MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER (4/19/25)

Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER, a blog series that explores the strategies of human interactions, including communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and manipulation. It discusses leadership, personal branding, and online reputation management, providing practical strategies for influence and relationship-building. Through analysis and examples, the series aims to help readers navigate interpersonal relationships successfully.

In this installment, we will explore the 28th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can buy a copy by clicking HERE.

Law 28: Enter action with boldness

In every endeavor, approaching situations with a sense of confidence and decisiveness is crucial. When you take bold steps, you not only command respect but also inspire those around you to follow suit. Hesitatiing or second-guessing can undermine your efforts and lead to missed opportunities.

Therefore, embrace a mindset that encourages you to act decisively, trusting in your abilities and instincts. This boldness creates a ripple effect, fostering an environment where innovation thrives and barriers are broken. When individuals dare to step outside their comfort zones, they inspire others to do the same, cultivating a culture of creativity and exploration.

Remember, greatness often requires taking risks and facing the unknown, and those who act with conviction are more likely to achieve their goals and leave a lasting impact. In the pursuit of success, consider how each decision shapes your journey, paving the way for new opportunities and connections that can propel you forward. Ultimately, it’s the courageous actions, fueled by passion and determination, that illuminate the path to greatness and inspire change in both yourself and others.

The 28th law of power, as observed and interpreted through the unique perspective of an Angoleiro, is not merely a theoretical concept but a living, breathing principle honed in the roda of Capoeira Angola. This law—often summarized as “Act Boldly”—takes on a deeper, more nuanced meaning when filtered through the philosophy, movements, and history of this traditional Afro-Brazilian martial art.

For the Angoleiro, bold action is not reckless abandon; it is Calculated Audacity. It is the ability to maintain composure, malícia (a blend of cunning and street smarts), and perfect timing while executing a risky, unexpected movement, or a sudden change in the rhythm of the jogo (game).Interpretation through the Angoleiro’s Lens:

1. The Boldness of the Chamada (The Call): The Angoleiro’s law begins with the chamada. This is a slow, deliberate, almost hypnotic invitation to a closer, more intense interaction. It is a bold move because it exposes the Angoleiro to a potential attack, yet it simultaneously establishes control, psychological dominance, and the tempo of the game. It demands a response, and the Angoleiro who issues the chamada must be prepared for any eventuality, demonstrating a calculated risk in pursuit of a strategic advantage.
2. The Power of Esquiva (The Escape/Dodge): The boldest move in Angola is often not the attack, but the near-miss, the flawless evasion. A spectacular rabo de arraia (stingray tail) or a deep, ground-hugging queda (fall/takedown) performed with such proximity to the opponent’s kick that it verges on contact, is a supreme act of boldness. It shows a complete lack of fear, absolute trust in one’s skill, and a subtle psychological taunt: “I allowed you to come that close, and yet I remain untouched.” This calculated exposure can break an opponent’s confidence.
3. The Art of Malandragem (Cunning/Trickery): Angoleiros understand that boldness is often disguised. The most powerful acts of assertion are camouflaged by a relaxed, almost lazy demeanor. Malandragem is the application of this law—using theatrical pauses, unexpected feints, or a sudden, explosive change from a low, slow grind to a swift, decisive move. It is the bold decision to appear weak or distracted, only to capitalize on the opponent’s overconfidence.
4. Confronting the Master Mestre: (A Spiritual Act of Power): In the hierarchical world of Capoeira, the Angoleiro’s boldest act is often the intellectual and physical challenge presented to the mestre (master). Not in a disrespectful way, but through the courage to fully express one’s own unique jogo within the mestre’s presence. It is the boldness to make one’s art, one’s history, and one’s interpretation of the tradition visible, knowing that one is being judged by the highest authority.

In essence, the 28th Law of Power for the Angoleiro is: “Never appear tentative. When you move, commit fully, but ensure your commitment is a mask for a pre-planned escape route. The greatest power is the psychological advantage gained when your opponent realizes your near-fatal move was entirely intentional.”