Laws of Power – 19

Know who you’re dealing with — do not offend the wrong person: there are many different kinds of people in the world, and you can never assume that everyone will react to your strategies in the same way. Deceive or outmaneuver some people and they will spend the rest of their lives seeking revenge. They are wolves in lambs’ clothing. Choose your victims and opponents carefully, then — never offend or deceive the wrong person.

I have reflected upon this law many times in my life, particularly while driving a vehicle. I know the intent is really geared towards interpersonal relationships with the people who deal with at work, at play, and at home, however, I cannot help to think about commuters. You never really know, generally speaking, who is in that other vehicle that you are waging a vehicular combat against. The lack of basic consideration for others and this concept of road rage has always amazed me. You just never know who is in that other vehicle. That person could even be an assassin who has just decided, based upon your behavior, that it is pro bono day.