Weak character will neutralize all of the other possible good qualities a person might possess.
Interpretation
A person's character is fundamental and can overshadow any other positive traits.
This quote by Robert Greene suggests that the strength of a person's character is crucial; even if someone possesses many admirable qualities, a weak character can diminish their impact and effectiveness. It highlights the importance of integrity, resilience, and moral fortitude as core attributes that define a person's overall worth and influence in life.
In practice
Use this quote in a leadership seminar to emphasize the importance of character in effective leadership.
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.
Never have ideas about children, and never have ideas for them.
As riches increase and accumulate in few hands, as luxury prevails in society, virtue will be in a greater degree considered as only a graceful appendage of wealth, and the tendency of things will be to depart from the republican standard. This is the real disposition of human nature; it is what neither the honorable member nor myself can correct. It is a common misfortunate that awaits our State constitution, as well as all others.
Nothing is politically right which is morally wrong.
One day some as yet unborn scholar will recognize in the clock the machine that has tamed the wilds.
An evil deed is not redeemed by an evil deed in retaliation.
When selflessness is seen in objects, the seed of cyclic existence is destroyed.
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