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About this quote

What does it mean?
To succeed in competition, you must charm the person choosing between you and others. Even without a rival, you must still charm to prevent one from appearing.
In plain terms
Always win people over to stay ahead or avoid competition.
What can you take from it?
Charm is essential for gaining preference and preventing rivals.

Where it applies

  • workplace promotions
  • dating dynamics
  • social circles

Putting it to work

  • build rapport
  • maintain favor
  • avoid conflict

Questions to consider

  • How much of success depends on likability?
  • Is avoiding rivals enough for long-term success?

Another view

This assumes charm is always the deciding factor in human choices.

More from Pierre Choderlos de Laclos

  1. Le ridicule qu'on a augmente toujours en proportion qu'on s'en defend.

    Permalink to quote #13
  2. On n'est heureux que par l'amour.

    Permalink to quote #15
  3. Pour les hommes, dites-vous vous-meme, l'infidelite n'est pas l'inconstance.

    Permalink to quote #12

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