Law 46: Never Appear Too Perfect

The 48 Laws Of Power Summary Series

Judgement

“Appearing better than others is always dangerous, but most dangerous of all is to appear to have no faults or weaknesses. Envy creates silent enemies. It is smart to occasionally display defects, and admit to harmless vices, in order to deflect envy and appear more human and approachable. Only gods and the dead can seem perfect with impunity.”

By appearing perfect — by appearing superfluous to mistakes and flaws, others may manifest envy.

“Only a minority can succeed at the game of life and that minority inevitably arouses the envy…