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 explore the 21stlaw of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
LAW 21 SEEM DUMBER THAN YOUR MARK
Play a sucker to catch a sucker, a clever strategy that emphasizes the art of deception and manipulation within social interactions. It suggests that one must sometimes adopt a less knowledgeable or naïve persona to lure in individuals who might otherwise be wary, effectively drawing them into one’s game.
By appearing vulnerable or unsuspecting, the true motives can remain hidden, allowing the cunning individual to gain the upper hand. This tactic involves careful observation of human behavior, exploiting the weaknesses and overconfidence of others, ultimately turning the tables in one’s favor and showcasing the complex dynamics of trust and betrayal that often govern our relationships.
In a world where deception can weave intricate webs, the skillful strategist learns to navigate these interpersonal landscapes with finesse. They recognize that even the most seemingly innocuous actions can carry significant weight, as nuances in body language and vocal tone often reveal hidden intentions. By playing the role of the passive participant, they elicit a false sense of security in their targets, thereby facilitating deeper connections that serve as a foundation for their ulterior motives.
This art of manipulation further sheds light on the delicate balance of power in human interactions, demonstrating how easily perceptions can shift and how fragile alliances may truly be when challenged by the ambition of those skilled in the game of human psychology. These dynamics compel us to remain vigilant, for trust, once broken, leaves lasting scars that can alter the trajectories of relationships indefinitely, transforming allies into adversaries in an instant.
The 21st Law of Power Through the Eyes of an Angoleiro
The ancient wisdom captured within The 48 Laws of Power offers a compelling, often ruthless, blueprint for gaining and maintaining influence. Law 21, “Play a Sucker to Catch a Sucker—Seem Dumber Than Your Mark,” is particularly fascinating when viewed through the lens of Capoeira Angola, the traditional, foundational style of the Afro-Brazilian art form. An angoleiro—a practitioner of Capoeira Angola—lives a philosophy deeply rooted in cunning, deception, and the strategic underestimation of the self, mirroring the essence of this law.The Angoleiro’s Strategic Deception (A Malícia as Intellect)
In the roda (the circle where capoeira is played), the angoleiro often adopts an apparent posture of vulnerability or sluggishness. The movements are low, slow, and seemingly effortless, a stark contrast to the high-flying acrobatics of the more modern Capoeira Regional. This deliberate, understated approach is not a sign of weakness, but a manifestation of malícia—a sophisticated blend of street smarts, cunning, and calculated deception.
The Angoleiro as the “Sucker”: The angoleiro plays the sucker by presenting an inviting, almost docile target. The slow tempo and seemingly relaxed guard encourage the opponent, or the “mark,” to rush in, overcommit, and reveal their own strategy and ego. The apparent lack of urgency makes the opponent believe they have the intellectual and physical advantage, lulling them into a false sense of security. The angoleiro may stumble, pause for too long, or even smile a little too innocently, all calculated moves to bait the trap.
The Opponent as the “Sucker”: The opponent, blinded by their own eagerness to dominate or execute a complex maneuver, becomes the true sucker. They are so focused on what they believe the angoleiro can’t do—move fast, strike hard, defend effectively—that they fail to notice the critical details: the subtle shift in weight, the positioning of the hands, or the angle of the head, which are all preparatory for the counter-attack. The angoleiro’s feigned simplicity makes the opponent overlook the complexity of the ancient, powerful movements hidden within the slow flow.The Art of Underestimation and Hidden Arsenal
The core of Law 21 is allowing the opponent’s pride to be their downfall. In Capoeira Angola, this is a masterclass in controlled understatement.
- Concealing the Technique: The angoleiro rarely displays their most lethal or powerful moves immediately. Instead, they probe with simple, low-impact movements like the rasteira (low sweep) or a simple cabeçada (headbutt), making the opponent believe the art is fundamentally basic. The true, devastating sweeps, take-downs, and powerful chutes (kicks) are reserved and hidden, only to be executed once the opponent has committed to a predictable pattern.
- Gathering Intelligence: The slower, seemingly dumber pace serves as a perfect intelligence-gathering operation. By appearing less threatening, the angoleiro forces the opponent to play their A-game prematurely. Every move the opponent makes—their favored side, their reaction time, their level of stamina, their commitment to the ground—is recorded and analyzed. The angoleiro wins the intellectual game before the physical climax.
- The Explosive Counter: The entire game culminates in the moment the “mark” overextends. When the opponent commits to a forceful, complex attack, the angoleiro explodes from the “sucker” posture with terrifying precision. The sudden transition from slow, low movements to an inescapable, explosive sweep or a powerful, unexpected takedown shatters the opponent’s perception. They realize, too late, that they were not playing a fool, but a master craftsman of deception.
Conclusion: Wisdom in Humility
The angoleiro, embodying Law 21, understands that true power often lies not in overt display, but in controlled concealment. The apparent humility and simplicity of the Angolan style are the ultimate weapons. By allowing others to underestimate them, they gain the critical advantage of surprise and the intellectual high ground. The lesson is universal: appearing dumber than your mark strips them of their vigilance and fuels their arrogance, making them an easy target for the inevitable, well-timed stroke of cunning. It is a profound lesson that the most effective trap is the one that is voluntarily walked into.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 