The 48 Laws of Power Law 13 "WHEN ASKING FOR HELP, APPEAL TO PEOPLE’S SELFAINTEREST, NEVER TO THEIR MERCY OR GRATITUDE." By Robert Greene
LAW 13
WHEN ASKING FOR HELP, APPEAL TO PEOPLE’S SELFAINTEREST, NEVER TO THEIR MERCY OR GRATITUDE
If you need to turn to an ally for help, do not bother to remind him of your past assistance and good deeds. He will find a way to ignore you. Instead, uncover something in your request, or in your alliance with him, that will benefit him, and emphasize it out of all proportion, He will respond enthusiastically when he sees something to be gained for himself.
According to this law, when asking for help, it is important to appeal to people's self-interest rather than their mercy or gratitude. This means that you should make it clear how helping you will benefit the person you are asking for help, rather than simply asking for their help out of a sense of obligation or pity.
By appealing to people's self-interest, you are more likely to get the help you need, as people are generally more willing to help when they see a clear benefit for themselves. This could mean highlighting how helping you will benefit their reputation, increase their power or influence, or provide them with some other tangible benefit.
On the other hand, if you appeal to people's mercy or gratitude, you may come across as needy or weak, and they may be less inclined to help you. It is important to remember that people are generally motivated by self-interest, and by appealing to this, you are more likely to achieve your goals.

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