Law 13 suggests appealing to people's self-interest when asking for help, rather than their mercy or gratitude. Emphasizing the personal benefits will ensure a more positive response.
Law 13 states that when asking for help, one should appeal to people's self-interest, not their mercy or gratitude. Highlighting the benefits for them will yield a more enthusiastic response.
| Front | Law 13 |
|---|---|
| Back | WHEN ASKING FOR HELP, APPEAL TO PEOPLE’S SELF-INTEREST, 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. |
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