Law 18: Don’t Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself — Isolation Is Dangerous; The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Have you ever felt like you needed to build a wall around yourself to protect yourself from the world? Maybe you’ve been hurt in the past, or maybe you just don’t trust people. Whatever the reason, isolation can be a dangerous trap.
The 18th law of power states that isolation is dangerous. If you cut yourself off from the world, you will lose touch with what is happening. You will also lose the support of others, which can make you more susceptible to attack.
Of course, there are times when it’s important to protect yourself. But if you isolate yourself too much, you’ll end up weakening yourself. You’ll become lonely, depressed, and vulnerable.
So how do you find a balance between isolation and connection? Here are a few tips:
- Build a strong network of allies. These allies can provide you with support and protection, and they can also help you to stay informed about what is happening in the world.
- Be selective about who you let into your life. Not everyone is trustworthy, so it’s important to be careful about who you confide in.
- Stay connected to the world. Read newspapers, watch the news, and talk to people. This will help you to stay informed and to understand what is happening.
- Don’t be afraid to reach out for help. If you are feeling lonely or isolated, don’t be afraid to reach out to friends, family, or a therapist.
The key is to find a balance that works for you. You don’t have to be completely isolated, but you also don’t have to be completely open to everyone. Find a level of connection that makes you feel safe and supported, without sacrificing your independence.
Here’s an example:
Let’s say you’re the CEO of a large company. You are constantly under attack from your competitors and from the media. You could try to isolate yourself from the world, but this would make you weak and vulnerable. Instead, you could build a strong network of allies, including other CEOs, government officials, and journalists. These allies can provide you with support and protection, and they can also help you to stay informed about what is happening.
By using the 18th law of power, you can stay safe and secure while still being connected to the world. This will give you the power and the information you need to achieve your goals.
So next time you feel like you need to build a wall around yourself, remember the 18th law of power. Isolation is dangerous. Find a balance between isolation and connection that works for you, and you’ll be stronger for it.
