Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER, a captivating blog series focused on strategy in our interactions, carefully covering various aspects such as effective communication, conflict resolution, and the art of building meaningful connections. This series aims to delve deeply into critical topics such as negotiation techniques, subtle manipulation tactics, essential leadership skills, personal branding strategies, and comprehensive online reputation management. By exploring these multifaceted themes, we intend to equip you with a diverse set of tools and insights that will enable you to adeptly navigate complex power dynamics and emerge victorious in various social and professional settings. Whether you’re looking to enhance your interpersonal skills, strengthen your influence, or simply understand the underlying mechanics of power, this series is designed to provide invaluable guidance and transformative perspectives that can lead to your ultimate success.
In this installment, we will explore the 19th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
Law 19: Know who you’re dealing with – do not offend the wrong person
Understanding the dynamics of human behavior is crucial, as reactions can vary drastically from one individual to another. Never assume everyone will react the same way; what might provoke anger in one could result in indifference in another. Each person’s unique life experiences, emotional resilience, and personal values shape their responses to different situations. Therefore, it is essential to choose your victims carefully, taking into account their personality traits, background, and potential triggers. By examining the nuances of each individual’s character and history, you can better predict how they might respond to various stimuli and interaction methods. This deeper understanding not only aids in avoiding conflict but also fosters more empathetic and effective communication, ultimately leading to healthier interactions. A careful assessment can mitigate unnecessary confrontations and facilitate more positive outcomes in any engagement.
The ability to navigate these complexities can greatly influence your interactions and the outcomes of your decisions, ensuring that you maintain control and avoid unnecessary conflict. By developing a keen understanding of the intricacies involved, you can enhance your communication skills, which ultimately leads to more constructive conversations and a more harmonious environment. This awareness enables you to anticipate potential challenges and address them proactively, fostering an atmosphere of cooperation rather than confrontation. In turn, this approach not only strengthens your relationships but also empowers you to make better-informed choices, paving the way for successful resolutions that benefit all parties involved.
The 19th Law of Power, Through the Eyes of an Angoleiro: Never Put a Price Tag on Your Dignity
The 19th Law of Power, often interpreted as “Know who you are dealing with—do not offend the wrong person,” takes on a profound, almost spiritual, dimension when viewed through the lens of an angoleiro—a practitioner of Capoeira Angola, the art’s most traditional and philosophical form. For the angoleiro, this law transcends mere social strategy; it becomes a commandment concerning personal honor, respect (respeito), and the sanctity of the roda (the circle where capoeira is played).
The Roda as a Microcosm of Power
In the roda of Capoeira Angola, power is not measured by physical strength or winning a fight, but by presence, control, and the ability to dictate the pace of the jogo (the game). The angoleiro is perpetually testing the boundaries, not just of their opponent, but of the entire environment. When navigating the law, the angoleiro understands that offending the “wrong person” means disrespecting the fundamental principles of the art:
- Malandragem (The Art of Deception and Wit): An angoleiro must never mistake a quiet or gentle player for a weak one. True power is often masked by humility. To dismiss a master (Mestre) or even an experienced student (aluno) based on their appearance or initial movements is to commit an act of profound ignorance. The “offense” is the failure to recognize the Mestre’s history, sacrifice, and accumulated knowledge.
- A Ginga (The Foundation Stance): The perpetual, flowing motion of the ginga is a metaphor for constant vigilance. The angoleiro is always observing the body language, the rhythm of the berimbau, and the communal energy of the roda. To misread these signs and execute a rash, ill-timed, or purely aggressive move is a social offense. The roda is a dialogue, and interrupting a dialogue with a shout is an offense to the collective power of the community.
- The Axé (The Life Force): Axé is the spiritual energy, the collective force that animates the roda. Offending someone—be it through a cheap trick, a cynical dismissal, or a blatant lack of sincerity—is an attack on the axé. It is a betrayal of the community’s trust. The ultimate consequence for violating this spiritual aspect of the law is not a physical defeat, but the loss of respect, which can lead to social and spiritual isolation within the capoeira family.
Conclusion: The Price of Disrespect
For the angoleiro, the 19th Law is not about self-preservation in a courtly environment; it is about moral integrity in an ancient tradition. The greatest power they possess is their dignidade (dignity) and the respect they command. They do not put a price tag on their honor. To offend the wrong person is to invite a lesson in humility—a lesson that often comes in the form of a perfectly executed, elegant, and often humiliating counter-movement. The law, therefore, serves as a constant reminder: Respect the tradition, respect the hierarchy, and respect the silent power of the knowledge held by those who appear to be the most unassuming.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 