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The 16th Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is:

 The 16th Law from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is:

Law 16: Use Absence to Increase Respect and Honor

Summary:

If you are constantly present, people begin to take you for granted. By occasionally removing yourself — physically or socially — you create scarcity, which increases your value in the eyes of others. When something is less available, it becomes more desirable.

Key Ideas:

  • Overexposure breeds familiarity, and familiarity can breed contempt.
    Scarcity creates value — people want what they cannot have easily.
    Use your absence strategically, not excessively; too much absence makes people forget you, but just enough absence makes them crave your presence.
    When you come back after being away, you can re-enter with greater power and attention.

Practical Applications:

In relationships: Take breaks from constant communication so your presence feels special.
At work: Step away from routine meetings and only appear when you have value to add — it makes your input more respected.
Socially: If you are always at every event, you blend into the background; by being selective, you stand out.

Caution:

Too much absence can make you irrelevant. The key is balance — withdraw just enough to make people notice and miss you.


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