---
title: "The foundation skills of power"
description: "The basic habits Greene says you need before the laws can be applied."
canonical: https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/the-foundation-skills-of-power/
updated: 2026-11-03
---

# The foundation skills of power

> 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.

Framework 1 of 27 from [48 Laws of Power](https://tomsharman.com/bookshelf/48-laws-of-power/index.md) by Robert Greene. Category: Sales and negotiation.

## The steps

1. **Master your emotions.** Express anger or love carefully and never let either shape your plans.
2. **Look both ways like Janus.** Imagine problems before they arise and learn from your past mistakes by analysing them against the laws.
3. **Play with appearances.** Wear many masks and keep a bag of deceptive tricks so you stay flexible.
4. **Practise patience.** Give time and see several steps ahead so you avoid moronic blunders.
5. **Judge by circumstances and effects.** Judge opponents by the effect of their moves.
6. **Judge things by what they cost you.** Weigh time, energy and peace of mind before taking part in anything.
7. **Study people.** Recognise hidden motives, because that knowledge opens up persuasion and influence.
8. **Take the indirect route.** Plan moves in the least obvious way and disguise your cunning.

## Where it comes from

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.

## 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/the-foundation-skills-of-power.mp4
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