I was a little worried that young people would think the only game was being political and manipulative when really the bigger game is being so good at what you do that nobody can argue with your results.
Interpretation
The quote emphasizes the importance of focus on excellence in one's work rather than engaging in political or manipulative tactics.
Robert Greene suggests that rather than getting caught up in the political aspects of life or workplace dynamics, individuals, especially the youth, should dedicate themselves to mastering their craft. By achieving high levels of skill and producing undeniable results, one can rise above the need for manipulation, making their success irrefutable and commanding respect.
In practice
In a motivational speech to students about career paths.
In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike.
The moment people feel they know what to expect from you, your spell on them is broken. More: You have ceded them power.
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
The Nihilistic Troll might pretend to be acting in the service of some cause or leader, but don't be fooled. The cause and their supposedly strong convictions are simply a way to justify and provide cover for their abusive behavior.
Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.
I love showcasing my talents - not only to my hometown fans and my own team but to the world.
Only in America could a refugee girl from Central Europe become secretary of state.
My principal business is giving commercial value to the brilliant - but misdirected - ideas of others.
Successful people reject rejection.
Many of the most successful men I have known have never grown up. They have retained bubbling-over boyishness. They have relished wit, they have indulged in humor. They have not allowed ‘dignity’ to depress them into moroseness. Youthfulness of spirit is the twin brother of optimism, and optimism is the stuff of which American business success is fashioned. Resist growing up!
For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side-effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself.
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