Recently we explored the concept of Preference Falsification where individuals express public preferences and opinions that differ from their private ones.
While the phenomenon is mostly driven by Insecurities and need for external validation, sometimes it can be strategically used.
Let’s dive into the realme of power and influence.
We shall draw our case example from Robert Greene’s, The 48 Laws of Power.
Here in we find the 38th Law of power which states; “Think as you like but behave like others” .
Greene believes that those who are smart in the realme of influence learnt early on to display conventional behaviours and ideas that are disconnected from what they actually believe.
It’s kind of conforming outwards while maintaining their inner independence to avoid suffering isolation or ostracism. You’re all things to all people. You prioritize their values and ideas. You put on a flexible mask suitable for any occasion.
In Robert Greene’s words and I quote;
“Complete free expression is a social impossibility. Conceal your thoughts, then, tell the prickly and insecure what you know they want to hear.”
The same Message was emphasized by Jesus Christ in his sermon in the mountain;
“Do not give dogs what is holy; and do not throw your pearls before swine, lest they trample them under foot and turn to attack you.”Â
~ Mathew 6:7
Christ was the kind of metaphors and this might probably be one of them. If truth has to be conveyed, let it be conveyed to the right audience that’s more receiptive. If falsehood has to be conveyed, let it be conveyed to the right audience that’s more susceptible.
And that’s the words of the two men.
Reference listÂ
Greene, R. (2021). The daily laws: 366 meditations on power, seduction, mastery, strategy, and human nature. Penguin Books.
Greene, R., & Elffers, J. (2000). The 48 laws of power. Penguin Books.
Holy Bible: New International Version (NIV). (2011). Zondervan.
Kuran, T. (1995). Private truths, public lies: The social consequences of preference falsification. Harvard
University Press.