Pose As A Friend, Work As A Spy

Knowing about your rival is critical.

Use spies to gather valuable information that will keep you a step ahead.

Better still: Play the spy yourself. In polite social encounters, learn to probe. Ask indirect questions to get people to reveal their weaknesses and intentions.

There is no occasion that is not an opportunity for artful spying.

The Honeyed Bear Trap

The bear hunter does not chase his prey; a bear that knows it is hunted is nearly impossible to catch and is ferocious if cornered.

Instead, the hunter lays traps baited with honey.

He does not exhaust himself and risk his life in pursuit.

He baits, then waits.

Arrange To Be Noticed

There is a paradox.

You cannot simply display yourself too brazenly, yet you must also get yourself noticed.

In the court of Louis XIV, whoever the king decided to look at rose instantly in the court hierarchy. You stand no chance of rising if the ruler does not notice you in the swamp of courtiers.

This task requires much art. It is oftern intially a matter of being seen, in the literal sense.

Pay attention to your physical appearance, then, and find a way to create a distinctive - a subtly distinctive - style and image.

Never Joke About Appearances Or Taste

A lively wit and a humorous disposition are essential for a good courtier, and there are times when vulgarity is appropriate and engaging.

But avoid any kind of joke about appearance or taste, two highly sensitive areas, especially with those above you.

Do not even try it when you are away from them.

You will dig your own grave.