Part 5/11:
- Maintaining stillness in the face of insult or betrayal
The most dangerous individuals are those who own their emotions, choosing when and how to act. As Machiavelli said:
"The wise man does at once what the fool does."
Affirmation to share: I feel, but I do not fall.
3. Expect Betrayal—Plan Strategically
Trust is inherently conditional. Machiavelli warned that loyalty fades when it no longer serves interest. Expect betrayal—not out of paranoia, but as a strategic awareness. Build systems, not reliance on promises.
Key principle:
Don’t depend solely on emotional loyalty; rely on structural safeguards
Read intentions through patterns, not words
Remember: the promise given may be necessary yesterday, but broken is a fact today