397. Good and Bad Turns

Never forget a kindness done to you, nor a disservice. More importantly, never forget the lessons you learn from the bad turns done to you.

396. Alliances

When necessary, make use of allies but do not trust them fully and always remember that you never have permnent friends or enemies, only permanent interests.

395. Survival

In order to survive in times of war and unrest, you need to develop initiative and creativity. When things go pear-shaped, you need to be able to profit from it.

394. Plan for the Future

Plan for the well-being of your descendents. Plan at least 3 generations ahead. My grandparents and parents planned for my well-being by making sure I received an education that allowed me to make a living. Your responsibility to the future generations is to take what has been passed on to you, improve on it and pass it on to the next crew to take over from us. Keep this journal and add to it the wisdom you acquire personally and preserve the knowledge for your children and grandchildren. Pass on any wealth you gain for them so that they may continue to live in prosperity. Try to ensure that they choose wisely in the spouses they pick because they should avoid divorces. Divorces weaken the wealth that we are working to build. It can be difficult to do this without trying to control the children too closely when they become adults but with wisdom and diplomacy you should be a great influence (for good) on them.

393, Diversification

Maintain a business policy of diversification. It allows you to retain power without relying on any one source. Keep on growing and changing.

392. Hostages and Promises

"Never offer a hostage needlessly to those you have made promises to." - Giovanni de Medici (Pope Leo X).

391. Changes of Policy

"Remember that whenever circumstances change materially so too must your policies."  -Giovanni de Medici ( Pope Leo X).

390. Controlling Institutions and Machiavellianism

Whatever institution you wish to control learn its mechanisms from the inside. Expand your power by whatever means are possible (- Lorenzo The Magnificent (Medici) and Nicolo Maciavelli). Plan far in advance ( 1, 5, 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 year plans are vital.) and use the utmost deviousness. Maintain your "Libero segreto" (secret journals) and keep them closely hidden.