In this episode, Part 3 of how Game of Thrones uses Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power (you can find Episode 1 here:    • Game of Thrones: The 48 Laws of Power...  ), I’m going to cover the final set of sixteen lessons based on stories and characters from from George R. R. Martin’s iconic series.

Law 33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew

Everyone has a weakness, a gap in the castle wall. That weakness is usually an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need; it can also be a small secret pleasure. Either way, once found, it is a thumbscrew you can turn to your advantage.

The thumbscrew, or weakness, or manipulation, is often used in Game of Thrones, but this is a good method that both Varys and Littlefinger use throughout the series. They both send out informants to discover weaknesses, and deep dark secrets.

Law 34: Be Royal in your Own Fashion: Act like a King to be treated like one

The way you carry yourself will often determine how you are treated; In the long run, appearing vulgar or common will make people disrespect you. For a king respects himself and inspires the same sentiment in others. By acting regally and confident of your powers, you make yourself seem destined to wear a crown.

The best example here is perhaps Xaro Xhoan Daxos, one of the many men who try to persuade Daenerys to marry him. In reality, he’s more obsessed with marrying her to improve his own wealth and status, which means he’s also projecting a false image to her.

Law 35: Master the Art of Timing

Never seem to be in a hurry – hurrying betrays a lack of control over yourself, and over time. Always seem patient, as if you know that everything will come to you eventually. Become a detective of the right moment; sniff out the spirit of the times, the trends that will carry you to power. Learn to stand back when the time is not yet ripe, and to strike fiercely when it has reached fruition.

Here, we can think of Tyrion Lannister. While helping save King’s Landing, he’s often patient over all else. For the most part, this works for him, because he’s giving himself time to think. Timing is everything.

Law 36: Disdain Things you cannot have: Ignoring them is the best Revenge

By acknowledging a petty problem you give it existence and credibility. The more attention you pay an enemy, the stronger you make him; and a small mistake is often made worse and more visible when you try to fix it. It is sometimes best to leave things alone. If there is something you want but cannot have, show contempt for it. The less interest you reveal, the more superior you seem.

If you think of the Lannisters, they truly want everything, but they seem to ignore the North to some degree, or look down on it, because it’s so vast and cold. As such, they also look down on people from the North. They’d like to control this area, deep down, but they’re unable to do so, so they treat it like something less-than.

Law 37: Create Compelling Spectacles

Striking imagery and grand symbolic gestures create the aura of power – everyone responds to them. Stage spectacles for those around you, then full of arresting visuals and radiant symbols that heighten your presence. Dazzled by appearances, no one will notice what you are really doing.

In this example, think of the Purple Wedding, where Joffrey married Margaery Tyrell. Coincidentally, this is also where Joffrey met his maker. These two rich families used the wedding to showcase their wealth, but in reality, there was much more going on underneath the surface. Despite the war going on elsewhere, they both wanted to show strength…

Support Creative Principles Video Essays & Podcasts:   / creativeprinciples  

Listen to interviews with icons like Aaron Sorkin, Christopher McQuarrie, William Monahan, and Mel Brooks on the Creative Principles Podcast:

SoundCloud:   / tracks  

iTunes: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...

References…

Robert Greene Book, 48 Laws of Power
https://www.amazon.com/48-Laws-Power-...

Derek Sivers Notes on 48 Laws:
https://sivers.org/book/48LawsOfPower

WWAC On GOT & 48 Laws:
   • 48 Laws of Power Laws 1-12, with Exam...  

Music…

“Epic Progressive Music” by Breaking Copyright