To succeed in the game of power, you have to master your emotions. But even if you succeed in gaining such self-control, you can never control the temperamental dispositions of those around you. And this presents a great danger.
Interpretation
Self-control is crucial for success, but the unpredictability of others remains a challenge.
This quote emphasizes the importance of mastering one's own emotions to succeed in situations dominated by power dynamics. While individual self-restraint is vital, the inherent volatility and emotional nature of other people pose a significant risk that cannot be managed, highlighting the complexity of interpersonal relationships in the pursuit of power.
In practice
A leader discussing the importance of emotional intelligence in a corporate training session.
In a society where the roles everyone plays are obvious, the refusal to conform to any standard will excite interest. Be both masculine and feminine, impudent and charming, subtle and outrageous. Let other people worry about being socially acceptable; those types are a dime a dozen, and you are after a power greater than they can imagine.
When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinxlike.
The moment people feel they know what to expect from you, your spell on them is broken. More: You have ceded them power.
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.
The Nihilistic Troll might pretend to be acting in the service of some cause or leader, but don't be fooled. The cause and their supposedly strong convictions are simply a way to justify and provide cover for their abusive behavior.
Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.
The witch doctor succeeds for the same reason all the rest of us succeed. Each patient carries his or her own doctor inside him or her. They come to us not knowing that truth. We are at our best when we give the doctor who resides within each patient a chance to go to work.
The difference between the almost right word and the right word is really a large matter - 'tis the difference between the lightning-bug and the lightning.
Let the man who would hear God speak, read Holy Scriptures.
Greatness inspires envy, envy engenders spite, spite spawns lies.
You can learn much about life from a checker game: surrender one to take two; don't make two moves at one time; move up, not down; and when you reach the top, you may move as you like.
Understand that a problem is only a problem if you choose to view it as a problem (vs. an opportunity).
Subscribe for the occasional hand-picked quote. No noise.