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Here’s the 45th Law of Power from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene:

 Here’s the 45th Law of Power from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene:
Law 45: Preach the Need for Change, But Never Reform Too Much at Once
Summary:

People often desire change in theory but fear it in practice. Human beings are creatures of habit and tradition; too much sudden change threatens their sense of stability and security. If you push reforms too quickly or too radically, people will resist, even if the reforms are good for them. To maintain power, you must present change as gradual, respectful of traditions, and not too disruptive.

Key Ideas:

  1. Change is frightening: Even if people are unhappy with the present, they often prefer the familiar to the unknown.
    Gradualism works best: Introduce reforms slowly and in stages so people can adapt.
    Respect traditions: Never attack or discard traditions outright. Instead, reframe or adapt them so people feel continuity.
    Appear as a reformer, not a revolutionary: Revolutions often provoke backlash because they break too sharply with the past.
    Disguise change as improvement: Frame it as a natural progression or restoration, not a complete break.
    Control the narrative: Make people believe that your reforms are simply reviving old, trusted values rather than creating something completely new.

Example from History:

  • Napoleon Bonaparte understood this law. While he introduced many reforms in France, he also restored symbols of monarchy and religion to reassure people. His reforms succeeded because they felt familiar rather than alien.
    On the other hand, the French Revolutionaries made the mistake of trying to abolish too many traditions (the calendar, religion, monarchy) at once. This radical change created chaos, backlash, and paved the way for Napoleon’s rise.

✅ Practical Lesson:

If you want to bring change—whether in politics, business, or personal life—do it step by step. Keep what works, respect what people are attached to, and only modify things gradually. Otherwise, resistance will destroy your reforms and possibly your power.


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