Law 45: Preach the Need for Change But Never Reform Too Much at Once

The 48 Laws Of Power Summary Series

Judgement

“Everyone understands the need for change in the abstract, but on the day-to-day level people are creatures of habit. Too much innovation is traumatic, and will lead to revolt. If you are new to a position of power, or an outsider trying to build a power base, make a show of respecting the old way of doing things. If change is necessary, make it feel like a gentle improvement on the past.”

“Like a billiard ball hit too hard against the cushion, your need for change and your reforms can often result in catastrophic circumstances that you do not have control over or you did not envision.”