Arquivo do Autor: Marcos Paulo

#46 – Never appear too perfect “Appearing better than others is always dangerous, but most dangerous of all is to appear to have no faults or weaknesses. It is smart to occasionally display defects, and admit to harmless vices, in … Continue lendo →

#45 – Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once “Everyone understands the need for change in the abstract, but on the day-to-day level people are creatures of habit. Too much innovation is traumatic and will … Continue lendo →

#44 – Disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect “The mirror reflects reality, but it is also the perfect tool for deception: When you mirror your enemies, doing exactly as they do, they cannot figure out your strategy. The Mirror … Continue lendo →

#43 – Work on the hearts and minds of others “Coercion creates a reaction that will eventually work against you. You must seduce others into wanting to move into your direction. A person you have seduced becomes your loyal pawn. … Continue lendo →

#42 – Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter “Trouble can often be traced to a single strong individual — the stirrer, the arrogant underling, the poisoner of goodwill. If you allow such people room to operate, others will … Continue lendo →

#41 – Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes “What happens first always appears better and more original than what comes after. If you succeed a great man or have  a famous parent, you will have to accomplish double their … Continue lendo →

#40 – Despise the free lunch “What is offered for free is dangerous — it usually involves either a trick or a hidden obligation. What has worth is worth paying for. By paying your own way you stay clear of gratitude, … Continue lendo →

#39 – Stir up waters to catch fish “Anger and emotion are strategically counterproductive. You must always stay calm and objective. But if you can make your enemies angry by staying calm yourself, you gain a decided advantage. Put your … Continue lendo →

#38 – Think as you like but behave like others “If you make a show of going against the times, flaunting your unconventional ideas and unorthodox way, people will think that you only want attention and that you look down … Continue lendo →

#37 – Create compelling spectacles “Striking imagery and grand symbolic gestures create the aura of power — everyone responds to them. Stage spectacles for those around you, then, full of arresting visuals and raiding symbols that heighten your presence. Dazzled by … Continue lendo →

#36 – Disdain things you cannot have: ignoring them is the best revenge “By acknowledging a petty problem you give it existence and credibility. The more attention you pay an enemy, the stronger you make him; and a small mistake … Continue lendo →

#35 – Master the art of timing “Never seem to be in a hurry — hurrying betrays a lack of control over yourself, and over time. Always seem patient, as if you know that everything will come to you eventually. … Continue lendo →

#34 – Be royal in your own fashion: act like a king to be treated like one “The way you carry yourself will often determine how you are treated; In the long run, appearing vulgar or common will make people … Continue lendo →

#33 – Discover each man’s thumbscrew “Everyone has a weakness, a gap in the castle wall. That weakness is usually an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need; it can also be a secret pleasure. Either way, once found, it is … Continue lendo →

#32 – Play to people’s fantasies “The truth is often avoided because it is ugly and unpleasant. Never appeal to truth and reality unless you are prepared for the anger that comes with disenchantment. Life is so harsh and distressing … Continue lendo →

#31 – Control the options: get others to play with the cards you deal “The best deceptions are the ones that seem to give the other person a choice; Your victims feel they are in control, but are actually your … Continue lendo →

#30 – Make your accomplishments seem effortless “Your actions must seem natural and executed with ease. All the toil and practice that go into them, and also all the clever tricks, must be concealed. When you act, act effortlessly, as … Continue lendo →

#29 – Plan all the way to the end “The ending is everything. Plan all the way to it, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles, and twists of fortune that might reverse your hard work and give the … Continue lendo →

#28 – Enter action with boldness “If you are unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubt and hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: Better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through … Continue lendo →

#27 – Play on people’s need to believe to create a cultlike following “People have an overwhelming desire to believe in something. Become the focal point of such desire by offering them a cause, a new faith to follow. Keep … Continue lendo →

#26 – Keep your hands clean “You must seem a paragon of civility and efficiency: Your hands are never soiled by mistakes and nasty deeds. Maintain such a spotless appearance by using others as scapegoats and cat’s-paws to disguise your … Continue lendo →

#25 – Re-create yourself “Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. Re-create yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image rather than letting … Continue lendo →