Wednesday

48 Laws of Power : Nine

Law 9
Win through your Actions, Never through Argument
Any momentary triumph you think gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory: The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion. It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.



Side note:

This is the perfect opportunity for me to promote why I enjoy this book so much. The book is filled with stories of conquest and defeat that are centuries old. You are able to learn so much simply from seeing the stories play out in support of the law and at the same time gain insight into historical treasure coves. Which brings us to Pyrrhus.

Pyrrhus (318-272 BC) was one of the most successful ancient Greek generals of the Hellenistic era. He was king of the Greek tribe of Molossians(from ca. 297 BC), Epirus (306-301, 297-272 BC) and Macedon (288-284, 273-272 BC), and one of the strongest opponents of early Rome. Some of his battles, though successful, cost him staggering losses, from which the term Pyrrhic victory was coined. Go to Wikipedia to learn more about Pyrrhus.


Practical Application of Law 9:


This law brings home the phrase, “I can show you better than I can tell you!” Often in relationships we face opposition with our loved ones and many times we try to argue our positions hoping that the other person will see our side. Sometimes during those discussions things can get nasty. This law warns us that instead of ripping away at the threads of the relationship simply let your actions and the prevailing actions of others tell the real story.



FUN IN THE FALL -- Join the writers of Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1 - Love & Redemption in New York City during the weekend of October 12th (Columbus Day Holiday).


Where: 583 Riverside Drive, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10031.
For More Information visit http://www.i-lit.com/

15 comments:

nikki said...

i've always been cognizant of what i'm saying during the heated moments. once uttered, it can't taken back. i definitely agree that the actions should speak louder than the words, though.

A.u.n.t. Jackie said...

Hey Rich, I thought I would just roll thru and let you know I'm in Kansas City for a spell. It aint Da Lou but its still Misery none the less!

All-Mi-T [Thought Crime] Rawdawgbuffalo said...

actions do speak louder than words i must admit

A.u.n.t. Jackie said...

Rich if you check out my flicker badge t see pix of me!

The Dreamy One said...

yeah i have definitely grown with that one, cause i used to hold things in and then i would just explode and it couldnt be taken back!!

so proud of myself!!

Organized Noise said...

I've never been one for arguing. I don't even like raising my voice, so I am in total agreement with this one. Actions speak louder than words in this case for sure.

Babz Rawls Ivy said...

Oh well, I am so failing at this. My voice gets all high and shrill. I am going to learn to be less vocal...LOL!

Unknown said...

As usual, dropping science for the soul and empowering the family for excellence!

Thank you Bruh... Thank God for Black Men like yourself!.... Stay up Bruh!

James Tubman said...

i think people who try to out argue people and convince them of what they think should happen are doing it because of their own ego issues

when we get angry we loose control of ourselves

and when we loose control of ourselves to compensate we try to control the lives of others

therefore people who are intently engaged in trying to control others by imposing their own opinion on them really doesnt have control over themselves

go figure

Chari said...

Well dang it jtub! Be quiet talking about me!

But no for real, I definately feel this one. Think I got tired of showing and started yelling.

I know better than that cause I usually don't do that.

Next time I find myself in that situation repeatedly, I should do some moving around...

Good one Rich.

Chari said...

And Rich you have the wrong link for me on your page its:
http://mystery2you.blogspot.com/

Thanks, love ya. (sheepish face :))

CapCity said...

but sometimes arguing FEELS good! specially for someone who maintains that control MOST of the time;-). LOL!

but seriously, i never argue heatedly & emotionally in the workplace - though I am pretty good at debating;-)

layne bowden said...

i'm with cap city... "sometimes arguing FEELS good!" :o)

seriously, i love that law! i agree with it as well. & i think i'm going 2 steal it 4 a post on my blog. i know u, probably, didn't know this; but i am such a biter! (LOL)

n e way, jus passin' thru... i'll be back tho. for sure!

peace! love!

Queen of My Castle said...

I can appreciate this post. Words often cut deeper than we know. I don't like to argue because when you do, neither party is really listening, rather each person is forming his/her rebuttal.

Thank you

James Tubman said...

i dont think my statement made any sense lol