MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER (10/28/25)

Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER, a blog series that explores intricate strategies of human interactions, covering topics such as communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and manipulation. It addresses leadership, personal branding, and online reputation management, offering practical strategies to enhance influence and build meaningful relationships. Through analysis and real-life examples, the series aims to empower readers to navigate interpersonal dynamics and strengthen their personal and professional lives.

In this installment, we will explore the 39th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can buy a copy by clicking HERE.

Stirring the Waters: A Strategy for Success

Ths law, “STIR WATERS TO CATCH FISH,” offers a profound insight into a fundamental principle applicable not only to the art of fishing but also to the broader tapestry of life. At its core, this wisdom illuminates the critical importance of actively creating a disturbance, or a deliberate disruption, within seemingly calm environments to uncover latent opportunities and attract desired outcomes. Just as a fisherman agitates the water to draw fish from their hidden sanctuaries beneath the surface, individuals and organizations must proactively engage with their surroundings to unearth potential rewards and experiences that might otherwise remain concealed.

This metaphorical stirring of the waters necessitates a conscious shift from passive observation to active participation. It encourages us to embrace change, rather than resist it, and to actively seek out new challenges and unexplored territories. By doing so, we initiate a ripple effect, generating movement and drawing attention to our endeavors. This proactive stance can manifest in various ways: introducing innovative ideas, challenging established norms, forging new connections, or venturing into uncharted domains. Each deliberate action, however small, contributes to the overall “stir” that can attract the very opportunities we seek.

The concept of “stirring the waters” serves as a profound metaphor, reminding us that true success and profound fulfillment are seldom the offspring of idleness or the passive anticipation of fortune. Rather, they are almost invariably the fruits of deliberate action, a courageous willingness to challenge the existing order, to introduce a calculated disruption, and to proactively sculpt the contours of our own destinies. It compels us to acknowledge that untapped potential frequently lies dormant beneath the veneer of tranquil, undisturbed conditions. It is precisely through a strategic, intentional disturbance that this latent potential is often brought to light, much like the hidden depths of a still pond revealing its inhabitants when the surface is agitated.

By consciously choosing to be active architects in the pursuit of our ambitions, instead of mere onlookers, we unlock an inherent power within ourselves. This empowerment enables us to unearth unforeseen pathways to personal and professional development, to acquire new knowledge, and to achieve accomplishments that would otherwise remain obscured. This dynamic engagement mirrors the behavior of fish, which, despite their innate ability to conceal themselves, are irresistibly drawn from their hiding places by the invigorating commotion in the water. The act of “stirring the waters,” therefore, transcends a simple suggestion; it is an urgent and undeniable call to action. It implores us to embrace dynamism in our approach to life, to cultivate adaptability in the face of change, and to remain perpetually and passionately engaged in the relentless pursuit of our deepest aspirations. It advocates for a life lived with intention, where we are not merely carried by the currents but are actively charting our own course, making deliberate ripples that lead to greater discovery and meaningful progress.

How to Use the 39th Law of Power Ethically: The Prudence of Concealment

The 39th Law of Power, as articulated by Robert Greene in The 48 Laws of Power, states: “Stir Up Waters to Catch Fish.” This law advocates for strategically provoking and unsettling others to gain an advantage, reveal their true nature, or force them into an emotional, and therefore vulnerable, reaction. The underlying principle is that confusion and frustration can cause people to lose control, making them easier to manipulate or defeat.

While the law, in its original context, is often applied to competitive or morally ambiguous situations, it is possible to interpret and utilize the core concept of calculated action or non-action—which unsettles the status quo—within an ethical framework, transforming it from a tool of ruthless manipulation into one of principled leadership and self-defense.Ethical Interpretation and Application

The ethical application of this law hinges on shifting the objective from personal, exploitative gain to promoting transparency, accountability, and positive change. The goal is not to cause harm or distress for sport, but to expose necessary truths or move a stagnant situation forward with a noble intent.1. Stirring Waters for Transparency and Accountability

• The Ethical Shift: Instead of using provocation to make an opponent vulnerable, use it to force clarity and honesty from an opaque or deceitful entity (e.g., a toxic corporate culture, a misleading political narrative, or an unresponsive bureaucracy).
• Application (Journalism/Advocacy): A journalist might “stir up waters” by asking a series of uncomfortable, pointed questions—questions that disrupt a carefully constructed narrative—to force a public figure to reveal hidden facts. This isn’t done to humiliate, but to serve the public interest.
• Application (Organizational Leadership): A CEO might deliberately introduce a disruptive, non-negotiable initiative (e.g., a major push for diversity metrics or a radical shift in environmental policy) that forces middle management to confront their biases or outdated practices. The “stirring” exposes resistance to necessary change, allowing it to be addressed directly.

2. Using Calculated Unpredictability for Creative Disruption

• The Ethical Shift: Apply the principle of unsettling others not by inducing rage, but by creating productive cognitive dissonance. The aim is to shock a group out of complacency or a “groupthink” mentality, opening the door for innovation.
• Application (Creative/R&D Teams): A project manager might introduce an intentionally outlandish or contradictory constraint into a brainstorming session (e.g., “Design a sustainable car that runs on sound waves”). This unexpected “stirring” forces the team to abandon conventional wisdom and explore entirely new avenues, often leading to breakthroughs.
• Application (Personal Negotiation): If you are consistently undervalued, your “stirring the waters” might be a calm, unexpected counter-offer or the introduction of an alternative proposal that completely reframes the negotiation, forcing the other party to reconsider your worth based on a new, unsettling metric.

3. Strategic Stillness and Refusal to Engage in Drama

• The Ethical Shift: Sometimes, the most ethical and powerful way to “stir the waters” is to refuse to participate in the conflict that others are trying to create. Your calm, principled inaction becomes the disruptive element.
• The Role of Emotional Intelligence: When a co-worker attempts to provoke you into an unprofessional emotional reaction, your strategic, neutral response (or silence) denies them the satisfaction and the power they sought. Your composure acts as the disruptive element, deflecting their aggression back onto them and exposing their pettiness to observers.
• Application (Conflict Resolution): If an opposing party is escalating a situation through emotional outbursts, an ethical leader remains rigorously focused on facts and process. This refusal to meet emotion with emotion “stirs the waters” by denying the instigator the fuel they need, forcing them to either calm down or expose their unreasonableness.

Ethical Guardrails

To ensure the application of this law remains ethical, one must adhere to the following principles:

1. Just Cause: The action must be motivated by a necessary and positive end (e.g., justice, progress, transparency, self-defense against malice), not by personal malice, petty revenge, or gratuitous power-mongering.
2. Proportionality: The degree of “stirring” must be proportionate to the issue at hand. Do not cause massive disruption for a minor gain.
3. No Intention to Harm: The goal should be to reveal truth or force necessary change, not to inflict psychological damage or permanently ruin an innocent party.
4. Full Accountability: Be prepared to own the outcome of your provocative action. An ethical actor takes responsibility for the ripples they create.

The 39th Law of Power Through the Eyes of an Angoleiro: A Study in Strategic Obliqueness

The title “The 39th Law of Power Through the Eyes of an Angoleiro” suggests a unique and insightful interpretation of Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power, specifically focusing on the 39th Law: “Stir up waters to catch the fish.” This powerful law advocates for maintaining a dynamic, sometimes turbulent, environment to disorient opponents and create opportunities for strategic gain.

The perspective of the “Angoleiro”—a practitioner of Capoeira Angola, the traditional, foundational form of the Afro-Brazilian martial art—provides a rich lens through which to examine this concept. Capoeira Angola is not merely a fight; it is a game (jogo), a conversation, a ritual, and a philosophy that emphasizes malice (mandinga), deception, patience, and the manipulation of the opponent’s perception.

The Angoleiro’s Interpretation of the 39th Law:

For the Angoleiro, stirring the waters is a core component of the mandinga—the subtle, deceptive, and often playful strategic cunning that defines the art. The Angoleiro rarely attacks directly or telegraphs an intention. Instead, they operate in the realm of feint, rhythm, and unexpected movement to create a state of perpetual imbalance in their partner-opponent.

1. The Mandinga as “Stirring the Water”: The slow, low, and often malicioso (maliciously playful) movement of Capoeira Angola is itself a form of water-stirring. The constant, unpredictable shifts in tempo, the sudden drops to the ground, the fixed, unnerving gaze—all serve to unsettle the opponent’s footing and mind. The goal is to induce frustration, confusion, or a momentary lapse in concentration, which then becomes the opening for a counter-attack, a takedown (rasteira), or a decisive maneuver.
2. The Power of Rhythm and Song: The music and ritualistic aspects of the roda (the Capoeira circle) are essential tools for manipulating the emotional and energetic atmosphere. The berimbau (the primary instrument) controls the speed and intensity of the game. A deliberate shift in the toque (rhythm) can suddenly escalate or slow down the pace, forcing the players to instantly adapt. This manipulation of the environment is a macro-level application of the 39th Law—changing the very context of the game to gain a psychological edge.
3. Feint and Deception: The literal “stirring” comes through the art of the feint. An Angoleiro might spend minutes in a low, evasive stance, lulling the opponent into a false sense of security or forcing them to overcommit to a defensive posture. A movement that appears to be an escape might suddenly transform into an aggressive strike, or a move toward the outside might be a setup for a takedown on the inside. This constant ambiguity ensures that the opponent is always reacting to a phantom, never a reality, thus creating the perfect “muddy water” where clear action is impossible.

Conclusion:The Angoleiro’s perspective on the 39th Law transforms it from a cynical political strategy into a deeply embodied philosophical principle. “Stirring up waters to catch the fish” is not just about creating chaos; it is about mastering the art of controlled ambiguity, using the environment, the rhythm, and one’s own unpredictable movement to orchestrate the opponent’s downfall. It is the wisdom of mandinga—a subtle, powerful, and effective demonstration of power through indirection and strategic confusion.