Table of Contents

Foreword Introduction Chapter 1: Life is a Filthy Battle for Control Chapter 2: Better to Boldly Assert Than Cautiously Deny Chapter 3: Love Helps, but Fear Motivates Chapter 4: Popular Lies Beat Unpopular Truth Chapter 5: Ambition Is Never Satisfied Chapter 6: Only the Flexible Succeed Chapter 7: Better to Imitate a Winner Than Be an Original Loser Chapter 8: Never Keep Your Word If Circumstances Change Chapter 9: To Control Others, First Walk in Their Shoes Chapter 10: The More Visible Your Power, the More Its Limits Are Known Chapter 11: Arrogance Makes an Easy Target Chapter 12: Most Would Rather Follow a Leader Than Lead a Following Chapter 13: Those Who Prefer to Lead A Following Cannot Be Trusted Chapter 14: Never Seek a Favor That Could Cost Too Much to Return Chapter 15: Leading the Way for Change Seldom Pays Chapter 16: Wanting Power Requires Less Intelligence Than Seeking Power Chapter 17: Those Who Are Dependent on You Will Be the Most Faithful Chapter 18: A True Enemy Should Be Eliminated, Never Tolerated Chapter 19: In Dealing with Passive Aggression, Be More Passive and More Aggressive Chapter 20: Victory Can Sometimes Be Concealed in Compromise Chapter 21: Implement Painful Choices Quickly to Minimize the Effects Chapter 22: Distribute Rewards Slowly to Prolong the Effects Chapter 23: Allowing Others to Speak Truthfully Diminishes Their Respect for You Chapter 24: Never Postpone Inevitable Conflict Chapter 25: The Powerful Never Give Up Control; It Must Be Taken Away

About the Author

Craig Crawford is a journalist and television political commentator. He writes a daily blog for www.craigcrawford.com and is a frequent contributor to the Huffington Post. He is the author of Listen Up Mr. President and Attack the Messenger: How Politicians Turn You Against the Media. He lives in Washington, D.C.

Reviews

Washington journalist and author Crawford (Attack the Messenger) gives Machiavelli a user-friendly 21st century update with this guide to life's struggles for the unwary, the good-natured and the 'never met a man I didn't like' gang. . . Crawford is adept in his use of anecdotes to illustrate tough truths in a logical framework, providing excellent advice for launching endeavors, moving in a positive direction, surviving the scoundrels and embracing life. * Publishers Weekly *
Finally, a book that cleverly uses real politics to help people gain ground in their own lives. The ten commandments will get you to heaven, but Craig Crawford's 25 rules will help you survive the purgatory on earth. Read this -before it's too late! -- Larry J. Sabato, director, University of Virginia Center for Politics and author of The Kenneday Half-Century
Craig Crawford, a Washington pundit, has written a fascinating and insightful guidebook on the use of power in public life, and ways to avoid the pitfalls. He shows it takes a little bit of Machiavelli to play the game in politics-and life-and succeed. -- Helen Thomas, Dean, White House Press Corps, Hearst Columnist