The 48 Laws of Power
by Robert Greene | Law no. 2: Never Put too Much Trust in Friends
Problem about working with friends is that it confuses the boundaries and
distances that working requires.
If both partners in the arrangement understand the dangers involved,
a friend often can be employed to great effect. You must never let your guard
down in such a venture, however;
always be on the lookout for any signs of emotional disturbance
uch as envy and ingratitude. Nothing is stable in the realm of power, and
even the closest of friends can be transformed into the worst of
enemies. In order to fully understand, let’s take a look at history and learn
from others mistakes.
The law has been observed with Michael III of the Byzantine Empire and his friend,
Basilius.
In the mid-ninth century A.D. Michael placed too much trust in his
friend, Basilius.
they had met a few years before when Michael have been visiting the stables
They had met a few years before, when Michael had been visiting the stables
His strength and courage had impressed Michael, who immediately raised Basilius
from the obscurity of being a horse trainer
to the position of head of stables. He loaded his friend with gifts and favors
until they became inseparable.
Michael turned the peasant Basilius into a sophisticated and educated courtier.
who later on became greedy for more wealth and power and had his former
benefactor and best friend Michael murdered.
Michael III staked his future on the sense of gratitude he thought Basilius
must feel for him.
He had created a monster. He had allowed a man to see power up close
a man who then wanted more, who asked for anything
and got it, who felt encumbered by the charity he had received and simply did
what many people do in such a situation:
They forget the favors they have received and imagine they have earned their success by their
own merits.
Another example is the Song Dynasty
who ruled China for 300 years,
but how? "I destroy my enemies when I make them my friends".
-Abraham Lincoln | For several centuries after the fall of the Han Dynasty
A.D. 222, Chinese history followed the same pattern of violent and bloody coups, one
after the other.
Army men would plot to kill a weak emperor,
then would replace him on the Dragon Throne with a strong general.
The general would start a new dynasty and crown himself emperor;
to ensure his own survival he would kill off his fellow generals.
A few years later, however, the pattern would resume: New generals would rise up
and
assassinate him or his sons in their turn. To be emperor of China
was to be alone, surrounded by a pack of enemies—it was the least powerful, least
secure position in the realm.
In A.D. 959, General Zhao Kuangyin
I hope I'm saying this right: became Emperor Song
Emperor Song knew that his "friends" in the army would chew him up like meat,
and if he somehow survived, his "friends" in the government
would have him for supper. Emperor Song 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.
Song was finally able to break the pattern of coups,
violence, and civil war. So, what can we learn from these historical events
here are the Lessons for Working With Friends and Enemies
Friends 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 they have kept
hidden,
be on the lookout for any signs of emotional disturbance such as envy and
ingratitude. 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. That's quite a long list to consider.
Have you ever experienced anything alike? Please let us know
and thanks for watching!