The basic habits Greene says you need before the laws can be applied.
Robert Greene's framework, from 48 Laws of Power, pp. 14 to 23.
Master your emotions
Express anger or love carefully and never let either shape your plans.
Look both ways like Janus
Imagine problems before they arise and learn from your past mistakes by analysing them against the laws.
Play with appearances
Wear many masks and keep a bag of deceptive tricks so you stay flexible.
Practise patience
Give time and see several steps ahead so you avoid moronic blunders.
Judge by circumstances and effects
Judge opponents by the effect of their moves.
Judge things by what they cost you
Weigh time, energy and peace of mind before taking part in anything.
Study people
Recognise hidden motives, because that knowledge opens up persuasion and influence.
Take the indirect route
Plan moves in the least obvious way and disguise your cunning.
From chapter: PREFACE, pp. 14–23
Greene argues that nobody wants less power and that the modern world has recreated the scheming court, where you must seem fair and decent while playing cunningly. People who claim to opt out of the power game are usually playing it indirectly, through displays of weakness, demands for equality, honesty or naivety. His answer is to become good at power rather than deny it, which starts with mastering your emotions, patience, reading appearances, seeing circumstances instead of morals, and studying people. He ends by explaining how to use the book: straight through, as a browsing reference, or for entertainment, with a warning to take it seriously.
