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 27th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can buy a copy by clicking HERE.
Law 27: Play on people’s need to believe to create a cult like following
Tap into people’s desire for belief to build a devoted following by offering a cause or new faith, using vague yet promising language that captivates the imagination and hearts of your audience. This approach not only engages them emotionally but also creates a sense of belonging and purpose among your followers. Prioritizing enthusiasm over reason is essential, as it allows you to inspire and motivate, fostering a community that feels united by shared ideals and aspirations.
Additionally, encouraging rituals and sacrifices from your followers can deepen their commitment and create a tangible connection to the cause. These practices may include regular gatherings, where participants can share their experiences and strengthen bonds, symbolic acts of devotion, such as lighting candles or offering personal tokens, and personal investments that reinforce their dedication, like contributing time, resources, or energy towards the cause.
Such practices ultimately solidify their role within this burgeoning belief system while fostering a sense of belonging and community. By weaving these elements together, you can cultivate a loyal and passionate base that is eager to spread your message far and wide, motivated not just by belief but also by the shared experiences and traditions that bind them to one another and to the mission at hand. The transformation of individual commitment into a collective movement can energize efforts, inspire others, and lead to significant positive impacts in the larger world, expanding the reach of your influence and fortifying the core values that underpin the belief system.
The 27th law of power, as observed and interpreted through the unique lens of an Angoleiro, is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical, embodied philosophy. An Angoleiro, a practitioner of Capoeira Angola, understands that power is not brute force or overt dominance, but rather a subtle interplay of timing, strategy, and misdirection. The Law, when viewed from the perspective of the roda (the Capoeira circle), emphasizes the principle of ‘playing with other people’s fantasies.’
In the roda, the Angoleiro learns to manipulate the expectations of their opponent. They create a perceived weakness—a feigned hesitation, a deliberate exposure—inviting the other player to step into a trap of their own making. The opponent, driven by the fantasy of an easy takedown or a decisive strike, commits to a move that the Angoleiro has already anticipated and prepared to counter. This is the essence of the 27th Law: planting an idea, nurturing the opponent’s desire to act on it, and then using that very action as the mechanism for their own downfall. The Angoleiro is a master of creating an illusion of opportunity, turning the opponent’s own aggressive impulse into a boomerang that returns to strike them.
The Angoleiro’s power resides in their ability to remain centered (mandinga), constantly shifting between vulnerability and coiled readiness, proving that true control is often achieved not by direct confrontation, but by guiding the opponent’s imagination toward a pre-determined, illusory goal.
Thank you for reading this installment of MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER. Your engagement with the story is greatly appreciated, as it enables us to explore the intricate dynamics of power and manipulation within the narrative. Each chapter unfolds layers of strategy and conflict, inviting you to delve deeper into the minds of the characters as they navigate their ambitions and rivalries. We are excited to see where this journey takes us in the forthcoming installments and hope you continue to join us in unraveling the complexities of this enthralling game.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 