Law 9: Win Through Actions Never Through Argument

The 48 Laws Of Power Summary Series

Judgement

“Any momentary triumph you think you have gained through argument is really a Pyrrhic victory: The resentment and ill will you stir up is stronger and lasts longer than any momentary change of opinion. It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.”

Transgression Of The Law

In 131 BC, Roman consul Publius Crassus Dives Mucianus who lay siege to the Greek town of Pergamus found himself in need of a battering ram to force himself through the walls of the town. He sent an order to a military engineer in Athens requesting these hefty large ship masts be sent to him immediately.

The military engineer did not agree with the use of these large masts and argued endlessly with the soldiers who delivered the…