The World's Best Book Summaries
Overview of Law #45: Preach the Need for Change, but Never Reform Too Much at Once Everyone understands the need for change, but people are nonetheless creatures of habit. Too much change is unsettling and will spark backlash. Make a show of respecting the old way of doing things. Evoke revered history and cloak your changes in familiar rituals.
What is a Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement? And why do you need to have one when you’re negotiating? A Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement, or BATNA, is the most advantageous option you have if negotiation fails and you can’t reach a deal. Learn why you should always have a Best Alternative to a Negotiated Agreement, and how to create one.
Overview of Law #44: Disarm and Infuriate with the Mirror Effect Use the mirroring technique to control people. When you mirror opponents’ actions, doing as they do, they can’t figure out your strategy. Seduce people by mirroring their emotions and interests; create the illusion that you share their values. Few can resist when you reflect their deepest needs and desires.
Overview of Law #43: Work on the Hearts and Minds of Others Win others’ hearts and minds, and you’ll have them eating out of your hand. Play on their emotions and weaknesses, appeal to their self-interest and they’ll willingly do what you want. Build broad support — someday you’ll need it. Neglect this at your peril.
Overview of Law #42: Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter Trouble in a group often starts with a single individual who stirs the pot. You need to stop them before others succumb to their influence. Neutralize their influence by isolating or exposing them. Their followers will scatter.
Overview of Law #40: Despise the Free Lunch Use money and generosity strategically to achieve your goals. Remember that everything has a price, and don’t accept “free gifts.” But use the desire for a “free lunch” to deceive others. Use gifts to build a reputation of generosity, which creates an aura or power, and also to obligate people to you.
Overview of Law #39: Stir up Waters to Catch Fish Always stay calm and objective. When you get angry, you’ve lost control. But if you can make your enemies angry, you gain an advantage. Rattle your enemies to put them off balance.
Overview of Law #38: Think as You Like but Behave Like Others If you make a show of being different, flaunting unconventional ideas and behavior, people will think you look down on them and will retaliate against you for making them feel inferior. It’s better to blend in; share your real views only with close friends and like-minded people.
Overview of Law #36: Disdain Things You Cannot Have: Ignoring Them Is the Best Revenge Sometimes it’s better to ignore things. You’ll make small problems worse, make yourself look bad, and give your enemy attention he doesn’t deserve if you respond to a minor provocation. By not showing interest, you maintain your superiority.
Overview of Law #34: Be Royal in Your Own Fashion Act like royalty and people will treat you that way. Project dignity and supreme confidence that you’re destined for great things. If you demand a high price, people will think you’re worth it; you’ll accrue power and respect.