Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER, a comprehensive blog series that delves into the intricate strategy behind human interactions. This series meticulously covers essential topics such as effective communication, conflict resolution, negotiation techniques, and manipulation tactics that can influence outcomes in various situations. Moreover, we explore the nuances of leadership and personal branding, alongside strategies for managing your online reputation in an increasingly digital world. Each entry offers practical strategies designed not only for gaining influence but also for building and maintaining strong relationships within the complex dynamics of power. Through in-depth analysis and real-world examples, this series aims to equip readers with the insights needed to navigate the often murky waters of interpersonal relationships and emerge victorious in their personal and professional endeavors.
In this installment, we will explore the 26th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can buy a copy by clicking HERE.
Law 26: Keep your hands clean
Keep your hands clean. Never appear soiled by mistakes, as a pristine image is essential for maintaining authority and influence. Use others as scapegoats to disguise your involvement, diverting attention away from any missteps you may have taken.
In the intricate dance of professional relationships, it’s vital to ensure that any blame falls elsewhere, allowing you to preserve your reputation and credibility. Mastering this strategy requires a keen eye for detail and a subtle hand, as you navigate through challenges while ensuring that your own hands remain unblemished and your image intact. This art of deflection, however, should be wielded with caution, for being overly evasive can attract undue suspicion and lead to mistrust among colleagues.
Therefore, it is essential to strike a balance between protecting oneself and maintaining transparency; fostering an environment where accountability is shared, yet you discreetly steer narratives to safeguard your interests. By doing so, you not only shield your own standing but also foster a network of alliances that can serve you well in times of need, ultimately enhancing your clout within the professional sphere. As you navigate the complexities of professional relationships, being open about your goals and intentions can build trust, but it is equally important to recognize when to withhold certain information for your strategic advantage.
This careful management of your image and the perceptions others have of you can establish a solid foundation for collaboration, enabling you to pursue mutual goals while ensuring that your own objectives are met. Moreover, a well-cultivated reputation can attract opportunities that would otherwise remain out of reach, reinforcing your position not just as a participant in your field, but as a key player capable of influencing outcomes and driving change.
Law 26, through the eyes of an Angoleiro:
In the vast and interconnected world of Capoeira, the essence of the art is often distilled not just into movements, but into a philosophy. For the Angoleiro—the practitioner of Capoeira Angola—this philosophy is often articulated through unwritten codes and principles that govern the roda and, by extension, life itself. “Law 26,” while not a formally recognized, universal Capoeira law, speaks to a deeply intuitive rule of conduct that is particularly salient within the Angoleiro community.
For an Angoleiro, Law 26 embodies the principle of strategic patience and the profound respect for the game’s intrinsic rhythm. It is the understanding that the most effective action is often not the most aggressive, but the most timely and well-considered. It is the counter-intuitive wisdom that sometimes, the best move is to not move—to wait, to listen, to feel the flow of energy between the instruments, the singers, and the partner.
This principle emphasizes:
- Malandragem (Cunning and Cleverness): Law 26 is the ultimate expression of malandragem. It is the art of deception, of setting a trap not through forceful action, but through subtle shifts in posture, tempo, and expression. The Angoleiro learns to read the opponent’s intentions before they become physical movements, turning the opponent’s aggression into their own vulnerability.
- A Palavra (The Word/Rhythm): The rhythm set by the berimbau is the true law of the roda. Law 26 means surrendering to this rhythm. The Angoleiro does not force their game; they allow the music to dictate the speed, the intensity, and the openings. A forced move, outside the rhythm, is a broken law.
- The Power of Low Ground: Capoeira Angola is played low to the ground, symbolizing a connection to the earth and a constant state of readiness. Law 26 is about staying low, not just physically, but metaphorically—humble, observant, and ready to explode only when the opportunity is undeniable. It teaches that rising too soon or moving too much is a waste of energy and a giveaway of intent.
In practice, an Angoleiro observing Law 26 waits for the perfect confluence of rhythm, space, and opponent error. They understand that patience is not passivity, but a concentrated form of power. The strike or the escape, when it comes, is decisive, elegant, and often appears inevitable, having been meticulously prepared by a preceding period of deep observation and controlled movement. It is a philosophy that transcends the physical game, teaching the Angoleiro to apply the same strategic patience and rhythmic awareness to the challenges and opportunities of the outside world.
Thank you for reading this far. We appreciate your support and look forward to sharing this journey with you!
Jogo Corpo Fechado 