At some point during the ninth century A.D., a young man named Michael (through the machinations and duplicitousness of his uncle) was thrust onto the throne of the Byzantine Empire.\u00a0 Michael had a buddy named Basilius, from peasant stock who worked in the horse stables, and Basilius \u2013 right place, right time \u2013 saved Michael from serious injury\/possible death.\u00a0 To show his gratitude, Mike elevated Basilius all the way up from head of the stables to lead advisor to head of the army, giving his good friend money and power and status, and when Michael needed a favor Basilius had him killed, proclaimed himself emperor, then paraded through the streets of the empire on horseback with Michael\u2019s head on a pike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Something about no good deed?\u00a0 Methinks, yes.\u00a0
\u201cThe closest of friends can become the worst of enemies.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On the other hand \u2026 there is the long view.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
China has a long and vibrant history, with rulers and emperors and kings and coups.\u00a0 For seven centuries after the fall of the Han Dynasty, the leadership of China followed a pattern of assassination, so much so that the most unsafe position in the entire realm was that of the emperor.\u00a0 A few years shy of 1000 AD, Emperor Sung invited all the generals of his army to dinner, and offered each a choice:\u00a0 resign as commander, and receive an estate, wealth, and some hot, young women, or maintain your position and risk losing your life to an ambitious underling.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To a man, they took the deal. With a single offering, the emperor transformed \u201cfriendly wolves\u201d to \u201cdocile lambs,\u201d and the Sung Dynasty ruled for 300 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMen are more ready to repay an injury than a benefit,
because gratitude is a burden, and revenge?\u00a0 A pleasure.\u201d
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 \u00a0\u2014 Tacitus, c. 55-120<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In 1971, Henry Kissinger, US secretary of state and national security advisor, learned of a plot to kidnap him.\u00a0 Rather than alert the Secret Service or the Justice Department, Kissinger arranged a meeting with the conspirators and promised them the US would get out of Vietnam.\u00a0 Apparently, they gave him some \u201cKidnap Kissinger\u201d buttons and one of the conspirators remained a longtime friend, even visiting him on occasion.\u00a0 Rumor has it; Kissinger got along better with perceived enemies than confirmed friends.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One key strategy of power? Turn enemies into allies, and they will move mountains to prove their worth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Another key to unlocking power? Haters. Plenty of haters. Katt Williams of the luxurious hair said it best: \u201cIf you don\u2019t have anybody to hate on, feel free to hate on me.\u201d Haters\/enemies keep a person prepared for conflict, and a worthy opponent makes a person stronger. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The lesson?\u00a0 Friends can transform into vicious enemies, and enemies into the most resilient of allies.\u00a0
The key? \u00a0Discerning the difference, and recognizing the threat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sigh.\u00a0 Hate this so very hard.\u00a0 Sounds like solitary might be the best route. Like a honey badger.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
At some point during the ninth century A.D., a young man named Michael (through the machinations and duplicitousness of his uncle) was thrust onto the throne of the Byzantine Empire.\u00a0 Michael had a buddy named Basilius, from peasant stock who worked in the horse stables, and Basilius \u2013 right place, right time \u2013 saved Michael … <\/p>\n