Striking imagery and grand symbolic gestures create the aura of power -- everyone responds to them. Stage spectacles for those around you, then, full of arresting visuals and radiant symbols that heighten your presence. Dazzled by appearances, no one will notice what you are really doing. -- The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, page 309.
I start with this one because the examples in both the past and present are endless. In my initial blog, I mention the Ku Klux Klan and the Nazis as two groups who practiced this "law." Expound further on these examples if you wish or, better yet, offer new ones please.
3 comments:
Ironically enough, I just became hip to Robert Green’s 48 laws when I was reading a hip hop article on ‘DJ pushers’ (business mangers). The public resurgence of this knowledge in human behavior provides an explanation to majority behavior, like definitions to words in a dictionary -for that purpose I revel in this opportunity.
In response to Law # 37:
Among many things, this particular law reminds me of a conversation I had with an ex-lover. He stated, “I don’t celebrate birthdays, not even my children’s.” Now people come on; don’t celebrate birthdays? Because I thought my knowledge wasn’t as advance as his, I figured he was borderline crazy – a little bit too militant -you know. So I asked him to explain. His response reference the bible; I can’t recall the parable verbatim but it went to the effect of “While the children were distracted celebrating, destruction came.”
In the end I came to the conclusion that he wasn’t for me. Although this wasn’t the sole purpose we broke up, I felt there was something missing from his reasoning. Dismiss celebration, how do I dismiss my joy? Ultimately, because his explanation seemed limited (and at the time I could not refute it for further discussion) the love faded.
You may be asking, how does this relate to the topic? Celebrations are apart of who we are as people. Every time a music artist releases a record, a book comes out from a famous author, even when a new movie comes out there is celebration. “Stage spectacles” that are “full of arresting symbols” that heighten ones presence. We even secretly celebrate gainful employment with flashy cars and new clothes. We can’t stop joy –celebration- because with celebration comes creativity. We take the good with the bad. If we only look into celebration as distraction for something cynical we dismiss the medium, the creator, the gift.
Power is something that is given by the people, not only by show of material things. Those who know better should do better; we can’t dismiss celebrations as devices only for maniacal deeds. If it is mechanically human to be attracted to bright lights and flashy things than it just is. Only person we are responsible for is ourselves, and if more of us took the responsibility to look beyond the bright lights we would see the jokers coming. Be vigilant, Be In the world not of the world, and Do You.
The following is my personal signature:
As human beings we are open to any manor of suggestion, In my effort to enlighten I will try to refrain from making comments that detract from the personal development that could be found through this medium.
Alternatively this may simply me to visit an optician and have them craft you a pair of stylish frames which upon wearing will draw the attention of those around you. :-)
:-) I actually need new glasses, and I bet I remember this comment when I go get them.
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