The 50th Law (with 50 Cent)

The Favorite and the Punching Bag:
These two types occupy the highest
and lowest rungs of the court. Every king or queen must have his or
her Favorite within the court. As opposed to the other types, whose
power generally depends on efficiency and demonstrations of abject
loyalty, the Favorite’s rise in power is often based on cultivating a more
personal, friend-like relationship. Early on, they act relaxed and
chummy with the leader, without seeming disrespectful. Many leaders
are secretly dying to not have to be so formal and in control.

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Sometimes leaders who are lonely will pick out one person to occupy
this position. With the Favorite, they will gladly share secrets and
bestow favors. This, of course, will stir up the envy of other courtiers.
This position is fraught with danger. First, it depends on the
friendly feelings of leaders, and such feelings are inevitably fickle.
People are more sensitive to the words or actions of friends, and if they
feel somehow disappointed or betrayed in any way, they can go from
liking to hating the former friend. Second, the Favorite receives so
much privileged treatment that they often become arrogant and
entitled. Leaders might tire of their spoiled behavior. Courtiers are
already envious of the Favorite, but their increased arrogance only
alienates them further. When Favorites fall from grace—and history is
littered with such stories—the fall is hard and painful. No one comes to
their defense, and because their rise did not depend on any special
skill, they often have nowhere else to go. Try to avoid being lured into
taking this position. Make your power dependent on your
accomplishments and your usefulness, not on the friendly feelings
people have for you.
Much as in any children’s playground, in the court there is almost
always a person who plays the role of the Punching Bag, whom
everyone feels encouraged to laugh at in some way and feel superior to.
People today are more politically correct and careful, and yet this
human need for a Punching Bag is too embedded in our nature. People
will base their feeling of superiority on the Punching Bag’s supposed
incompetence, or unorthodox opinions, or lack of sophistication,
whatever makes them seem different and somehow inferior. Much of
their ridicule will be behind the back of the targets, but they will sense
it. Do not engage in this dynamic. It will coarsen and debase you. See
everyone in the court as your potential ally. Within the ruthless
environment of the court, try to befriend the Punching Bag, showing a
different way of behaving and taking the fun out of this cruel game.