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 5th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
The fifth law (law 5) of the 48 Laws of Power is:
So much depends on reputation, guard it with your life. Ethical variant of the law: So much depends on your reputation, that’s right. But, build one based on good works and there’s no need to guard it. False attacks will be quickly brought into the light and destroyed.
Your competitors and enemies will try to use your reputation against you. How do you deal with this?
Reputation plays a crucial role in various aspects of our lives, influencing how others view and interact with us. Beyond affecting our personal and professional relationships, our reputation also impacts our opportunities and success. It is a multifaceted concept that is shaped by our behavior, integrity, and the way we handle challenges. When a reputation becomes tainted, whether due to a specific incident or a series of missteps, the consequences can be far-reaching. However, with dedication and the implementation of strategic measures, it is possible to gradually mend a damaged reputation and regain the trust and respect of others. This process often involves consistent and genuine efforts to demonstrate positive change, as well as a willingness to acknowledge past mistakes and take responsibility for them. Through honest communication and a commitment to integrity, individuals can effectively rebuild their reputation and strive towards a positive future.
It involves consistent and genuine efforts to demonstrate integrity, accountability, and reliability in both personal and professional spheres. This can include being transparent in communication, upholding ethical standards, and being responsible for one’s actions and decisions. Additionally, engaging in acts of goodwill such as volunteering, supporting charitable causes, and helping others in need, and displaying a commitment to self-improvement through continuous education, skill development, and personal growth, can play a significant role in shaping a more favorable perception. It is important to understand that a strong reputation is not just about how others view us, but also about the trust and credibility we earn in our interactions, the positive impact we create, and the principles we stand by. Building and maintaining a reputable image requires consistent dedication, ethical behavior, and genuine intentions, which ultimately contribute to fostering positive relationships and opportunities.
This is why it is crucial to invest in maintaining a reputation that aligns with our true character and values. Though reputation is often tied to external perceptions, it ultimately reflects the essence of who we are and the impact we have on the world around us. Building and upholding a positive reputation requires consistent effort and dedication. It involves not only how we present ourselves in public, but also the sincerity and integrity with which we conduct ourselves in all aspects of life. Our reputation precedes us in interactions with others and can significantly influence opportunities and relationships. It is a testament to our behavior and the values we uphold, shaping the way we are perceived and the trust that is placed in us. Therefore, nurturing our reputation is an ongoing commitment to embodying our true beliefs and ensuring that our actions consistently mirror our inner principles.
The 6th Law of Power, Through the Eyes of an Angoleiro: Conceal Your Intentions
The title “The 6th Law of Power, through the eyes of an Angoleiro” suggests a deep dive into Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power, specifically Law 6: “Create an air of mystery” or, more directly, “Conceal Your Intentions.” This exploration will interpret this Machiavellian principle through the unique cultural and practical lens of Capoeira Angola, the traditional, more grounded, and strategic form of the Afro-Brazilian martial art.
I. The Law: Conceal Your Intentions
In the context of the 48 Laws of Power, Law 6 dictates that one must never reveal the true aim behind their actions. By keeping opponents and rivals in the dark, they cannot prepare a defense, and their focus remains scattered, allowing the strategist to strike with surprise. This translates to an overall sense of unpredictability and strategic depth.
II. The Angoleiro’s Philosophy: Malandragem and Mandiga
The Angoleiro—a practitioner of Capoeira Angola—lives by principles that perfectly embody this law, though they use different terminology:
- Malandragem (Street Smarts/Cunning): This is the ability to navigate the roda (the circle where Capoeira is played) and life with cunning and clever misdirection. A true malandro never shows his full hand. His movements are ambiguous, his glances fleeting, and his rhythm constantly shifting. He might appear relaxed, even sloppy, only to explode into a precise, devastating movement (cabeçada or rasteira). His intentions are cloaked in a performance of playfulness.
- Mandiga (Mystical Power/Charm): Mandiga refers to the almost magical, deceptive quality an Angoleiro cultivates. It is the aura of unpredictability and subtle threat. When playing in the roda, the Angoleiro uses the slow, low game to mask his true objective. Is he merely rocking (ginga), or is he setting up a complicated trap? Is the smile genuine, or a distraction from the impending takedown? The mandiga is the psychological tool that conceals the physical intent.
III. Application in the Roda
For the Angoleiro, the roda is a microcosm of life’s strategic battles. The execution of Law 6 is evident in:
- The Ginga as a Veil: The slow, fluid, pendulum-like motion of the ginga is the Angoleiro’s primary tool for concealment. It is not just a defensive position; it is a hypnotic rhythm that disguises shifts in weight, changes in speed, and the preparation for attacks. The opponent focuses on the hypnotic sway, missing the moment the foot plants for a powerful sweep.
- The Low Game (Jogo de Chão): Capoeira Angola is played predominantly close to the ground. This low posture inherently obscures intention. When an Angoleiro descends into a near-crawling position (rolê, queda de quatro), the options are vast: a sweep, a leg grab, a headbutt, or a quick spring back up. The opponent cannot commit to a defense because the attack vector is hidden by the proximity to the earth.
- The Economy of Movement: The Master (Mestre) often uses minimal, seemingly effortless movements that carry maximum power. An inexperienced eye sees hesitation; the true Angoleiro sees conserved energy and a perfectly concealed setup. By not executing flashy or unnecessary maneuvers, the Angoleiro’s reserves and true striking power remain unknown until the moment of impact.
IV. The Strategic Advantage
The ultimate purpose of concealing intentions, both in the 48 Laws of Power and in the roda of Capoeira Angola, is psychological dominance.
When an Angoleiro successfully employs this strategy:
- The Opponent is Paralyzed: Fear and uncertainty cause hesitation. The Angoleiro’s rival wastes precious time trying to decipher the puzzle, allowing the malandro to control the tempo of the game.
- Energy is Conserved: While the rival expends mental energy attempting to anticipate, the Angoleiro remains calm, executing only necessary, focused movements.
- Surprise Becomes the Weapon: The most effective takedown is the one that is never seen coming. By concealing the intent until the last possible moment, the Angoleiro turns the element of surprise into a devastating, unavoidable attack.
Thus, “The 6th Law of Power, through the eyes of an Angoleiro” is not a cold, detached strategy of pure calculation, but a rich, complex art of embodied cunning. It is a philosophy where the physical self becomes the primary instrument of deception and control. The music, the call-and-response of the canto and the hypnotic pulse of the berimbau, dictates more than just the rhythm of the game; it is an auditory veil that masks true intent. The graceful, low dance—the fluid ginga—is the visual distraction, the elaborate choreography that draws the opponent’s eye away from the true strike or trip being prepared.
In this Angolan interpretation, the law is wholly integrated into the Capoeira roda. Every movement is a double-entendre: a show of respect is also a measure of the opponent’s reach; a moment of playful vulnerability is an invitation to overextend. The aesthetic beauty is inseparable from the tactical genius; the flow and effortless appearance are themselves the most powerful weapon. It is an art where the illusion of peace and joyous movement is, in fact, an utterly lethal veil, ensuring that the Angoleiro maintains the ultimate power: the element of surprise cloaked in undeniable beauty. The mastery lies in the ability to make the opponent admire the trap even as they step into it.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 