THE 48 LAWS OF POWER: LAW 1(MY VIEW)

Law No.1: NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER; 'Always make those above you feel comfortably superior: In your desire to please and impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite -inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power.'

In this popular book, The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, the law no.1 states as follows; "Never outshine the master", going further we see two cases cited in the book in which one illustrates the transgression of the law while the other illustrates the observance of the law. Finance Minister Fouquet threw a lavish party showcasing his connections, cultivated manner and charm, all in a bid to impress his master King Louis XIV but in return bruised his master's ego and that emanated in his master getting rid of him. In the second case we see Galileo in a bid to solve his perennial problem of funding dedicated his discovery of the moons of Jupiter to the Medicis, since the royal symbol of the Medici family was the planet Jupiter. He went further to commission an emblem for them, with each moon representing one of the sons who revolved around the patriarch. The Medici family became his major patron, appointing him their official court mathematician and philosopher, thereby giving him a more comfortable life and a steady salary.   

It must be of note that the crops of the matter lies in 'interest', be it selfish, personal, noble or heroic. The two cases are hinged on the personal interest of the key characters and their approach towards actualizing their dream. It goes further to display the individual differences in human nature. Galileo used the power of appreciation, giving with a cute sense of loyalty while Finance Minister Fouquet used the power of logic. By this i mean; he(Fouquet) believed that the show of his connection, cultivated manner and charm will make a lasting impression on his master and in effect win his heart. Unfortunately, he accomplished the opposite thereby igniting fear and insecurity in his master. 

My question therefore is; what if his master was impressed, which law would his actions be observing? It all boils down to the simple and universal fact which is that man makes law to suit himself regarding time and setting and regardless of the unforeseen. So in dealing with the next person be it the master or subordinate there is need to apply wisdom and patience. With an understanding that what works for Mr. A could be a wrong move for Mr.B then these nuggets of wisdom could be applicable;

• Present your ideas in such a manner that they may be ascribed to your master, or could be viewed as an echo of your master’s thoughts. 
• If you are more intelligent than your master, act as if you are not. 
• Never take your position for granted.
• Never let favors you receive go to your head. 
• Discreet flattery is much more powerful. Make it seem like you want to seek his expertise and advice.