Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER, a thought-provoking blog series that delves deep into the intricate strategies of human interactions, encompassing essential themes such as communication, conflict resolution, negotiation, and manipulation. In this series, we aim to unveil the subtle nuances that define successful interactions and the psychological principles that influence human behavior. It discusses leadership dynamics, personal branding, and the complexities of online reputation management, providing readers with practical strategies designed to enhance their influence and build authentic relationships. Through detailed analysis and real-world examples, the series seeks to empower readers to navigate the often-turbulent waters of interpersonal relationships with confidence and skill, ultimately fostering a greater understanding of the power dynamics at play in everyday encounters. Join us on this compelling journey as we explore the art of interaction and the power it wields in our personal and professional lives.
Today, We’re gonna explore Law 8 from the book, “The Laws of Human Nature” by Robert Greene. You can purchase a copy from AMAZON.COM by clicking HERE.
THE LAWS OF HUMAN NATURE BY ROBERT GREENE – Law #8: The Law of Self-Sabotage
The Law of Self-Sabotage suggests that our outlook on life—our attitude—acts as a self-fulfilling prophecy, often creating the very circumstances we fear or expect. This internal identity can quietly run our lives, manifesting exactly what our self-concept allows. For example, an individual who unconsciously links authenticity with suffering may sabotage their own financial success to remain “authentic” to an outdated internal rule.
The Upper Limit Block
A critical component of self-sabotage is the “Upper Limit block,” which is a ceiling installed by upbringing and culture on how much love, money, success, or joy a person is allowed to receive. These blocks are often encoded in the nervous system and subconscious before the age of ten, making them invisible to the conscious mind while they act as walls preventing breakthroughs.
Overcoming Self-Sabotage: Identity Rewiring
To move past these limitations, one must engage in a sequence of identity rewiring:
- Clear: Actively release and dissolve old identities, generational money patterns, and inherited worthiness wiring.
- Align: Write the new identity into the body and nervous system so the subconscious and conscious mind come into agreement.
- Receive: Train the nervous system to hold the new reality as a felt state, allowing for the actualization of what has been asked for.
True wisdom involves knowing yourself and understanding the motivations behind your actions without judgment. By giving yourself permission to be human and acknowledging your intrinsic worth, you can reclaim yourself from external standards and find the connection and love you desire.
Law #8: The Law of Self-Sabotage, through the eyes of an angoleiro
An Angoleiro, a practitioner of Capoeira Angola, views the self-fulfilling prophecy of Law #8 through the lens of malícia (strategic cunning) and mandinga (the art of deception). In the roda, a player who enters with a negative or fearful attitude has already lost the “inner game,” as their body language and rhythm will telegraph their vulnerabilities to a master of intent-reading.
The Low Game and Internal Resistance
Just as the “Upper Limit block” restricts personal growth, a rigid or upright stance in Capoeira restricts mobility. The Angoleiro utilizes the jogo de baixo (low game) to stay close to the ground, which serves as a metaphor for staying emotionally grounded and neutral. By lowering one’s profile, an individual can avoid the “narcissistic injuries” or external provocations that trigger self-sabotaging reactions. True mastery in the roda is achieved when the player refuses to meet force with force, instead yielding and redirecting the opponent’s aggression—or their own internal resistance—into a fluid escape (esquiva).
Malandragem: Turning Sabotage into Strategy
While self-sabotage involves an unconscious feint against one’s own success, malandragem (cunning) is the conscious use of feints to control the environment. An Angoleiro might appear hesitant or vulnerable to draw out a predictable response from an adversary, then instantly transition into a decisive counter-move, such as a rasteira (sweep). Overcoming Law #8 requires the same level of situational awareness: observing one’s own patterns and “tells” to intercept the inception of a self-sabotaging thought before it becomes a committed action.
The Ultimate Saída: Breaking the Cycle
In both life and the roda, the most powerful move is the saída—the conscious decision to exit a destructive game. Whether it is an unproductive conflict or an outdated internal identity, the Angoleiro protects their axé (life force) by refusing to play by rules that guarantee their own downfall. By mastering the rhythm of the berimbau and the fluid ginga, the practitioner learns to move with the vectors of life, transforming every moment of danger into an opportunity for growth and domination.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 