Win through your actions, never through argument.
Interpretation
Actions speak louder than words, and true success comes from demonstrating rather than debating.
In this quote, Robert Greene emphasizes the importance of action over mere discussion or argument. He suggests that rather than trying to win through verbal disputes, individuals should focus on proving their points through tangible results and actions that showcase their beliefs or capabilities. This perspective encourages a more constructive approach to conflict and competition, where achieving goals becomes paramount.
In practice
During a team meeting, you can say this quote to emphasize the importance of delivering results over just discussing ideas.
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.
Closing the confidence gap means being honest about your abilities, not constantly undervaluing them.
Most cooks try to learn by making dishes. Doesn't mean you can cook. It means you can make that dish. When you can cook is when you can go to a farmers market, buy a bunch of stuff, then go home and make something without looking at a recipe. Now you're cooking.
Don't stumble over something behind you.
Don't misinform your Doctor nor your Lawyer.
Humility is the mother of all virtues; purity, charity and obedience. It is in being humble that our love becomes real, devoted and ardent. If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are. If you are blamed you will not be discouraged. If they call you a saint you will not put yourself on a pedestal.
Older men declare war. But it is the youth that must fight and die.
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