---
title: "Boldness and hesitation"
description: "Greene's list of psychological effects that make boldness the better course."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/boldness-and-hesitation/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# Boldness and hesitation

> Greene's list of psychological effects that make boldness the better course.

Robert Greene's framework, from 48 Laws of Power, pp. 338 to 351.

Framework 15 of 27 from [48 Laws of Power](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/index.md) by Robert Greene. Category: Personal brand.

## The steps

1. **The Bolder the Lie the Better.** Audacity makes a story more credible and hides its inconsistencies.
2. **Lions Circle the Hesitant Prey.** Showing readiness to compromise brings out the predator in others.
3. **Boldness Strikes Fear; Fear Creates Authority.** A sudden bold move sets a precedent and keeps people on the defensive.
4. **Going Halfway with Half a Heart Digs the Deeper Grave.** Entering an action with less than total confidence puts obstacles in your own path.
5. **Hesitation Creates Gaps, Boldness Obliterates Them.** Swiftness leaves no space for doubt and worry.
6. **Audacity Separates You from the Herd.** Boldness gives you presence, and what draws attention draws power.

## Where it comes from

From chapter: LAW 28, pp. 338–351

If you are unsure of a course of action, avoid it, and once you commit, enter with boldness. Greene contrasts hesitation, which creates gaps and obstacles, with boldness, which hides deficiencies, strikes fear and separates you from the herd. Count Lustig sold the Eiffel Tower to a scrap dealer who nearly backed out until Lustig raised the stakes by asking for a bribe, Ivan the Terrible waited five years and then ordered Prince Shuisky arrested, and Aretino rose from servant to the Scourge of Princes with a pamphlet mocking the pope's dead elephant. Greene says timidity is an acquired habit that can be rooted out. The reversal is that boldness is a tool to use at the right moment, and uncontrolled boldness ruined Lola Montez and Ivan.

## The animation

24 seconds, 4:5, no sound.

- MP4: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/boldness-and-hesitation.mp4
- MP4, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/boldness-and-hesitation-dark.mp4
- Still: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/boldness-and-hesitation.png
- Still, dark: https://tomsharman-downloads-006143767029.s3.eu-north-1.amazonaws.com/downloads/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/boldness-and-hesitation-dark.png