Weak character will neutralize all of the other possible good qualities a person might possess.
Interpretation
A person's character is fundamental and can overshadow any other positive traits.
This quote by Robert Greene suggests that the strength of a person's character is crucial; even if someone possesses many admirable qualities, a weak character can diminish their impact and effectiveness. It highlights the importance of integrity, resilience, and moral fortitude as core attributes that define a person's overall worth and influence in life.
In practice
Use this quote in a leadership seminar to emphasize the importance of character in effective leadership.
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.
And I say also this. I do not think the forest would be so bright, nor the water so warm, nor love so sweet, if there were no danger in the lakes.
The Statue of Liberty is no longer saying, 'Give me your poor, your tired, your huddled masses.' She's got a baseball bat and yelling, 'You want a piece of me?'
If I lose at play, I blaspheme; if my fellow loses, he blasphemes. So, God is always the loser.
I am opposing a social order in which it is possible for one man who does absolutely nothing that is useful to amass a fortune of hundreds of millions of dollars, while millions of men and women who work all the days of their lives secure barely enough for a wretched existence.
Gide and I have attained such perfect intellectual communion that I experience the appropriate labor pains for every thought he gives birth to!
Jesus Christ does not save the worthy, but the unworthy. Your plea must not be righteousness but guilt
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