Law 28: Enter Action With Boldness

Question 1

The … the … the Better

Answer 1

The Bolder the Lie the Better

We all have weaknesses, and our efforts are never perfect. But entering action with boldness has the magical effect of hiding our deficiencies. Con artists know that the bolder the lie, the more convincing it becomes. The sheer audacity of the story makes it more credible, distracting attention from its inconsistencies. When putting together a con or entering any kind of negotiation, go further than you planned. Ask for the moo and you will be surprised how often you get it.

Question 2

… Circle the … Prey

Answer 2

Lions Circle the Hesistant Prey

People have a sixth sense for the weaknesses of others. If, in a first encounter, you demonstrate your willingness to compromise, back down, and retreat, you bring out the lion even in people who are not necessarily bloodthirsty. Everything depends on perception, and once you are seen as the kind of person who quickly goes on the defensive, who is willing to negotiate and be amenable, you will be pushed around without mercy.

Question 3

… Strikes …; … Creats …

Answer 3

Boldness Strikes Fear; Fear Creates Authority

The bold move makes you seem larger and more powerful than you are. If it comes suddenly, with the stealth and swiftness of a snake, it inspires that much more fear. By intimidating with a bold move, you establish a precedent: in every subsequent encounter, people will be on the defensive, in terror of your next strike.

Question 4

Going … with a Half a … Digs the … …

Answer 4

Going Halfway with a Half a Heart Digs a Deeper Grave

If you enter action with less than total confidence, you set up obstacles in your own path. When a problem arises you will grow confused, seeing options where there are none and inadvertently creating more problems still. Retreating from the hunter, the timid hare scurries more easily into his snares.

Question 5

… Separates You from the …

Answer 5

Audacity Separates you from the Herd

Boldness gives you presence and makes you seem larger than life. The timid fade into the wallpaper, the bold draw attention, and what draws attention draws power. We cannot keep our eyes off the audacious - we cannot wait to see their next bold move.

Question 6

… Creates Gaps, … Obliterates Them

Answer 6

Hesitation Creates Gaps, Boldness Obliterates Them

When you take time to think, to hem and haw, you create a gap that allows others to think as well. Your timidity infects people with awkward energy, elicits embarrassment. Doubt springs up on all sides.

Boldness destroys such gaps. The swiftness of the move and the energy of the action leave others no space to doubt and to worry. In seduction, hesitation is fatal - it makes your victim conscious of your intentions. The bold move crowns seduction with triumph: It leaves no time for reflection.