I had noticed that many of these successful people, historical and contemporary, shared certain common traits. They had a way of thinking that was exceptionally fluid; they could adapt to almost any circumstance; when confronted with problems, they could look at them from novel perspectives and solve them.
Interpretation
Successful individuals possess adaptable and innovative thinking skills that allow them to tackle challenges effectively.
In this quote, Robert Greene highlights the shared characteristics of successful people, particularly their ability to think fluidly and adapt to various situations. This adaptability enables them to approach problems from unique angles, allowing for creative solutions and contributing to their overall success in life and work.
In practice
In a motivational speech about overcoming obstacles in business.
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.
In all my years of baseball, I have always expected to be traded. I never liked the idea.
I do not think much of the good luck theory of self-made men. It is worth but little attention and has no practical value.
Singleness of purpose is one of the chief essentials for success in life, no matter what may be one's aim.
The day I stopped worrying about stats is the day I started winning
By the time a player becomes a Grandmaster, almost all of his training time is dedicated to work on this first phase. The opening is the only phase that holds out the potential for true creativity and doing something entirely new.
The meeting of preparation with opportunity generates the offspring we call luck.
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