August 24, 2017

From the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greeene:  Law 39 Stir up waters to catch fish.  The chapter concludes that in order for one to gain power one should manipulate others to loose their "cool" or otherwise throw a temper tantrum in order to undermine that person.  Also one is advised to keep one's "cool" and not be lured into displays of anger which may make one look ridiculous and weak.  The author insists that when someone gets angry at another's behavior one is counter-productive because life is determined.  That people lack free will and only act in reaction to forces or events beyond their control.  This is obviously and demonstrably false.  We know by the evidence of our senses that the individual does have free will and because we know this we also know that the individual has the responsibility to exercise their free will in a responsible manner.  Mr. Greene uses several anecdotes that illustrate not lack of free will but the use of poor judgment.  It is free will in conjunction with poor judgment that gets people in trouble and free will in conjunction with good judgement that "empowers" them.