THE 48 LAWS OF POWER: LAW NO.2

NEVER PUT TOO MUCH TRUST IN FRIENDS, LEARN HOW TO USE ENEMIES; 'Be wary of friends- they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy. They also become spoiled and tyrannical. But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove. In fact, you have more to fear from friends than from enemies. If you have no enemies, find a way to make them." .......Robert Greene

In this book of discuss, again there are two cases illustrating the transgression and observance of this law. The transgression of the law was seen in the story of Michael III of the Byzantine Empire in the mid-ninth century A.D., he placed too much trust in his friend, Basilius. This was a young man who had once saved his life, and in return, was given all the privileges an emperor could bestow on a friend. Michael turned the peasant Basilius into a sophisticated and educated courtier. Basilius later on became greedy for more wealth and power and had his former benefactor and best friend Michael III murdered. While the case regarding the observance of the law was the story of Emperor Sung of China in 959 A.D., he was able to turn all his enemies into loyal friends. He persuaded his generals to retire to a life of nobility and give up their dreams of grabbing his throne one day. He spared those who conspired against him, and was able to win over enemies with his generosity.   

I go with the saying that goes thus; "what are friends for if not for inconveniences." this saying has been my guide in my day to day dealings with friends. In as much as we often times lose track of the essence of friendship, i must say at this point that human nature is designed to cater for self first before any other person and this is resultant in the outcomes of various friendships.  In the case of Michael III, he ignored the fact that his friend Basilius is a different individual, who thinks differently with a different dream, aspiration and approach to solving problems. This ignorance led to him arming his friend with the weapon with which he was murdered. The story would have been different if Basilius became loyal and took bullets in Michael's place, again i ask; what law would his action be observing? On the other hand, Emperor Sung of China approached his enemies with the 'Self First' principle. I believe he must have thought through to realize that  going by Maslow's hierarchy of needs, men aim for the top of the pyramid which is 'self-actualization.'
He therefore persuaded his generals to retire to a life of nobility rather than pursue their dreams of grabbing his throne one day. He gave them a big lift to the top of the pyramid, thereby saving his throne from many invaders and at the same time satisfying the innate desires of his generals which is retirement to a life of nobility. Regarding the few that conspired against him, he made friends with them.

Friends and foes are terminologies and not human, the earlier we understand that the human nature knows no friend or foe but 'self-interest' the better we handle our dealings with the next person. This law therefore demands that;

• Do not rely on friends. They will never be totally honest with you. They will not openly disagree with you in order to avoid arguments. 
• Enemies expect nothing so they will be surprised when you are generous. 
• An enemy spared the guillotine will be more grateful to you than a friend. 
• When you decide to hire a friend you will discover qualities she has kept hidden.
• Skill and competence are more important than friendly feelings. 
• Hiring friends will limit your power.
• All working situations require a kind of distance between people. 
• You destroy an enemy when you make a friend of him. 
• An enemy at your heels keeps you sharp, alert, and focused.