heels keeps you sharp,...