LAW 19: KNOW WHO YOU’RE DEALING WITH—DO NOT OFFEND THE WRONG PERSON
Chapter summary from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
Not everyone forgives, and not everyone forgets. A small insult can become a lifelong war in the wrong temperament.
Before you pressure, joke, or correct someone, study their pride points. What do they protect? What are they insecure about? What status do they crave? Watch how they react to criticism: do they laugh it off, freeze, retaliate, or store it quietly?
If you misjudge, repair quickly and privately. Give them a way to save face. Public humiliation creates private revenge.
Do not assume minor figures are harmless. Today’s overlooked person becomes tomorrow’s gatekeeper, ally, or obstacle. The cost of politeness is low. The cost of offending the wrong person can be enormous and delayed. Better to be careful early than apologetic later.
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