Don’t Outshine The Master
Sharing my learnings from 48 Laws of Power Book
First Law- Don't outshine the master.
The most critical emotion in human nature is the ego. It can be triggered by any action, word, or behavior. So it must be kept in check before you do anything in your life. You don’t want your teacher to think that you are smarter than him, which may boost your morale in class, but the different picture will be reflected in your score. However, if you keep the teacher’s ego in check and make him feel master of a subject, he will not cut score because of emotions.
When you joke, you go on like anything and don’t stop. You may be behaving normally, but the other person thinks otherwise.
Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please and impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents, or you might accomplish the opposite- inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than They are, and you will attain the heights of power.
-Robert Greene
There are two rules in this. First, you can unknowingly outshine a master by being yourself.
Some people transmit positive energy, and if you mix that energy with knowledge and confidence, that creates a unique individual. Everyone wants to be near him, and talking with him adds to your understanding. No master will require the person who steals his charm. You may not notice or realize your mistake, but you will be slowly made to stick to projects of low importance. The moment you realize this, it will be too late.
Second, never imagine you can do anything if the master loves you or talks politely.
The human need to be loved and pleased is in our DNA. If someone talks to us with love or shows some care, we tend to open up with them. We will share our secrets with them, which may not be bank accounts but things that should have been kept hidden from everyone and may land you in trouble. That person may not be on your side tomorrow, and the secrets you tell will haunt you for the rest of your life. Be selective of what you share with others.
If the master loves you, he is seeing something you are not. He may be seeing the opportunity to shine because of you or will keep you in front when things go wrong.
There is nothing in this world free everything comes with some byproduct. A little awareness will not hurt you.
