Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER. This blog series aims to delve deep into the realm of Strategy. Throughout the series, we will explore various aspects of dealing with certain people, offering insights on effective communication, conflict resolution, and building meaningful connections. Additionally, we will provide valuable tips on avoiding scammers, protecting oneself from online fraud, and maintaining a secure online presence.
Navigating this world that we live in can be challenging, and in this series, we will share practical guidance on making informed decisions, embracing opportunities, and overcoming obstacles on the path to success. Whether it’s understanding the nuances of negotiation, learning to identify manipulation, or honing your leadership skills, this series will equip you with the knowledge and tools to thrive in the complex landscape of interpersonal dynamics and strategic decision-making. We will also delve into the intricacies of personal branding, self-presentation, and managing one’s online reputation, empowering you to craft a compelling personal and professional image in today’s interconnected digital world. Join us on this insightful journey as we unravel the complexities of power dynamics and strategic maneuvering, arming you with the expertise to navigate the intricate web of relationships and opportunities, and emerge victorious in your pursuits.
In this installment, we will explore The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. It explores power and influence, providing insights into human interaction, and offers strategies for gaining power and guidance on protecting against manipulation. The book delves deep into historical examples and psychological theories to illustrate its points, making it a truly comprehensive guide for anyone interested in understanding and wielding power.
I believe the ancient Mestres understood and used the principles discussed in this book, and if you study and absorb the teachings, you will gain insight into their knowledge.
Now let’s begin.
POWER. An aura of dark energy surrounds that word nowadays in society. But let’s face it. Without power you can’t control your life. I want to show and explore the DARK, MANIPULATIVE side in which a person might get trapped. There are people, especially in the cut-throat corporate world who view the world through the lens of power. In the upcoming series I will teach you how those people operate, making you aware of some powerplays they use, and how you can use those tricks yourself, hopefully for the betterment of the world. In order to beat the darkness, you have to face it, beat and overcome it, then transform it to an uplifting tool. That’s not only a psychological but also a mythological theme engraved in our psyches.
But I warn you: The laws that we will discuss are manipulative, dark but hit home to the core. Beware and if you plan on using them, do it at your own risk. Delving into the depths of power dynamics and the intricate ways in which individuals maneuver within them can shed light on the unspoken intricacies of human interaction. Understanding the undercurrents of power can empower individuals to navigate challenging situations with finesse, but it also comes with the responsibility of using it judiciously for the collective good. Unveiling the layers of power can be a transformative journey, leading to self-awareness and a deeper comprehension of human nature. Through this exploration, one can discern the thin line between manipulation and influence, and learn to wield power with integrity and empathy, fostering positive change in the world.
Now, Let’s examine the first law.
Law 1 – NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER Ethical variant of this law: STAY HUMBLE AND RESPECT YOUR MENTORS.
It’s crucial to recognize that humility and respect go hand in hand with self-confidence and ambition. Embracing humility doesn’t equate to downplaying your own skills or potential; rather, it signifies an openness to learning and an appreciation for the valuable insights and wisdom that mentors can offer. By maintaining a humble approach, you cultivate an atmosphere where knowledge can flow freely and be honored, thus fostering a culture of collaboration and support. This principle also highlights the importance of being mindful of how your actions and accomplishments are perceived by those who have paved the way for your success. By embodying humility and showing gratitude for the guidance received, individuals can establish meaningful connections and contribute to a harmonious and thriving learning and working environment.
The “first law of power” is often attributed to various sources, such as Robert Greene’s dictum: “Never Outshine the Master.” However, for an angoleiro—a practitioner of the traditional, slow, and strategic style of Capoeira Angola—this law takes on a far more nuanced and profound meaning, rooted in the art’s historical necessity for concealment and its reliance on psychological depth.
I. The Angoleiro’s Interpretation of Power
In Capoeira Angola, power is not defined by explosive force or visible aggression. It is, instead, measured by:
- Malandragem (Street Smarts/Cunning): The ability to deceive, to use wit and timing to outmaneuver a physically superior opponent. It is the power of the trickster.
- Mandinga (Mystique/Spiritual Prowess): The unquantifiable energy or presence that makes an opponent hesitant or confused. It is the power of psychological dominance, making the opponent defeat himself before the contact is made.
- Compostura (Composure/Stillness): The ability to remain calm and relaxed in the center of the roda (the Capoeira circle), allowing the opponent to exhaust their energy and reveal their intentions. It is the power of patience and control.
II. The Reinterpretation of the First Law: “Master the Art of Being Unseen”
While “Never Outshine the Master” speaks to social hierarchy, the angoleiro elevates this principle to a level of existential strategy: True power lies in invisibility and the subtle manipulation of perception.A. Historical Context: The Necessity of Concealment
Capoeira originated as a survival tool for enslaved Africans in Brazil. Displaying raw, overt strength or skill was dangerous; it invited immediate, violent repression from overseers and authorities. Therefore, the angoleiro‘s power had to be hidden:
- The Dance Disguise: The graceful, low, dance-like movements were a brilliant disguise, allowing training to continue in plain sight while masking the lethal martial applications.
- The Low Game (Jogo de Chão): By staying low to the ground, the angoleiro minimizes the target profile and uses the earth for leverage, symbolizing a grounded power that is difficult to uproot.
B. Practical Application in the Roda
In the game, this law manifests as the preference for subtlety over spectacle:
- Not Outshining the Move: An angoleiro will often execute a perfect, subtle rasteira (sweep) that trips the opponent without fanfare, rather than an acrobatic, high-flying kick that might impress the crowd but leave him vulnerable. The goal is efficiency, not applause.
- The Illusion of Weakness: A truly masterful angoleiro may intentionally play a “sleepy” game, moving slowly and seeming almost careless. This lulls the opponent into a false sense of security, causing them to overcommit and fall victim to a sudden, devastating counter-move. This is the ultimate form of “outshining” the opponent—doing so while appearing to be doing nothing at all.
- Respecting the Master (Mestre): When playing with a Mestre (Master), the angoleiro follows the flow established by the elder, not out of fear, but out of a deeper understanding that the Mestre is teaching with every movement. To “outshine” the Mestre is to close oneself off from the lesson, thus forfeiting the potential for true, lasting power.
III. Conclusion: The Angoleiro’s Philosophy of Lasting Power
Through the eyes of an angoleiro, the first law of power is about longevity and sustainability. Overt displays of strength are fleeting and invite retaliation. The power that truly endures is the one that is cultivated beneath the surface: the sharpness of the mind, the stillness of the body, and the ability to control the environment (the roda) without anyone realizing you are doing so.
It is the power of the seed: unseen, rooted deeply, and quietly preparing for the moment it must sprout.
By the way, the 2 videos are NOT an accident. It’s always more beneficial to have more than 1 perspective when exploring these laws. Additionally, having multiple videos allows for a deeper understanding of the subject matter as different angles and interpretations can be presented. This can further enrich the viewer’s learning experience and provide a broader insight into the topic at hand.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 