Skip to main content

The 13th Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is:

 The 13th Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is:

Law 13: When Asking for Help, Appeal to People’s Self-Interest, Never to Their Mercy or Gratitude

Core Idea

When you need help, don’t rely on the kindness, mercy, or sense of loyalty of others. Instead, show them how helping you will benefit them. People are generally driven by self-interest more than altruism.

Detailed Explanation

Human Nature is Self-Centered
Most people naturally think in terms of “What’s in it for me?”
Appeals to gratitude or past kindness are weak motivators because people forget favors quickly.
Don’t Remind Them of the Past — Show Them the Future
Instead of saying, “You owe me this because I helped you before,”
 say, “If you help me, here’s what you’ll gain.”
A forward-looking appeal is far more persuasive.
Frame Your Request Around Their Goals
Understand the other person’s ambitions, needs, or problems.
Present your request as a way for them to achieve what they already want.
The Psychology Behind It
People may resent feeling obligated out of mercy or gratitude.
Self-interest creates genuine enthusiasm to assist you.
Example from History
During the Renaissance, politicians often secured allies not by reminding them of loyalty or friendship, but by offering trade advantages, power, or influence in return.
This approach builds stronger, more sustainable alliances.
What to Avoid
Begging or guilt-tripping — it makes you look weak and can annoy the other person.
Assuming someone will help just because of a past relationship or favor.

Practical Application


Business → When pitching an idea, focus on how it will increase profits, efficiency, or status for the other party.
Personal Life → If you need a friend’s help, link it to something they also enjoy or benefit from.
Negotiations → Frame offers as win-win situations where their gain is clear and measurable.

In short:


 Don’t appeal to people’s kindness — appeal to their ambition. Show them that helping you is the smartest move for themselves.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Here's a brief description and summary of the Third Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene,

  Sure. Here's a brief description and summary of the Third Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene , expanded to roughly the length and depth you'd find in a short 10-page explanation. Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions Overview: The third law of The 48 Laws of Power emphasizes the importance of keeping your plans secret and not revealing your true goals to others. Greene argues that by concealing your intentions, you prevent others from interfering, resisting, or undermining your strategies. Key Principle: "Keep people off-balance and in the dark by never revealing the purpose behind your actions." By obscuring your motives, you maintain control and avoid giving opponents the chance to thwart you. If people can't predict what you're up to, they can't stop you. Detailed Explanation: 1. Why Concealing Works: Human beings are naturally curious and competitive. When you reveal your intentions: People might become envious or jealous. ...
Post a Comment
Read more

The 15th Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is:

 The 15th Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is: Law 15 – Crush Your Enemy Totally Summary When you decide to confront or remove an opponent, you must eliminate them completely—both in power and influence. If you leave them with even the smallest ability to recover, they may strike back later, stronger and more determined. Partial victories are dangerous because they give your enemy time and opportunity to regroup and retaliate. Greene draws on historical examples where leaders who failed to fully destroy their enemies eventually faced devastating consequences. Key Ideas Half-measures breed revenge – If your rival survives, they’ll remember your attack and seek revenge. Cut the root, not just the branches – Removing only the visible threat while leaving their power base intact ensures their return. Mercy can backfire – Sparing a strong rival can be interpreted as weakness. Control the narrative – Eliminate not just the person but their influence, reputatio...
Post a Comment
Read more

Certainly! Here is a detailed yet digestible summary of the second law from Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power. The second law is:

 Certainly! Here is a detailed yet digestible summary of the second law from Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power . The second law is: 🧠 Law 2: Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies Summary and Deep Analysis (Extended) 1. Introduction to Law 2 Robert Greene’s second law challenges a deeply ingrained social instinct: trusting those closest to us. Friends, after all, are presumed allies — loyal, kind, and dependable. However, Greene flips this notion on its head. He warns that too much reliance on friends can backfire, and paradoxically, former enemies may serve you more loyally. The law reads: “Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies.” This principle is rooted in historical precedent and psychological insight, encouraging pragmatism over sentiment. 2. Why Not to Trust Friends Completely Greene argues that friends often come with emotional entanglements that cloud judgment. When you promote or empower a friend, they might feel...
Post a Comment
Read more