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 2nd law of power ine the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
Be wary of friends. They will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them.
To fully grasp the essence of this law, let’s delve into the world of power dynamics and human interaction through the lens of the TV show Suits and various historical stories.
Laws of Power Law 2 – Never Put Too Much Trust In Friends, Learn To Use Enemies.
This law, in its ethical variant, emphasizes the importance of not using people and understanding that we all make mistakes. It advises setting up one’s life in such a way that the actions of friends or enemies do not have the power to make or break you.
In a world filled with intrigue and peril, Michael III, a young and inexperienced ruler, sought trust in a treacherous environment of Byzantine politics, where loyalty was as scarce as genuine friendship.
Meanwhile, in the annals of Chinese history, the relentless cycle of violent coups and ruthless power struggles played out, illustrating the consequences of misplaced trust and the ruthless pursuit of power. The story of General Chao K’uang-yin, who rose to become Emperor Sung amidst the turmoil and bloodshed, serves as a poignant example of the precarious nature of power and the lengths one must go to in order to break free from the cycle of betrayal and violence.
The intricate and often dark web of power dynamics portrayed in the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene provides a compelling exploration of the manipulative and alluring forces that can ensnare individuals, showcasing the pivotal role of power in shaping destinies. Through these narratives and insights, we are offered a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the timeless allure of power, inviting us to contemplate the delicate balance between trust, manipulation, and the pursuit of control in our lives.
The Second Law of Power Through the Eyes of an Angoleiro
The ancient wisdom captured in various “laws of power” offers profound insights into human interaction, influence, and mastery. However, interpreting these laws through a specific cultural or artistic lens can unlock deeper, more nuanced meanings. When examining The Second Law of Power—often related to constancy, trust, or perhaps maintaining a certain air of predictability—through the perspective of an Angoleiro, a practitioner of the traditional, slower, and more strategic style of Capoeira Angola, a fascinating re-interpretation emerges.The Angoleiro’s Interpretation of Constancy and Appearance
For the Angoleiro, power is not merely about physical dominance or overt showmanship; it is about presence, persistence, and the mastery of deception. The game of Capoeira Angola is a slow, deceptive dialogue—a conversation of subtle shifts, feints, and calculated stillness.1. The Power of the Long Game (Constancy):
The Second Law, in one common interpretation, warns against making radical, unpredictable shifts in behavior or appearance that could erode the trust or respect of others. The Angoleiro embodies this by cultivating a deep, unwavering core that underlies every jogo (game).
- Patience and Persistence: Capoeira Angola demands relentless, often years-long, dedication. The power of the Angoleiro lies in their constancy to the roda (the circle), to the toque (the musical rhythm), and to the fundamental principles of low, grounded movement. This constancy builds respect not through swift victories, but through persistent participation and continuous, quiet improvement.
- The Invariant Foundation: Though movements are fluid and unpredictable, the Angoleiro maintains an unwavering connection to the floor and the rhythm of the berimbau. This foundation is their constancy—a silent promise to their opponent and the roda that they will not abandon the traditional style for flashier, less substantive movements.
2. The Mastery of the “Same” (The Art of Deception):
In a potentially contrasting interpretation, The Second Law might suggest that one should always seem familiar and reliable to avoid provoking fear or suspicion. The Angoleiro uses this concept to brilliant, strategic effect:
- The Deceptive Stillness (The Appearance of the Same): The most powerful move in Capoeira Angola is often the feint—the subtle shift of weight, the slow drag of a foot, the seemingly benign look in the eye. The Angoleiro often maintains a deceptively relaxed and even bored appearance. They perform familiar, non-threatening motions repeatedly, giving the opponent a false sense of security and predictability.
- The Sudden Eruption (The Calculated Breach): The real power move is the sudden, explosive action that breaks the monotony, but because it is launched from a seemingly constant, familiar state, the opponent is completely unprepared. The Angoleiro has maintained the appearance of the “same old” pattern until the moment their calculated breach of that pattern guarantees success. This is not arbitrary change, but highly controlled, strategically timed deviation.
The Law Applied in the Roda
To the Angoleiro, this Law of Power means:
- Build your reputation through reliable practice and respect for the tradition. Let your constancy be your dedication, not your predictability.
- Use the appearance of the familiar as a strategic weapon. Cultivate a patient, grounded demeanor that lulls the opponent into comfort.
- When you do change, make the change definitive and decisive. The sudden shift in speed, angle, or intensity must serve a clear purpose—to strike, to escape, or to unbalance. It is the carefully timed exception that proves the rule of your constancy.
The Angoleiro, an individual deeply immersed in the philosophy and practice of Capoeira Angola, does not view “The Second Law of Power” through the rigid, prescriptive lens of a conventional maxim. Instead, this principle is profoundly re-imagined and internalized as a dynamic methodology for strategic engagement. It moves beyond a static rule to be slavishly followed, becoming a sophisticated framework where the power of the constant self serves as the bedrock for all interaction. This “constant self” represents the accumulated wisdom, the ingrained rhythmic foundation (the ginga), the unwavering patience, and the core identity of the practitioner. It is the unshakeable axis around which all movement revolves.
Crucially, this inherent, stable power is not an end in itself; it is the essential force used to amplify the impact of the calculated, momentary change. This “calculated, momentary change” is the precise, unpredictable counter-movement, the sudden shift in tempo, the unexpected sweep (rasteira), or the quick, deceptive feint. Because it emerges from a place of profound constancy, the momentary change achieves maximum surprise and effectiveness. The stability of the constant self provides the necessary contrast and the reservoir of energy for the sudden, brief action to become a decisive pivot point in the engagement, transforming a simple encounter into a profound display of applied, intuitive strategy.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 