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Law 21: Play a sucker to catch a sucker – seem dumber than your mark from "summary" of Summary of the 48 Laws of Power by Instaread

Law 21 encourages individuals to adopt a strategy of appearing less intelligent than those they aim to deceive. By playing the role of a naive or clueless person, one can gain the trust and confidence of their target. This approach allows the individual to lull their mark into a false sense of security, making them more susceptible to manipulation. The key to successfully implementing this law is to carefully craft an image of incompetence or ignorance without overdoing it. It is important to strike a balance between appearing gullible and maintaining a level of credibility. By subtly portraying oneself as less knowledgeable or experienced than the other party, one can position themselves as a harmless and non-threatening presence. Playing the role of a sucker requires skill and finesse. It involves carefully observing and mirroring the behavior of the mark in order to establish a sense of rapport and familiarity. This can help to disarm any suspicions and create an environment of trust. By appearing harmless and unassuming, one can manipulate the situation to their advantage without raising any red flags.
  1. The goal of playing a sucker is to outwit and outmaneuver the mark by leveraging their own assumptions and underestimations against them. By presenting oneself as less intelligent or capable than they truly are, individuals can gain the upper hand in any interaction or negotiation. This law serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most effective strategy is to let others underestimate you in order to achieve your own objectives.
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Summary of the 48 Laws of Power

Instaread

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