Robert Greene Quotes

“Above all else, focus on acquiring knowledge and skills. Knowledge and skills are like gold — a currency you will transform into something more valuable than you can imagine.”

“An appeal to the emotions is far more powerful than an appeal to reason.”

“An enemy who does not respect you will grow bold, and boldness makes even the smallest animal dangerous.”

“Any titles, money, or privilege you inherit are actually hindrances. They delude you into believing you are owed respect.”

“Confidence is important, but if it is not based on a realistic appraisal of who you are, it is mere grandiosity and smugness.”

“Develop the skill of sensing problems when they are still small and taking care of them before they become intractable.”

“Do not be lured by the need to be liked: better to be respected, even feared.”

“Do not waste time on things you cannot change or influence.”

“Eventually, the time that was not spent on learning skills will catch up with you, and the fall will be painful.”

“Everything is judged by its appearance;
what is unseen counts for nothing.”

“Give people options that come out in your favor whichever one they choose.”

“Giving too much can be a sign of desperation, as if you were trying to buy someone.”

“If there is something you want but you cannot have, show contempt for it. The less interest you reveal, the more superior you seem.”

“In a world growing increasingly banal and familiar, what seems enigmatic instantly draws attention. Never make it too clear what you are doing or about to do. Do not show all your cards.”

“In a world in which many people are indecisive and overly cautious, the use of speed will bring you untold power.”

“In fact, the better you are at dealing with power, the better friend, lover, husband, wife, and person you become.”

“In the realm of power, everything must be judged by its cost, and everything has a price.”

“It is much more powerful to get others to agree with you through your actions, without saying a word. Demonstrate, do not explicate.”

“Know who you're dealing with. Do not offend the wrong person.”

“Make both rewards and punishments rare but meaningful.”

“Make people depend on you for their happiness and prosperity and you have nothing to fear. Never teach them enough so that they can do without you.”

“Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power.”

“Make yourself a magnet of attention by appearing larger, more colorful, more mysterious than the bland and timid masses.”

“Masters are those who by nature have suffered to get to where they are. They have experienced endless criticisms of their work, doubts about their progress, and setbacks along the way.”

“Never appeal to truth unless you’re prepared for the anger that comes from disillusionment.”

“Never be afraid of the qualities that set you apart and draw attention to you.”

“Never discriminate as to whom you study and whom you trust. Never trust anyone completely and study everyone, including friends and loved ones.”

“Never whine, never complain, never try to justify yourself.”

“Nothing is stable in the realm of power, and even the closest of friends can be transformed into the worst of enemies.”

“Only create associations with positive affinities. Make this a rule of life and you will benefit more than from all the therapy in the world.”