Law #18–Do Not Build Fortresses to Protect Yourself–Isolation Is Dangerous
The world is dangerous and enemies are everywhere–everyone has to protect themselves. A fortress seems the safest. But isolation exposes you to dangers than it protects you from–it cuts you off from valuable information, it makes you conspicuous and an easy target. Better to circulate among people, find allies, mingle. You are shielded from your enemies by the crowd.
Excerpt from The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
Thoughts?
September 23, 2008 at 1:01 pm
I read a book some time ago, I don’t even remember the title of it, but I recall that it warned of the dangers of isolating yourself–and this is from the Christian perspective. It talked about the importance of community and the fact that if we isolate ourselves from the body of Christ, how can our emotional and spiritual needs be met apart from our brothers and sisters in the body. It did make an argument for spending time alone with God but it debunked the whole thought of isolating yourself in hopes of finding great spiritual solace. So this isn’t so Machiavellian–though I am sure there lies within it some Machiavellian principles.
September 28, 2008 at 4:48 pm
This reminds me of “The Prince”