The best of Niccolò Machiavelli (Author, philosopher, and historian who lived during the Italian Renaissance).

• Never appear weak or desperate.

• Be strategic, not emotional.

• You can reinvent yourself at any time.

• Silence and patience are forms of dominance.

• Clarity beats confidence. Know what you’re doing.

• Be good when you can, ruthless when you must.

• Adapt to reality. Don’t cling to ideals.

• You have more control than you think.

• You don’t need approval to move forward.

• See the world as it is, not how it should be.

• You have 3 seconds to act. If you wait, emotions take over.

• People act from self-interest first. Always factor that in.

• Emotions are signals, not commands.

• Your past does not define your power.

• Expect resistance when you rise.

• Every situation has leverage. Find it.

• Think long-term while acting short-term.

• Don’t seek fairness.

• Accept that conflict is part of life, not a mistake.