The 48 Laws Of Power (2000)

This game of constant duplicity most resembles the power dynamic that existed in the scheming world of the old aristocratic court. Throughout history, a court has always formed itself around the person in power king, queen, emperor, leader. The courtiers who filled this court were in an especially delicate position : They had to serve their masters , but if they seemed to fawn, if they curried favor too obviously, the other courtiers around them would notice and would act agains them . At temp stow in the master’s favor, then, had to be subtle. And even skilled courtiers capable of such subtlety still had to protect themselves from their fellow courtiers, who at all moments were scheming to push them aside.

Meanwhile the court was supposed to represent the height of civilization and refinement. Violent or overt power moves were frowned upon ; courtiers would work silently and secretly against any among them who used force. This was the courtier’s dilemma: While appearing the very paragon of elegance , they had too outwit and thwart their own opponents in the subtlest of ways. The successful courtier learned over time to make all of his moves indirect ; if the stabbed an opponent in the back , it was with a velvet glove on his hand and the sweetest of smiles on his face. Instead of using coercion or out right treachery , the perfect courtier got his way

through seduction, charm, deception, and subtle strategy, always planning several moves ahead. Life in the court was a never ending game that required constant vigilance and tactical thinking .It was civilized war.