Never assume that the person you are dealing with is weaker or less important than you are. Some people are slow to take offense, which may make you misjudge the thickness of their skin, and fail to worry about insulting them. But should you offend their honor and their pride, they will overwhelm you with a violence that seems sudden and extreme given their slowness to anger. If you want to turn people down, it is best to do so politely and respectfully, even if you feel their request is impudent or their offer ridiculous. . Robert Greene
About This Quote

Provoking people into conflict is a common problem that many people have. People are quick to antagonise others, but how can you tell if someone is being provoked? The best way to determine if you are being provoked is to ask yourself these questions: Do they look angry or unhappy? Do they seem angry, but not angry enough to be upset? Do they seem agitated, but not agitated enough to be angry? Sometimes, you just have to take people at their word. If the person seems genuine, then it is hard for you to assume that they are being provoked.

Source: The 48 Laws Of Power

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More Quotes By Robert Greene
  1. LAW 4 Always Say Less Than Necessary When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear, and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it...
  2. LAW 25Re-Create YourselfDo not accept the roles that society foists on you. Re-create yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image rather than letting others define if for you. Incorporate dramatic...
  3. LAW 38Think As You Like But Behave Like OthersIf you make a show of going against the times, flaunting your unconventional ideas and unorthodox ways, people will think that you only want attention and that you look down upon them. They will find a way...
  4. For the future, the motto is, "No days unalert.
  5. Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter
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