People have more freedom to bring more of their personal qualities into the role they play once they have established themselves and their competence is no longer in question. But this is always within limits.
Interpretation
Establishing competence allows individuals to express their true selves within their roles, albeit with some constraints.
In this quote, Robert Greene suggests that once an individual has proven their skills and competence in a given role, they have the freedom to infuse more of their personal qualities into that role. This personal expression is valuable; however, it is important to understand that this freedom is not absolute and is bound by certain limits, such as expectations and the context of the role.
In practice
In a professional development seminar, a speaker could use this quote to emphasize the importance of competence in the workplace.
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.
I know you won't believe me, but the highest form of Human Excellence is to question oneself and others.
The darkest day in a man's career is that wherein he fancies there is some easier way of getting a dollar than by squarely earning it.
For the simplicity on this side of complexity, I wouldn't give you a fig. But for the simplicity on the other side of complexity, for that I would give you anything I have.
When you take your attention into the present moment, a certain alertness arises. You become more conscious of what's around you, but also, strangely, a sense of presence that is both within and without.
I have so much to do that I shall spend the first three hours in prayer.
The fact that some geniuses were laughed at does not imply that all who are laughed at are geniuses.
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