Author Notes
Elezaar's Rules of Gaining and Wielding Power
- Have a reason other than the pursuit of power, for pursing it
- Accept what you cannot change — change that which is unacceptable
- Never appear to do better than your betters
- Trust only yourself
- Conceal your weaknesses, advertise your strengths
- Regardless of who does the actual work — find a way to take the glory
- Make others seek your aid
- Use your enemies' weaknesses against them
- Keep people dependent on you — particularly those who might one day grow strong enough to challenge you
- Your reputation is like a virgin — once violated it can never be restored
- Do the unexpected
- Kill the gander and the geese will be yours to slaughter at will
- Never appear too bright or too clever
- The people on the front line are closest to the problem — listen to their wisdom and then make their solutions your own
- The mob likes a show — give them one as often as you can
- Promise nothing
- Scorn that which is out of reach, do not envy it
- Never let an enemy's blood splash on you — mud sticks but it's easier to wash off than blood
- Be merciful when it doesn't matter — ruthless when it does
- It is sometimes better to have an enemy on the inside looking out, than on the outside looking in
- Demand change of others — but take it slowly yourself
- Know when to ignore your advisors
- Ask for help only from those in whose best interest it lies to aid you
- Don't lie — use only those parts of the truth that will aid you
- Be generous — and keep a tally
- Owe no man a favour
- Let others argue while you take action
- Know when to declare victory
- Eventually, every leader must make the final decision
- Never rely on lasting order — everything changes
~ Tell a friend ~
