If the world is like a giant scheming court and we are trapped inside it,
\nthere is no use in trying to opt out of the game. That will only render you
\npowerless, and powerlessness will make you miserable. Instead of struggling
\nagainst the inevitable, instead of arguing and whining and feeling
\nguilty, it is far better to excel at power. In fact, the better you are at dealing
\nwith power, the better friend, lover, husband, wife, and person you be
\ncome. By following the route of the perfect courtier (see Law 24) you learn
\nto make others feel better about themselves, becoming a source of pleasure
\nto them. They will grow dependent on your abilities and desirous of your
\npresence. By mastering the 48 laws in this book, you spare others the pain
\nthat comes from bungling with power\u2014~by playing with fire without knowing
\nits properties. If the game of power is inescapable, better to be an artist
\nthan 2. denier or a bungler.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"