Amanda Penn

We’re taught that in order to be powerful and innovative, we need to break the rules. But while some rules are made to be broken, many principles became rules because they were effective. More often than not, it pays to play by the rules, especially if your goal is power. Below, discover the top 15 rules for power. We’ll cover how these rules of power came from the aristocratic court system and how we can still play by the rules today to gain power in the modern world.

Overview of Law #3: Conceal Your Intentions Always conceal your intentions. If you keep people off-balance and in the dark, they can’t counter your efforts. Send them down the wrong path with a red herring or create a smokescreen and by the time they realize what you’re up to, it will be too late for them to interfere.

Overview of Law #14: Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy Collecting information through spying is essential to wielding power. When you know your opponent’s secrets, you can predict his behavior and control him. You can enlist spies to gather intelligence for you, but it’s better to be a spy yourself. Adopt a friendly manner and you’ll get people to spill their plans and weaknesses. Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy.

Overview of Law #21: Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker Play a sucker. Make your intended victims feel as though they’re smarter than you are, and they won’t suspect you of having ulterior motives. Seem dumber than your mark.

Overview of Law #7: Get Others to Do the Work for You, but Always Take the Credit Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit. Use their skill, time, and energy to further your ambitions while taking full credit. You’ll be admired for your efficiency and accomplishments, while your helpers will be forgotten.