We are all self-absorbed, locked in our own worlds. It is a therapeutic and liberating experience to be drawn outside ourselves and into the world of… - Robert Greene

By acknowledging a petty problem you give it existence and credibility. The more attention you pay an enemy, the stronger you make him; and a small mistake is often made worse and more visible when you try to fix it. It is sometimes best to leave things alone. If there is something you want but cannot have, show contempt for it. The less interest you reveal, the more superior you seem.

The more Coriolanus said, the less powerful he appeared — a person who cannot control his words shows that he cannot control himself, and is unworthy of respect.

All masters want to appear more brilliant than other people.