Law 48: Assume Formlessness

The 48 Laws Of Power Summary Series

Judgement

“By taking a shape, by having a visible plan, you open yourself to attack. Instead of taking a form for your enemy to grasp keep yourself adaptable and on the move. Accept the fact that nothing is certain and no law is fixed. The best way to protect yourself is to be as fluid and formless as water; never bet on stability or lasting order. Everything changes.”

I want to discuss how the concept of ‘water’ applies to these laws. When we talk about water, we’re talking about the symbol for the idea of assuming formlessness.

But what is formlessness?

Formlessness is simply having no regular shape or form, constantly adapting, constantly changing, and that is one of the main characteristics of water. It is…