48 Laws of Power Quotes: Transform Your Approach to Success and Leadership

Ever feel like success is just out of reach? Get inspired by these 48 Laws of Power quotes from Robert Greene's bestseller to reach your goals! Greene's thoughts on leadership and success offer practical tips for mastering influence, overcoming obstacles, and unlocking your true potential. 

This carefully selected list of inspiring quotes is grouped by topics like "reputation and perception," "strategy and tactics," and others. You can find them in the summary of 'The 48 Laws of Power' in Headway's online library. It's a great opportunity to learn each law and use them to improve your power skills!

Jump to:

- The most famous quote from 'The 48 Laws of Power'
- Top 10 most impactful lines by Robert Greene
- Quotes on power and influence
- Quotes on reputation and perception
- Quotes on strategy and tactics
- Quotes on manipulation and control
- Quotes on leadership and mastery

What's the most famous quote from 'The 48 Laws of Power'?

As the first law and the most famous quote from 'The 48 Laws of Power' suggests:

"Never outshine the master."

This brief saying highlights the importance of being careful with your talents around those in charge. It advises not to outshine your bosses with your skills or ideas. Instead, make them feel comfortable and confident, so they will support you and help you succeed.

The law is greatly inspired by Niccolò Machiavelli's teachings. The 16th-century political philosopher argued that making a ruler feel threatened or insecure could lead to personal ruin. In this context, Greene is extending Machiavelli's principle into modern life, where subtlety and strategy in dealing with power structures are just as essential.

More of Robert Green's quotes are just one scroll away!

What are the most impactful Laws of Power by Robert Greene?

A journey to power is never a straight path. It's full of twists and turns that can either disorient you or show new ways to greatness. The following laws of communication and influence will help you see your path clearly and keep you going no matter what. Find your key to power dynamics and learn how to use it with Robert Greene's most profound ideas.

1. "Conceal your intentions." — Law 3

When you don't reveal everything, you stay in control and let others follow your lead. But you might lose your advantage if you share too much too soon.

2. "Always say less than necessary." — Law 4

Have you ever talked too much in a meeting or conversation, then wished you hadn't? Sometimes, staying quiet is the best choice. Words can get you into trouble. The key is to speak carefully and only say what's needed. This way, you keep people curious and your influence grows.

3. "Court attention at all costs." — Law 6

Attention is a currency, and those who capture it can shape the narrative. So, pay attention strategically to the court, and you will gain the influence to control the narrative and drive your success.

4. "Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim." — Law 12 

Imagine you're in a conversation where you want people to trust you. Being honest and kind in just the right way can help. When you give something real and sincere, it makes others feel safe. Share a little, and you'll help them feel comfortable enough to open up to you.

5. "Keep others in suspended terror: Cultivate an air of unpredictability." — Law 17

What if the most powerful people in your life were the ones who could leave you guessing at every turn? Unpredictability is an essential tool in maintaining control. When people can't predict your next move, they stay on edge. Harness this law and leave an air of uncertainty around your decisions to keep the element of surprise.

6. "Do not build fortresses to protect yourself — isolation is dangerous." — Law 18

Have you ever tried to shield yourself from the world, thinking it would keep you safe? The truth is, isolation can lead to vulnerability. Success comes through connection, not withdrawal. While it may seem safer to distance yourself from the chaos, surrounding yourself with people, even if they're not always in your corner, is essential to staying relevant and informed.

7. "Re-create yourself." — Law 25

Do you ever feel like you've outgrown your current self? It's time to break free from past versions of you. When you recreate yourself, you embrace change and go beyond your comfort zone. The only true limit is the one you place on yourself!

8. "Keep your hands clean." — Law 26 

What if you could win without getting your hands dirty? Maintaining your integrity while achieving your goals is a powerful skill. Let others carry out the dirty work while you keep your reputation intact. People will respect you more for it, and your success will feel all the sweeter when achieved with honor.

9. "Play on people's need to believe to create a cult-like following." — Law 27 

Have you ever been drawn to someone because they seemed to have a deep sense of purpose or belief? Since people are driven by purpose, appeal to this need and watch as they rally behind you, creating momentum that propels you toward your goals.

10. "Despise the free lunch." — Law 40 

How many times have you received something for free and wondered what the catch was? This law is about understanding the true cost, whether it's an opportunity, a favor, or a seemingly generous offer. There's always a hidden price when something comes too easily.

Best quotes on power, influence, and control to redefine your success

Power, influence, and control are important for success. Whether it's in your job, with friends, or in life in general, here are some of the best quotes from 'The 48 Laws of Power' that can renew your perspective. It's time to use power in a smart way and see how it can help you grow.

Master power and influence to achieve your goals

1. 11 "Master the game of power to control the narrative."

2. "Because nothing screams power like making hard work look like a walk in the park."

3. "When you show yourself to the world and display your talents, you naturally stir all kinds of resentment, envy, and other manifestations of insecurity... you cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others."

4. "It is smart to occasionally display defects, and admit to harmless vices, in order to deflect envy and appear more human and approachable."

5. "There is nothing more intoxicating than victory, and nothing more dangerous."

6. "You choose to let things bother you. You can just as easily choose not to notice the irritating offender, to consider the matter trivial and unworthy of your interest. That is the powerful move."

7. "To succeed in the game of power, you have to master your emotions."

How to build and protect your reputation for success

1. 18 "So much depends on reputation — guard it with your life."

2. "Use absence to increase respect and honor."

3. "Be royal in your own fashion: act like a king to be treated like one."

4. "Do not leave your reputation to chance or gossip; it is your life's artwork, and you must craft it, hone it, and display it with the care of an artist."

5. "Be the master of your own image rather than letting others define it for you."

6. "Never be distracted by people's glamorous portraits of themselves and their lives; search and dig for what really imprisons them."

7. "Learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations. Then stand aside and let public opinion hang them."

Effective strategies for winning in any situation

1. 25 "Use the surrender tactic: Transform weakness into power."

2. "When you meet a swordsman, draw your sword: Do not recite poetry to one who is not a poet."

3. "Do not wait for a coronation; the greatest emperors crown themselves."

4. "Never take your position for granted and never let any favors you receive go to your head."

5. "Never argue. In society nothing must be discussed; give only results."

6. "You cannot repress anger or love, or avoid feeling them, and you should not try."

7. "Anger is the most destructive of emotional responses, for it clouds your vision the most."

Use manipulation and control to gain the upper hand

1. 32 "Pose as a friend, work as a spy."

2. "Never put too much trust in friends. Learn how to use enemies."

3. "When asking for help, appeal to people's self-interest, never to their mercy or gratitude."

4. "If you want to turn people down, it is best to do so politely and respectfully, even if you feel their request is impudent or their offer ridiculous."

5. "The key to power, then, is the ability to judge who is best able to further your interests in all situations."

6. "Learn the lesson: Once the words are out, you cannot take them back."

7. "You must be the mirror, training your mind to try to see yourself as others see you."

Boost your leadership skills and personal growth

1. 39 "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."

2. "Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter."

3. "Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid."

4. "Never waste valuable time, or mental peace of mind, on the affairs of others — that is too high a price to pay."

5. "Fools say that they learn by experience. I prefer to profit by others' experience."

6. "Too much respect for other people's wisdom will make you depreciate your own."

7. "Above all, keep yourself free of commitments and obligations—they are the device of another to get you into his power."

8. "Learn to use the knowledge of the past and you will look like a genius, even when you are really just a clever borrower."

9. "Never let yourself get lost in the crowd, then, or buried in oblivion. Stand out. Be conspicuous, at all cost." 

10. "Hesitation creates gaps. Boldness obliterates them."

How can you use Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power in real life?

Each Law of Power is a hands-on tool you can use in your everyday life. Need a motivation boost? Craft a LinkedIn post with your favorite quote. Struggling with self-image and confidence?

Set yourself for success or map out your career path with daily affirmations inspired by Robert Greene's work. You choose! Here's how you can turn knowledge into action.

1. Create a motivational social media post

Turn your social media feed into your personal motivational board with your favorite quotes! Robert Greene's advice, "Master the art of timing," can provide a solid foundation for your LinkedIn post or inspirational TikTok video. Write something like:

"Success isn't just about hard work — it's about doing the right thing at the right time. Patience and awareness of timing are the secret weapons of effective leaders."

A post like this could encourage you and your followers to be more mindful of their decision-making process and timing in career and business endeavors.

2. Start your day with a positive affirmation

How about getting things started on a positive note this time? Turn the famous quote "Keep your hands clean" into a daily reminder to stick to your values for the best results and maximum impact:

"Today, I will act with integrity and keep my actions aligned with my values. No shortcuts, no compromises — just doing what's right."

 Use these words as your new mantra for the most productive day ever! 

3. Draw your career map

When you're planning your career path, avoid revealing every step of your strategy too early. The saying "Conceal your intentions" is a good tip for getting things done before telling others.

For example, if you want to change your job, try learning new skills, meeting new people quietly, and gaining experience first.

When you feel ready, you'll have what you need to make the change without extra stress or distractions. Visualize this step in your career map and enjoy your self-realization journey.

Grow your power with Headway book summaries 

Power and success often go hand in hand, but achieving them requires more than just ambition — it takes strategic thinking, self-improvement, and a deep understanding of human behavior. So, don't let your insecurities and hesitations take over when it's time to act! Use 'The 48 Laws of Power' quotes and key insights from the book as your roadmap to successful leadership and personal growth. 

Need more books like 'The 48 Laws of Power?' Then, explore these nonfiction bestsellers:

• 'The Prince' by Niccolò Machiavelli — a political treatise on the nature of power and the strategies every ruler should use to maintain and expand their authority.

• 'The Art of War' by Sun Tzu — a military strategy book from China's most renowned general. 

• 'Influence' by Robert Cialdini, PhD — a trusted guide on persuasion and the psychological principles behind it. 

Take your personal development to the next level with the Headway app and transform your life with one more positive habit!