10th Law of Power: "Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky" —from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

 10th Law of Power: "Infection: Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky"
—from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

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⚠️ Summary:

This law warns that emotions and misfortunes are contagious, and aligning with negative or unlucky people can damage your reputation, energy, and success. Greene encourages you to distance yourself from chronic complainers, pessimists, or those who attract trouble—not out of cruelty, but self-preservation.

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💡 Key Ideas:

Emotional Contagion is Real

People’s moods, attitudes, and patterns tend to "infect" those around them. Constant exposure to anxiety, bitterness, or failure drags you down psychologically and socially.

Misfortune Spreads Like a Virus

Associating with those plagued by constant disaster (bad luck, financial failure, drama) can make others view you similarly, even if it’s not your fault.

The Fate of Others Affects Yours

Greene gives historical examples where kings and generals fell from grace by associating with the wrong people. Just like diseases, bad energy spreads subtly but powerfully.

Stay Objective, Not Emotional

Don’t try to "save" or "fix" toxic people. Greene emphasizes that sympathy is a trap; your priority is your own success and mental clarity, not rescuing others.

Choose Allies Wisely

Instead of helping the doomed, surround yourself with positive, ambitious, successful individuals. Their traits will rub off on you, too.

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📖 Historical Example:

Lola Montez & King Ludwig I of Bavaria
Lola, a seductive dancer, manipulated King Ludwig into making irrational decisions that ultimately cost him his throne. Her emotional storms and manipulations infected his reign with chaos. The moral? Avoid those whose presence causes continual trouble, no matter how charming they seem.

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🛡️ Application:

In Personal Life: Cut ties (or set boundaries) with people who always bring drama, complaint, or failure.

In Career: Be cautious of associating with colleagues or clients who have bad reputations or chronic problems.

In Mindset: Avoid feeding your own negativity—you can infect yourself with pessimism, too.

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🧠 Greene’s Insight:

“You can die from someone else’s misery—emotional states are as infectious as diseases. The unfortunate draw misfortune on themselves and will draw it on you. Associate with the happy and fortunate instead.”