Law 24: Play the Perfect Courtier Flashcards
Avoid …
Avoid Ostentation
It is never prudent to prattle on about yourself or call to much attention to your actions. The more you talk about your deeds the more suspicion you cause. You also stir up enough envy among your peers to induce treachery and backstabbing. Be careful, ever so careful, in trumpeting your own achievements, and always talk less about yourself than about other people. Modesty is generally preferable.
Be Frugal with …
Be Frugal with Flattery
It may seem that your superiors cannot get enough flattery, but too much of even a good thing loses its value. It also stirs up suspicion among your peers. Learn to flatter indirectly. - by downplaying your own contribution, for example, to make your master look better.
Arrange to Be …
Arrange to Be Noticed
There is a paradox: You cannot display yourself too brazenly, yet you must also get yourself noticed. In the court of Louis XIV, whoever the king decided to look at rose instantly in the court hierarchy. You stand no chance of rising if the ruler does not notice you in the swamp of courtiers. This task requires much art. It is often intially a matter of being seen, in the literal sense. Pay attention to your physical appearance, then, and find a way to create a distinctive - a subtly distinctive - style and image.
Alter Your … and … According to the … You Are Dealing With
Alter Your Style and Language According to the Person You Are Dealing With
The pseudo-belief in equality - the idea that talking and acting the same way with everyone, no matter their rank, makes you somehow a paragon of civilization - is a terrible mistake. Those below you will take it as a form of condescension, which it is, and those above you will be offended, although they may not admit it. You must change your stayle and your way of speaking to suit each person. This is not lying, it is acting, and acting is an art, not a gift from God. Learn the art. This is also true for the great variety of cultures found in the modern court: Never assume that your criteria of behavior and judgment are universal. Not only is an inability to adapt to another culture the height of barbarism, it puts your at a disadvantage.
Never Be the … of … …
Never Be the Bearer of Bad News
The king kills the messenger who brings bad news: This is a cliche but there is truth to it. You must struggle and if necessary lie and cheat to be sure that the lot of the bearer of bad news falls on a colleague, never on you. Bring only good news and your apporach will gladden your master.
Never Affect … and … with Your …
Never Affect Friendliness and Intimacy With Your Master
He does not want a friend for a subordinate, he wants a subordinate. Never approad him in an easy, friendly way, or act as if you are on the best of terms - that is his prerogative. If he chooeses to deal with you on this level, assume a warm chumminess. Otherwise err in the opposite direction, and make the distance between you clear.
Never … Those Above You …
Never Criticize Those Above You Directly
This may seem obvious, but there are often times when some sort of criticism is necessary - to say nothing, or to give no advice, would open you to risks of another sort. You must learn, however, to cuch your advice and critcism as indirectly and as politely as possible. Think twice, or three times, before deciding you have made them sufficiently circuitious. Err on the side of subtlety and gentleness.
Be … in Asking Those Above You for …
Be Frugal in Asking Those Above You for Favors
Nothing irritates a master more than having to reject someone’s request. It stirs up guilt and resentment. Ask for favors as rarely as possible, and know when to stop. Rather than making yoursef the supplicant, it is always better to earn your favors, so that the ruler bestows them willingly. Most important: Do not ask for favors on another person’s behalf, least of all a friend’s.
Never Joke About … or …
Never Joke About Appearance or Taste
A lively wit and humorous disposition are essential qualities for a good courtier, and there are times when vulgarity is appropriate and engaging. But avoid any kind of joke about appearance or taste, two highly sensitive areas, especially with those above you. Do not even try it when you are away from them. You will dig your own grave.
Do Not Be the … …
Do Not Be the Court Cynic
Express admiration for the good work of others. If you constantly criticize your equals or subordinates some of that criticism will rub off on you, hovering over you like a gray cloud wherever you go. People will groan at each new cynical comment, and you will irritate them. By expressing modest admiration for other people’s achievements, you paradoxically call attention to your own. The ability to express wonder and amazement, and seem like you mean it, is a rare and dying talent, but one still greatly valued.
Be Self-…
Be Self-Observant
The mirror is a miraculous invention; without it you would commit great sins against beauty and decorum. You also need a miror for your actions. This can sometimes come from other people telling you what they see in you, but that is not the most trustworthy method: You must be the mirror, training your mind to tr to see yourself as others see you. Are you acting too obsequious? Are you trying too hard to please? Do you seem desperate for attention, giving the impression that you are on the decline? Be observant about yourself and you will avoid a mountain of blunders.
Master Your …
Master Your Emotions
As an actor in a great play, you must learn to cry and laugh on commond and when it is appropriate. You must be able both to disguise your anger an frustration and fake your contentment and agreement. You must be the master of your own face. Call it lying if you like; but if you prefer to not play the game and to always be honest and upfront, do not complain when others call you obnoxious and arrogant.
Fit the …of the …
Fit the Spirit of the Times
A slight affectation of a past era can be charming, as long as you choose a period at least twenty years back; wearing the fashions of ten years ago is ludicrous, unless you enjoy the role of court jester. Your spirit and way of thinking must keep up with the times, even if the times offend your sensibilities. Be too forward-thinking, however, and no one will understand you. It is never a good idea to stand out too much in this area; you are best off at least being able to mimic the spirit of the times.
Be a Source of …
Be a Source of Pleasure
This is critical. It is an obvious law of human nature that we will flee what is unpleasant and distasteful, while charm and the promise of delight will draw us like moths to a flame. Make yourself the flame and you will rise to the top. Since life is otherwise so ful of unpleasantness and pleasure so scarce, you will be as indispensable as food and drink. This may seem obvious, but what is obvious is often ignored or unappreciated. There are degrees to this: Not everyone can play the role of favorite, for not everyone is blessed with charm and wit. But we can all control our unpleasant qualities and obscure them when necessary.
