Welcome to MALICIA AS A GAME OF POWER, a comprehensive blog series dedicated to exploring the multifaceted nature of strategy in our interactions. In this series, we will delve deep into the art of effective communication, highlighting essential techniques for conflict resolution and fostering meaningful connections with others in both personal and professional realms. Additionally, we will provide insightful tips on how to identify and avoid scammers, equipping you with the knowledge to protect yourself from online fraud. By discussing the importance of maintaining a secure online presence, we aim to empower you with the tools necessary to navigate the digital world safely and confidently. Join us as we embark on this enlightening journey together.
Navigating the world we live in can be challenging. In this series, we will share practical guidance on making informed decisions, embracing opportunities, and overcoming obstacles on the path to success. Whether it’s negotiation, identifying manipulation, or honing leadership skills, this series will equip you with the knowledge to thrive in interpersonal dynamics and strategic decision-making. We will also explore personal branding, self-presentation, and managing online reputation, empowering you to craft a compelling image in today’s digital world. Join us as we unravel the complexities of power dynamics and relations, arming you with the expertise to emerge victorious in your pursuits.
In this installment, we will explore the 15th law of power in the book, the 48 laws of power by Robert Greene. You can but a copy by clicking HERE.
Law 15: Crush your enemy totally
More is lost through stopping halfway; this reveals a critical truth about the importance of perseverance and unwavering determination in our pursuits. To truly succeed, we must never falter nor waver in our resolve, as half-hearted efforts yield only disappointment and regret. Instead, we must crush your enemy in body and spirit, not solely in the physical realm but also in the battlefield of the mind. Every challenge we face tests our limits, demanding resilience and a steadfast approach to overcome obstacles that may seem insurmountable. Each step forward, no matter how small, brings us closer to our goals, reinforcing the belief that persistence is vital in the pursuit of excellence. Therefore, let us embrace the journey, knowing that the trials we endure shape our character and strengthen our resolve, forging a path toward ultimate victory and fulfillment.
Victory comes to those who understand that a complete and total commitment is required to dominate every obstacle and challenge that life presents, leaving no room for doubt or fear to linger. This unwavering dedication is essential, for it fuels the fire of perseverance that allows individuals to push through moments of hardship and uncertainty.
Only then can one revel in the sweet taste of true triumph, standing not just victorious, but unassailable, embracing the myriad experiences that have shaped this moment. In the journey of life, each triumph builds upon the last, forging a path of resilience and strength, where every setback is merely a stepping stone to greater accomplishments, leading to a profound sense of fulfillment and purpose. This intricate tapestry woven from challenges and victories illuminates the way forward, highlighting the importance of perseverance and the lessons learned along the way.
As one reflects on the struggles endured, the victories taste even sweeter, encompassing not just personal growth, but also a deep understanding of the human spirit’s unwavering ability to overcome adversity. The journey is not merely about individual achievements; it’s a celebration of the shared experiences that connect us all in our quests for greatness, fostering a sense of community and mutual support that inspires one to reach even higher.
The Fifteenth Law of Power: Crush Your Enemy Totally, as examined through the unique lens of an Angoleiro—a practitioner of Capoeira Angola.
This exploration delves into how the Machiavellian principle of completely annihilating opposition—leaving no room for recovery or revenge—translates, conceptually and philosophically, into the world of Capoeira Angola. The Angoleiro, rather than focusing on physical destruction, interprets “crushing the enemy” as achieving a complete and undeniable victory within the roda (the circle where Capoeira is played), a victory rooted in strategic mastery, psychological dominance, and the preservation of the art’s cultural integrity.
The Angoleiro’s Interpretation of “Total Crushing”:
- Strategic Annihilation (The Game of Chess): For the Angoleiro, the true “crushing” is not the knockout punch, but the complete dismantling of the opponent’s strategy. It involves anticipating every move (prevenção), controlling the tempo (o ritmo), and systematically closing off all viable offensive and defensive options through the strategic use of movements like caminhar (walking) and low, deceptive rasteiras (sweeps). The opponent is “crushed” when they realize they are entirely trapped, unable to play their own game.
- Psychological Dominance (The Art of Deception): A total defeat in Capoeira Angola is often psychological. The Angoleiro uses a combination of slowness, trickery (malícia), and feints to lure the opponent into a false sense of security or to commit too early. The “crushing” occurs when the opponent’s confidence shatters, and their movements become hesitant, predictable, or desperate. The mastery of the jogo de dentro (the game played close to the ground) ensures this mental submission.
Cultural and Historical Context (The Law of the Roda): Unlike the brutal power dynamics of the political realm, the Angoleiro’s application of the Law of Power is tempered by the foundational rules of the roda. “Crushing” means achieving technical superiority so profound that the roda itself—the collective judgment of the masters and fellow players—recognizes the absolute dominance of one player. This ensures that the victory serves to elevate the art, not just the ego, of the victor. The loss, though total, must still respect the opponent’s life and role in the community, preventing unnecessary physical harm while ensuring the lesson of defeat is absolute.
Jogo Corpo Fechado 