MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER (6/23/25)

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 32nd law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can buy a copy by clicking HERE.

Law 32: Play to people’s fantasies

Play to people’s fantasies. The truth is often unpleasant, so it’s wise to avoid it when seeking to engage and enchant. People who manufacture romance are like oases in the desert, providing relief and inspiration in a world that can be dry and harsh. They cultivate dreams and illusions that allow others to escape their mundane realities, creating a sense of wonder and excitement.

There’s great power in tapping into people’s fantasies, as these imaginative flights can lead to deeper connections and emotional resonance, making all the difference in how experiences are perceived and cherished. By understanding and amplifying these fantasies, one can harness a magnetic charm that captivates hearts and minds, ultimately transforming ordinary moments into extraordinary memories. When we allow ourselves to dive into the realms of imagination, we pave the way for richer experiences that foster intimacy and understanding, thereby bridging the emotional gaps that often exist between individuals.

Moreover, by nurturing these dreams and aspirations, we unlock pathways for creativity and innovation, allowing our interactions to transcend the mundane and ascend into the realm of the unforgettable. This engagement not only enriches our personal lives but also cultivates a shared sense of wonder, encouraging collective storytelling that empowers communities and strengthens bonds.

The 32nd law of power, through the eyes of an Angoleiro:

In the nuanced world of Capoeira Angola, a martial art where tradition, dance, and philosophy intertwine, the Laws of Power—specifically the 32nd, “Play to People’s Fantasies”—takes on a unique, deeply resonant meaning. The Angoleiro, a practitioner who embraces the slow, strategic, and often deceptive movements of Angola, understands that true influence is not built on brute force or transparent reality, but on the masterful manipulation of perception and desire.

For the Angoleiro, the roda (the circle where capoeira is played) is the stage, and the jogo (the game itself) is a meticulously crafted performance. The law is interpreted as a call to weave an irresistible illusion, one that transcends the mundane exchange of physical techniques. It’s about embodying a myth, not just executing a move.

The Angoleiro plays to fantasies in several critical ways:

1. The Fantasy of Invulnerability and Deception: The slow, almost lethargic movements are the primary tool. An opponent watching an Angoleiro may fantasize about an easy win, seeing the lack of aggressive flashiness as weakness. The Angoleiro encourages this fantasy of superiority, only to shatter it with a sudden, devastating rasteira (sweep) or an unexpected escape. The fantasy sold is the idea that they are harmless; the reality delivered is a lesson in the dangers of underestimation.
2. The Fantasy of Ancestral Wisdom: By donning the traditional white attire, speaking in Portuguese proverbs, and meticulously respecting the rituals, the Angoleiro evokes the fantasy of direct lineage to the enslaved Africans who created Capoeira. They are not merely an athlete; they are a living conduit to a deep, powerful, and mysterious past. This spiritual authority gives their presence in the roda a weight that simple physical prowess cannot match, making their commands and movements seem predestined and inescapable.
3. The Fantasy of Rhythm and Song: The musicality of Capoeira Angola is central to the illusion. The Angoleiro’s movements synchronize perfectly with the berimbau and the songs. This creates a hypnotic effect, inviting the participants and audience to lose themselves in the rhythm—the fantasy of a communal, almost trance-like experience. When the fantasy is deepest, the rational mind is dormant, making the opponent susceptible to strategic feints and hidden attacks.
4. The Fantasy of a Beautiful Defeat: In the context of Capoeira, a masterful game is often valued above a simple victory. The Angoleiro’s style—low to the ground, full of malice and humor, played close to the body—turns the jogo into an art form. The fantasy offered is the chance to be part of a beautiful, unforgettable game, even if it results in a fall. The opponent is not merely defeated; they are integrated into the Angoleiro’s legend, making the Angoleiro’s power and artistry the central focus, regardless of the outcome.

In essence, the Angoleiro teaches that to play to people’s fantasies is to understand that the human mind craves myth and spectacle more than truth. The truly powerful individual does not expose reality; they sculpt it into a dream that others willingly step into, making their surrender to the Angoleiro’s control feel like a willing participation in a magnificent art.