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 8th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
The eighth law (law 8) of the 48 Laws of Power is: Let others come to you, use bait if necessary.
Let others come to you, use bait if necessary. It’s important to balance the idea of attracting people towards you with the ethical principle of offering genuine value. One way to achieve this is by becoming known for providing helpful solutions to common problems. By consistently offering valuable assistance, you can establish a reputation as a reliable source of support. In addition, actively participating in relevant communities and sharing your expertise can also contribute to building your presence and attracting others to engage with you. Furthermore, developing a strong online presence through insightful content and engaging with your audience through various channels can significantly enhance your ability to draw others towards you. Remember, the key is to offer authentic value and build meaningful connections rather than simply seeking attention for the sake of it.
Over time, as you establish yourself as a valuable resource within your network, this can lead to others seeking you out for guidance, creating opportunities for collaboration and delegation of tasks. As you become known for your expertise and helpful nature, more and more individuals may turn to you for advice, support, and input on various matters. This, in turn, can open the door to new connections and potential partnerships, enriching both your professional and personal growth. Remember, genuine connections are built on trust, respect, and mutual benefit, so always strive to offer value without expecting anything in return, fostering a culture of generosity and support within your professional circles.
The 8th Law of Power: Make Other People Come to You—Use Bait If Necessary, Through the Eyes of an Angoleiro
The philosophy encapsulated in the 8th Law of Power—”Make Other People Come to You—Use Bait If Necessary”—finds a profound and nuanced resonance within the discipline of Capoeira Angola, particularly as interpreted by a seasoned angoleiro. The angoleiro, a practitioner and master of this older, more strategic form of Capoeira, understands that true power in the roda and in life is not about aggressive pursuit, but about strategic attraction and positioning.
In the roda of Capoeira Angola, the angoleiro does not chase the game. Instead, they establish a presence—a gravitational center—that subtly compels their partner (o jogador) to move toward them, both physically and rhythmically. This is achieved through a masterful command of the fundamentals:
- Strategic Positioning and Patience (A Espera): The angoleiro starts with a low, grounded stance, often in cocorinha (a low squat) or queda de rins (a position of defense and rest). This stillness is the bait. It projects calm, confidence, and a deceptive vulnerability. The opponent, seeking to exploit this seeming inertia, is drawn in, thus ceding the initiative and the high ground.
- The Allure of the Ginga: The ginga is the Capoeira walk, but for the angoleiro, it is a hypnotic dance of feints and withdrawals. It’s not merely a preparatory movement; it’s a living, rhythmic question posed to the opponent. The beauty and unpredictability of the ginga act as a compelling lure, tempting the partner to engage, to solve the puzzle of the movement, and thus, to move into the angoleiro’s zone of control.
- The Power of the Empty Space (O Vazio): A key element of the bait is creating and offering o vazio—the empty space. By swiftly withdrawing a leg, ducking low, or sidestepping, the angoleiro leaves an opening, a perceived weakness. This intentional exposure is the trap. When the opponent commits to filling that space with an attack (the bait is taken), they sacrifice their own balance and control, making them vulnerable to a sudden, decisive counter-movement like an rasteira (sweep) or cabeçada (headbutt).
- Psychological Control through Rhythm: The angoleiro uses the music and the berimbau to establish the emotional and temporal landscape of the game. By subtly speeding up or slowing down the movements, or by playing close to the floor in a low, mesmerizing flow, the angoleiro dictates the pace and atmosphere. The opponent, wanting to participate in the established rhythm, is psychologically drawn in and constrained by the rhythm set by the master.
The angoleiro understands that when you force a confrontation, you are reacting to the other person’s agenda. When you successfully use “bait,” you ensure that the jogo (game) unfolds on your terms, within your chosen space, and at your preferred moment. This principle extends beyond the roda into the jogo da vida (game of life), teaching that influence and power are best achieved not through aggression, but through strategic attraction, patience, and the masterful creation of an irresistible scenario. The goal is to make the partner (or competitor) expend their energy by coming to you, leaving you fresh, positioned, and ready to conclude the encounter decisively.
I’d like to send a big shoutout to Shayan Wahedi for creating the video. Please click HERE and check out his YouTube channel.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 