Law 39: Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish; The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Anger is a powerful emotion that can be used to your advantage. If you can stay calm while infuriating your opponents, you can gain an advantage. By finding their weaknesses, you can disturb them and play with them at will. The angrier they become, the more ridiculous they will appear. This will reduce their power.
Example:
One famous example of this law in action is the story of Napoleon Bonaparte and Talleyrand. Talleyrand was a powerful minister in Napoleon’s government, but he was also a cunning and manipulative man. Napoleon knew that Talleyrand was plotting against him, but he also knew that if he confronted Talleyrand directly, Talleyrand would simply deny everything. So instead, Napoleon decided to stir up the waters. He started spreading rumors about Talleyrand, making him look suspicious and untrustworthy. Eventually, Talleyrand’s own allies turned against him, and he was forced to resign.
This law can be applied in many different situations. For example, if you are in a negotiation, you can try to make the other party angry by pointing out their weaknesses. This will make them more likely to make concessions. Or, if you are in a competitive situation, you can try to make your opponent angry by making them feel threatened. This will cause them to make mistakes.
Warning:
It is important to use this law sparingly. If you use it too often, people will start to see through your tricks. And if you make someone too angry, they may lash out at you in a way that you cannot control.
The 39th law of power is a powerful tool that can be used to gain an advantage over your opponents. However, it is important to use it wisely and sparingly. If you do, you can use it to control your opponents and turn their anger to your advantage.
Additional Thoughts
The 39th law of power is a controversial one, and some people may find it unethical. However, it is important to remember that this law is just a tool. It can be used for good or evil, depending on the intentions of the user. If you are considering using this law, it is important to think carefully about the consequences of your actions.
