A seduction should never settle into a comfortable routine. The middle and later chapters will instruct you in the art of alternating hope and despai… - Robert Greene

Being self-reliant is critical. To make yourself less dependent on others and so-called experts, you need to expand your repertoire of skills.

In human culture, we can see a phenomenon—changes in fashions and styles—that at first glance might appear trivial, but that in fact is quite profound, revealing a deep and fascinating part of human nature. Look at clothing styles, for instance. In the stores or in fashion shows we can perhaps detect some trends and changes from a few months before, but they are usually subtle.

Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite – inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power.