Welcome!

Obviously they don't outright say "I'm gonna use this later to guilt trip you" or something, but usually when someone higher-status than me notices I have something they want or can help them they'll toss a bone and pretend like it's just to be friendly, when I know for a fact they're gonna try to use it against me later to get a favor done or guilt trip me. If I turn it down they usually say something that implies "you think you're better than me?" or "you think I'm a manipulative person?". I just wanna avoid mind games without being aggressive, though obviously sometimes people put you in a hole where your only option is aggression I prefer doing things peacefully.

Scent affects perception and gives you bit of an aura and greater presence. Given the book is all about social dynamics and manipulating how people perceive you to your advantage, what cologne in particular do you think would be best to take advantage of this to the effect of the guidance of the 48 laws?

Does anyone know why this reading list was removed as it had many valuable books which the community not longer has access to.

how can you compliment someone in an appropriate manner?

I think I actually have an answer for this, but would love to see others thoughts. Some laws seem to contradict, like how all the early laws are about remaining in the background and then law 6 is about courting any and all attention. The idea that bad attention is good as well as acting unpredictably may contradict carefully creating a reputation and guarding it.

To seduce someone successfully, you must approach indirectly and at the right pace. If you’re too forward early on, they might resist and never lower their guard. Instead, start as if by chance or through friendship, staying on the edges of their life. Make it seem like fate brought you together—people are drawn to the idea of destiny. Let them feel safe, then gradually reveal your intentions.

The Key to Seduction: Your goal is to influence someone without them realizing it. If they sense you’re trying to control them, they’ll resist. But if they think they’re in charge, they’ll follow willingly. To do this, make them come to you. Be visible but not overbearing—show interest, then pull back. Too much attention early on can seem desperate and leave no room for curiosity or imagination. Give them space, and they’ll start thinking about you on their own.

Steps to Seduction:

1. Build trust: Start as a friend. Use this time to learn what they like, what makes them happy, and what they long for. Friendship lowers their guard.

2. Stir curiosity: Once they feel comfortable, small gestures—a light touch, a casual compliment—can spark new thoughts about you.

3. Create desire: If they wonder why you haven’t made a move, they’ll often take the first step, believing it was their idea all along.

Symbol: The Spider’s Web Like a spider weaving its web, you must be patient. The web is delicate and unnoticed, but once the prey steps into it, there’s no escape. You don’t need to chase; they come to you.

In seduction, subtlety and patience are your strongest tools.

20M and i am curios how can i be a more important person in society, to be special, to be uniqueness to poeple to give me more atention. Probably this is kinda narcistic but just for my curiosity.

To seduce someone, you need to pick the right person. Study your target carefully. The best targets are those who feel like something is missing in their life or who see you as different and exciting. They might feel lonely, unhappy, or stuck, which makes them more open to your influence. Truly happy people are much harder to seduce. Look for someone who naturally draws you in, as this attraction will make your efforts feel more genuine. The perfect target creates a thrilling chase.

Keys to Seduction:

We often need to win people over, but not everyone will be open to us. Don’t waste time on those who can’t be swayed. Instead, focus on people who show subtle signs of being affected by you, like blushing, mirroring your gestures, or showing unusual shyness. Avoid those who are too eager to impress you—they likely have their own agenda.

You’ll know someone is the right target if they stir something deep inside you. This emotional reaction will make your efforts more powerful, as your passion will influence them too. However, don’t rush to pursue the first person who shows interest; that’s desperation, not seduction. Seek out people who are different from you—they’ll offer excitement and challenge.

Certain types are better suited for seduction:

• Imaginative and shy people: They are waiting to be drawn out.

• People with free time: They’ll have space in their minds for you.

• Those who think you have something they lack: Opposites often attract and create tension.

Avoid people who are too busy or too happy—they don’t have time or need for you.

The perfect target stirs feelings you can’t explain. Be creative in choosing who to pursue, and the rewards will be much more exciting.

Symbol:

Think of seduction like hunting big game. A lion offers danger and thrill; a leopard is clever and hard to catch. Don’t waste your time on easy prey like rabbits. The more challenging the hunt, the greater the pleasure.

Quotes:

• Ortega y Gasset: “True love isn’t inspired by perfect beauty but by someone’s unique charm and personality. Perfection can feel distant and cold, but personal quirks bring love to life.”

• Kierkegaard: “Finding someone worth seducing is rare. Don’t rush into commitments without understanding their value.”

• Shakespeare: “Even the strongest can be seduced.”

To seduce someone, you need patience and focus. Most people mess up because they rush or act selfishly, showing parts of themselves that ruin the magic. Seduction isn’t about being charming once in a while—it’s a slow, steady process. The longer you take, the more deeply you can influence someone’s mind.

The steps in this guide are designed to help you understand how to get inside someone’s head and win their attention. First, you must calm their worries and get them to think about you instead of their everyday problems. Over time, you’ll need to keep them interested by surprising and exciting them, even creating ups and downs to keep their emotions engaged.

Above all, don’t rush or skip steps. Rushing feels selfish, not seductive. Life is already full of hurry; seduction should feel special and different. If you take your time, you’ll not only break their resistance but make them truly fall for you.

I’ve read The Art of Seduction a couple of times now and really appreciate its depth, but I’ve found it challenging to apply the concepts effectively in a modern dating context. While the book is fascinating, the strategies often feel more suited for a slower, more personal dynamic, which is harder to replicate in today’s fast paced world of online dating, social media, etc

I’m curious what are your thoughts on the book’s relevance in today’s dating landscape, especially as a male? Have you had any success using its principles, especially in a world that seems more influenced by trends like the Red Pill or other modern dating philosophies? Would love to hear your perspectives and experiences

What Is Charisma?

Charisma is a special quality that makes people notice and admire someone. It comes from inner traits like confidence, passion, or purpose—things others often want but don’t have. Charismatic people stand out because they seem extraordinary, mysterious, and exciting. Their energy makes others believe in them and want to follow them.

How Charisma Works

Charisma is like seduction for large groups. Charismatic people make others feel connected to them and inspire loyalty by showing confidence, passion, and mystery. They don’t explain their charm—it just radiates outward. Their expressions, words, and presence captivate others, often hinting at something bigger or deeper about them.

Qualities That Create Charisma

1. Purpose: People follow those who seem to have a clear goal or vision. Stick to your mission, and others will trust your confidence.

2. Mystery: Be unpredictable. Mix opposites, like being approachable yet distant. This keeps people intrigued.

3. Saintliness: Stick to your values without compromise. Living what you believe inspires respect and admiration.

4. Eloquence: Words are powerful. Speak with clarity, emotion, and imagery to captivate others.

5. Theatricality: Act with confidence and composure. Calm, assured gestures command attention.

6. Uninhibitedness: Be bold and spontaneous. Show freedom and fearlessness to inspire awe.

7. Fervency: Believe strongly in a cause. Your passion will energize others and draw them to your vision.

8. Vulnerability: Show that you need love or support from others. This openness creates emotional bonds.

9. Adventurousness: Take risks and show courage. Bold actions inspire admiration and loyalty.

10. Magnetism: Use your eyes to express intensity, calm, and focus. A strong gaze can move people without words.

Why It Matters

Charisma excites people and makes them believe in something bigger than themselves. Historically, charismatic figures like prophets, leaders, and artists have inspired revolutions, movements, and devotion. Today, charisma can make anyone stand out and lead others.

How to Build Charisma

While part of charisma is natural, you can enhance it by practicing these qualities. Stay true to yourself, but learn to express your energy and passion in ways that draw people to you.

Famous Insights on Charisma:

• Max Weber: Charisma is a special power that makes people willingly follow someone.

• Napoleon Bonaparte: His presence made even strong men tremble with admiration and fear.

• Sigmund Freud: People crave illusions and emotional excitement more than truth.

Charisma is not about trying too hard; it’s about embodying qualities that make others feel alive, inspired, and connected.

My boss was resistant to adopting a new design system—calling it 'fancy' and 'pointless.' His stance was firm: 'If the old system works, why change?' Everyone tried to influence him—from colleagues to higher-ups—but nothing worked.

Then I stepped in—not with confrontation but with strategy. I succeeded in steering his decision, and and on Monday, I’ll show you how to do the same in The Power Game Newsletter. I’ll show you how to frame ideas, plant seeds of influence, and guide decisions—all without making it seem like you’re doing so. But today, I’ll share only the story here on Reddit.

My boss had a rule: 'Every new idea requires a demo.' So, I applied the new design system to a single project. This wasn’t just any project—it was one he specifically requested a demo for due to its importance, urgency, and tight timeline. By choosing this project, I not only followed his directive but also demonstrated how the new system could solve problems he cared deeply about. In doing so, I framed the system as a natural fit for his goals and expectations.

I casually showcased the new system’s effectiveness while presenting project updates. There was no dedicated meeting, no grand announcement—just hints about how well it worked. These subtle demonstrations allowed the idea to grow in his mind until it felt like a natural progression.

I consistently highlighted how the project using the new system was ahead of schedule. I didn’t send formal reports; instead, I dropped updates in casual Slack messages or team discussions, keeping the narrative alive.

Crucially, I addressed my boss’s concerns. He resisted the new system because of its perceived learning curve. By framing the demo as 'simple' and 'intuitive,' I eliminated his fears. Over time, he not only accepted the new system—he championed it.

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Several laws from The 48 Laws of Power are woven into this story. Here's a breakdown:

1. Law 1: Never Outshine the Master
   • I subtly demonstrated the value of the new system without directly challenging or undermining my boss's authority. By framing the system as aligning with the boss’s goals, the boss feels validated, not overshadowed.
2. Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions
   • Instead of openly advocating for the new system, I casually showcased its benefits through project updates and demonstrations, allowing the idea to grow organically in the boss's mind.
3. Law 9: Win Through Actions, Never Through Argument
   • I didn't argue or debate the merits of the new system. Instead, I let the results—improved timelines and project success—speak for themselves.
4. Law 11: Learn to Keep People Dependent on You
   • By solving a key problem for the boss and aligning with his priorities, I positioned myself as indispensable to the process.
5. Law 30: Make Your Accomplishments Seem Effortless
   • My updates were casual, and there was no overt fanfare about the system’s success. This subtlety makes the success seem natural and reinforces its value without appearing manipulative.
6. Law 33: Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew
   • I identified the boss’s resistance to change as stemming from fear of complexity and addressed it by presenting the system as simple and intuitive.

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Subscribe to my newsletter (coming up on Monday) to discover how this framework frees you from the constant reliance on Laws you can't even remember: https://power-game.beehiiv.com/subscribe

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Special thanks to the Moderator of this sub for publishing my post.

Life can be tough, and we often escape into dreams and fantasies. Stars take advantage of this. They stand out with a unique style that draws us in but stay distant enough to let us imagine more about them. This makes them fascinating and unforgettable, even if we don’t realize it. You can create this same effect by making yourself mysterious and dreamlike, yet magnetic and present.

Key Points:

1. Seduction is subconscious.

Instead of being obvious or pushy, charm people by stirring their imagination and emotions. Too much directness turns people off. Be subtle and let them wonder about you.

2. Blend the real with the unreal.

Like a dream, mix relatable traits (kindness, confidence) with something mysterious or otherworldly. Think of figures like John F. Kennedy or Andy Warhol, who felt both real and larger-than-life.

3. Let people project onto you.

Be a “blank canvas.” Show just enough personality to intrigue, but not so much that you leave no room for others to imagine who you are. Keep some mystery alive.

4. Stand out in small, unique ways.

It could be your voice, the way you move, or even how you light up a room. Small, distinct details make people think about you long after you’re gone.

5. Build curiosity.

Share glimpses of your life—your passions, your struggles—but not everything. Let people fill in the blanks and keep imagining who you are.

6. Be relatable to a type.

Stars often represent an ideal, like Jimmy Stewart as the everyman or Cary Grant as the smooth gentleman. Find the type people want to connect with and embody it naturally.

7. Adapt and evolve.

Keep your image fresh. People lose interest in things that feel outdated, so update your style and presence to stay relevant.

Symbol: The Idol. An idol is just a piece of stone or wood, but worshippers imagine it has power. Its simple form lets people see what they want to see. You, too, can become an idol—let others fill in the blanks and give you meaning.

My boss resisted adopting a new design system, calling it “fancy” and “pointless.” His stance was firm: “If the old system works, why change?” Everyone tried to influence him—from colleagues to higher-ups—but nothing worked.

Then I stepped in—not with confrontation but with strategy.

He had a rule: “Every new idea requires a demo.” So, I applied the new design system to a single project. This wasn’t just any project—it was one he specifically requested a demo for due to its importance, urgency, and tight timeline. By choosing this project, I not only followed his directive but also demonstrated how the new system solved problems he cared about.

I casually showcased the system’s effectiveness during project updates. There was no grand announcement—just hints about how well it worked. These subtle demonstrations allowed the idea to grow in his mind until it felt like a natural fit for his goals.

I also addressed his main concern: the perceived learning curve. By framing the system as “simple” and “intuitive,” I eliminated his fears. Over time, he not only accepted the new system—he championed it.

That’s how I did it. A straightforward story, but the strategy behind it is anything but simple.

If you’re curious about how to frame ideas, plant seeds of influence, and guide decisions like this, I’ll break it all down in The Power Game Newsletter on Monday. Subscribe here: https://power-game.beehiiv.com/subscribe.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What’s in the newsletter?
In The Power Game Newsletter, I go beyond stories. I share the frameworks and strategies behind real-world power dynamics—how to influence without confrontation, win over skeptics, and make your ideas stick. If you’ve ever struggled with resistance, this is for you.

Q: Can you share one takeaway from the framework?
Here’s one: People are more likely to adopt ideas they see as their own. Instead of selling the system outright, I framed it as a natural fit for my boss’s goals. In the newsletter, I’ll explain exactly how you can use this principle in your own life.

Q: Why should I trust your advice?
I’ve worked across four continents, rising from entry-level roles to leadership. Along the way, I’ve studied and applied power dynamics in corporate and personal settings. These strategies are what I’ve used to thrive in complex environments—and now I share them with you.

Q: Why not explain the framework here?
The framework deserves a deeper dive, with examples and step-by-step explanations. That’s what the newsletter is for. If this story resonated with you, the analysis will give you the tools to replicate it in your own life.

The Art of Charm: Simplified

What is Charm?

Charm is like magic without the tricks. A Charmer makes you feel special, comfortable, and good about yourself. They don’t argue, complain, or push. Instead, they focus on you—your feelings, your thoughts, and your needs. This attention is so enjoyable that it draws you in and makes you want more.

How Does Charm Work?

• Focus on Others: Charmers make you the center of attention. They listen, observe, and adapt to you, making you feel seen and valued.

• Create Pleasure: They don’t burden you with their problems but instead lighten your mood and make things fun.

• Avoid Conflict: They don’t fight or criticize; they smooth things over, making life feel easier and more harmonious.

• Build Comfort: By mirroring your mood, tastes, and values, they create a sense of familiarity and trust.

• Stay Calm: In tough times, a Charmer remains calm and composed, putting everyone around them at ease.

• Be Useful: They subtly help others, making them feel life is better with the Charmer around.

Why Does It Work?

People are naturally drawn to those who make them feel important and happy. Charm taps into basic human desires—vanity, self-esteem, and the need for connection. It’s like holding up a mirror where people see the best version of themselves.

Tips to Be Charming:

1. Make Others the Star: Let them talk about themselves and tailor your compliments to what they care about.

2. Stay Positive: Be fun and uplifting, not critical or heavy.

3. Defuse Tension: Yield in disagreements and plant ideas subtly rather than pushing.

4. Mirror People: Reflect their energy, interests, and values to build rapport.

5. Be Reliable: Keep your promises and make yourself useful without bragging.

Symbol: The Mirror

A Charmer reflects others’ values and desires, creating a connection so seamless that people can’t look away.

Quotes to Remember

• “Talk to a man about himself, and he will listen for hours.” – Benjamin Disraeli

• “Charm is a way of getting a yes without asking a clear question.” – Albert Camus

• “Go with the flow; fight too hard, and things will break.” – Ovid

By mastering these principles, you can cast the Charmer’s spell and create lasting, meaningful connections.

To seduce someone, learn the art of waiting. When people can’t get what they want right away, their desire only grows stronger. Coquettes are experts at this. They give just enough hope—maybe through charm, beauty, or attention—but never enough to satisfy. This keeps their targets chasing them, longing for more. Coquettes appear confident and independent, making them even more irresistible. Their secret? They never fully give in, and they balance between warmth and distance.

The Coquette’s Power:

1. Less is more: If you chase someone too much, they’ll feel smothered and lose interest. Coquettes know how to step back and create mystery. They leave people wondering, which makes them more desirable.

2. Confidence is key: Coquettes don’t act needy. Their self-assurance is magnetic. When you seem like you don’t need anyone, people are drawn to you.

3. Keep them guessing: Coquettes mix signals—kindness, then coldness. This confusion keeps people intrigued and emotionally hooked.

4. Create jealousy: By showing interest in others, Coquettes spark competition, making their target want them even more.

How It Works:

• Coquettes give a taste of happiness but pull back just before giving too much. This withdrawal makes their target insecure and desperate for more attention.

• They never show jealousy; instead, they make others feel jealous, increasing their appeal.

• Emotional distance helps Coquettes stay in control. They manipulate emotions with ease, like playing music.

Symbol: The Shadow

A shadow can’t be caught. If you chase it, it runs. If you ignore it, it follows. Coquettes are like shadows—they’re mysterious and elusive, which makes people crave them even more.

Quotes to Remember:

• “Coquettes know how to please, not how to love, and that’s why they’re loved.” – Pierre Marivaux

• “Treat them coolly, and they’ll come to you begging.” – Sigmund Freud

In short, seduction is about balancing attention and distance. Keep people wanting more, and they’ll never stop chasing you.

What would you choose if it came down to one or the other and why?

Virtue here is defined as selflessness, justice, uprightness, Kantianism (treating people as ends unto themselves), and humanism (valuing the dignity and worth of each individual).

Don’t expect to instantly know your life’s purpose or wait for it to magically appear. For most people, it takes time, reflection, and effort. You need to explore your talents, interests, and what feels right for you. This process isn’t just key to finding purpose and becoming great at something—it’s one of the most important things you can do in life.

Daily reminder: Truly understanding yourself makes it much easier to avoid life’s mistakes.

Learning piano starts off hard. At first, the keyboard looks confusing, and we don’t understand how everything works together—keys, chords, pedals. It’s easy to feel frustrated or bored and want to give up. But if we stay patient and keep practicing, something amazing happens.

We begin to understand. The pieces start to make sense, and we learn the basics. With time, we get better, gain confidence, and take on harder challenges. Eventually, we stop just copying others and add our own style.

After years of practice, we reach mastery. Playing feels natural, like the piano is part of us. We know the rules so well we can change or break them to create something new.

Daily Reminder: Mastery takes time. Trust the process and keep going.

When Japan attacked Pearl Harbor, they were "negotiating" all the way to the end.

When Russia attacked Ukraine, they stopped negotiations and turned to sending useless letters.

Childhood is a Golden Age We Try to Relive We often think of childhood as a magical time full of fun, freedom, and innocence. As adults, we’re drawn to people who remind us of that time—they’re playful, sincere, and relaxed. These “Naturals” make us feel comfortable, bringing out our childlike joy. They sometimes use this charm intentionally to win us over and break down our defenses. By acting like a Natural, you can make others feel delighted and at ease.

The Psychology of the Natural

Children aren’t as innocent as they seem. They know their charm can help them get what they want and learn to use it cleverly. When we meet a charming child, it reminds us of the good parts of childhood—fun, wonder, and openness—even if childhood wasn’t perfect. This nostalgic feeling draws us in.

Natural seducers are adults who’ve kept these childlike traits. They’re not immature but have a playful spirit that feels refreshing in a serious world. They use these qualities intentionally, just like a child using charm to get their way. You can do this too by reconnecting with the playful, mischievous side of yourself.

Types of Naturals

1. The Innocent

These adults seem to view the world with wide-eyed wonder, like a child. They play up their flaws or weaknesses to win sympathy and make others protective of them. Their charm lies in making their innocence seem effortless—trying too hard would ruin the illusion.

2. The Imp

Imps are mischievous and fearless. Like playful kids, they don’t care much about rules or consequences, and their carefree attitude is contagious. They bring joy and energy to those around them. As an adult Imp, it’s okay to push boundaries a bit—your charm will make people forgive you.

3. The Wonder

Wonders are gifted individuals who make their skills seem natural and effortless, like child prodigies. Whether in art, music, or sports, they amaze others with their talent. To play the Wonder, practice your skill until it feels second nature—then make it look like it comes easily.

4. The Undefensive Lover

Children are open to new experiences, unguarded and playful. Adults often lose this openness to protect themselves from pain, but Undefensive Lovers retain it. Their openness helps others relax, lowers defenses, and creates a deep connection. Stay receptive and playful to bring out this quality.

The Symbol of the Lamb

The Lamb represents innocence and vulnerability. It’s soft, playful, and endearing, making people want to protect and cherish it.

Key Insight: Tap into your inner child to connect with others. People are drawn to innocence, playfulness, and effortlessness—it reminds them of a time when life felt simpler and full of joy.

Hi everyone!

I’ve been seriously considering taking a 3-6 month trip, ideally somewhere in Europe, as a way to reset and focus on improving myself. Over the past few years, I’ve really let myself go. Between school and life’s challenges, I’ve developed bad habits—especially when it comes to eating and exercising—and I’ve struggled to break free from them despite countless attempts. My current environment isn’t helping, and I feel like a change of scenery could make all the difference.

My main goal is to lose weight, establish healthier habits, and build a sustainable routine of eating well and exercising so that when I return home, it feels natural and easy to maintain. I’ve been thinking about leaving my current environment for quite some time, and lately, I’m feeling ready to finally take the leap. My parents are supportive of the idea—they know how hard I’ve worked through school, how mentally drained I’ve been, and how much a reset like this could help me.

Financially, I have $10-15k saved up, and my dad has offered to lend me an additional $5k if needed, so I’d be working with a budget of up to $20k. I’m looking for a destination where walking is a big part of daily life, with lots of foot traffic and vibrant streets. Safety is a top priority, and I plan to keep things simple—my spending will focus on flights, rent, and food. This isn’t about vacationing or splurging; it’s about investing in myself and building a better future.

If anyone here has done something similar, I’d love to hear your advice! I’ve been browsing Airbnb and researching destinations, and Europe seems more affordable compared to the U.S., which is why I’m drawn to the idea of going abroad. Any tips, wisdom, or suggestions for destinations would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you so much!