“He who does not know how to dissimulate does not know how to reign.”
What this quote means
In the art of governing, dissimulation is sometimes necessary to preserve order or negotiate. Commynes, a fine connoisseur of courts, stresses the importance of prudence and discretion. This quote does not advocate lying, but mastery of information. It applies in leadership situations where revealing everything can harm strategy. It invites reflection on transparency and its limits.
How to apply it daily
In a negotiation, keep some strategic information to yourself and observe before revealing your intentions.
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