Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER, a blog series that delves deeply into the intricate art of strategy within various interactions, focusing not only on effective communication and conflict resolution but also on the essential skill of building meaningful connections. This series aims to illuminate the multifaceted nature of human interactions by covering an array of topics, including but not limited to, negotiation techniques that help you secure advantageous outcomes, manipulation tactics that can be ethically understood, and leadership skills that empower you to inspire and mobilize others. Furthermore, we explore the significance of personal branding and online reputation management, providing you with critical tools to navigate the often-complex power dynamics inherent in both social and professional settings. By engaging with this content, you will be equipped with the insights and strategies necessary to achieve success, foster lasting relationships, and assert your influence in any environment, thereby enhancing your overall effectiveness in various aspects of life.
In this installment, we will again explore the 20th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
LAW 20 PART 2 DO NOT COMMIT TO ANYONE
The freedom to explore different relationships and experiences is invaluable. It is essential to maintain a sense of independence in order to grow personally and understand what you truly desire in life. Engaging with various people allows you to learn from diverse perspectives and cultivate a richer understanding of yourself and what you value.
Remember, building connections is important, but not at the expense of your own personal growth and autonomy. It is essential to prioritize your own needs and aspirations while engaging with others. So take your time, enjoy the journey, and keep your options open as you navigate through the complexities of relationships, ensuring that each connection enhances your life rather than detracts from your sense of self. Embrace the opportunities for learning and self-discovery that come with each interaction, allowing yourself the freedom to explore what truly resonates with you while balancing the expectations and dynamics of those around you.
The 20th Law of Power: Do Not Commit to Anyone, as viewed through the lens of an angoleiro (a practitioner of Capoeira Angola).
In the world of Capoeira Angola, the 20th Law—”Do Not Commit to Anyone”—takes on a unique and deeply practical significance. An angoleiro is constantly navigating a complex social and physical landscape within the roda (the circle where capoeira is played) and the wider community. Commitment, in this context, is not merely about emotional attachment but about strategic alignment, energy expenditure, and the preservation of one’s own freedom and equilibrium.
Strategic Neutrality in the Roda
The roda is a microcosm of life—a space of both cooperation and subtle conflict. If an angoleiro commits too heavily to one partner’s style, rhythm, or strategy, they become predictable and susceptible to attack. The law advises maintaining a calculated distance and a neutral stance.
- Avoid Becoming an Aliado (Ally) or a Target: By aligning too strongly with a particular mestre (master), a specific group, or a political faction within the capoeira world, one risks inheriting their rivalries, limitations, and enemies. The angoleiro must be a free agent, able to play with everyone and learn from all styles without being shackled to one ideology. This allows the player to move fluidly, both physically in the game and socially in the hierarchy.
- The Economy of Movement (Ginga): The ginga, the foundational sway of Capoeira Angola, embodies this law. It is perpetual non-commitment—a constant state of being neither here nor there, neither attacking nor fully defending. It is an active neutrality that keeps the opponent guessing and conserves energy for the decisive moment. Committing to a static position or a predictable pattern is a sign of weakness, inviting a take-down.
- The Power of the Observer: By not committing to a particular style of game, the angoleiro can stand back and observe the entire roda—the energy, the weaknesses of others, the rhythm of the instruments. This detachment allows for the accumulation of intelligence, enabling the player to enter the game at the perfect moment with the appropriate counter-strategy.
The Master of the Pivot
The ultimate application of this law in Capoeira Angola is the ability to pivot—to change allegiance, rhythm, or strategy instantly. The angoleiro maintains their leverage by making themselves desirable to all and dependent on none.
- Lending, Not Giving, Your Weight: In a physical sense, the best players learn to ‘lend’ their weight and intention, never fully committing their center of gravity until the last possible second. This keeps them agile and able to retract or shift focus instantly.
- Maintaining Independence from Patrons: In the traditional context, a mestre might have patrons or sponsors. The angoleiro must accept support, but ensure they do not become a mere puppet for that patron’s agenda. Their loyalty is to the art itself and their own development, not to any single source of funding or influence.
The angoleiro‘s path is one of calculated self-reliance. By refusing to commit fully, they remain fluid, adaptable, and ultimately, free—the true goal of Capoeira Angola. Their power lies in their independence, their ability to be an ally to all and a servant to none.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 