561. What you Show to the World

There is a difference between what is called in Japan "Honne" and "Tatame". This is the difference between what you really think and what you show to the world. If, for you, the two things are too close, then you are giving the world too much of a lever with which it can manipulate you. Do not let anyone ever know what you really feel or think. Be very clear in your own mind where you stand but don't let those outside know.

Keep the stiff upper lip. Don't let them know what hurts or offends you or what things give you satisfaction. Maintain your outward persona carefully. You can use humour to great effect in keeping the outer world out of your inner thoughts.

If you maintain this outer ring of defense around your mind, you will protect yourself both from those who would be deliberately cruel to you and those who would hurt you through ignorance or through their neutral pursuit of their own ends without a care in the world for your welfare.

Very often, too, if you reveal too much about your own personal inner thoughts, you will not be believed. If, for example, you genuinely want to be good, generous and helpful, without the slightest care for your own gain, you will not be believed because everyone else is thinking one thing and saying another and will assume that you are too.

In particular, do not reveal your true thoughts about business, work, investments etc. The system, economy and the institutions are all set up to keep the wealthy wealthy and the poor poor. Any knowledge that you have that works in your favour and against the status quo is knowledge that has been hard won and is not to be shared with those who would misuse it or use it against you.

This is a very practical application of the principle of Omerta.

488. For Your Eyes Only.

All the advice given here is for your use only. If you tell people that you are following it, you will reduce its power by 50%. The whole power of it can be destroyed very easily if you share it with negative people or those who don't want you to do well.

475. Arrest and Trials

If ever you are arrested by the police or military in a "civilised" country remember and remind them too that you have the right to remain silent, that you have redress under the law in cases of wrongful arrest and cases of defamation, and that they can only hold you for a limited time without charging you. Ask for your solicitor and until he arrives, you are better off remaining totally silent, keep schtum (omerta).

Do not reply to remarks, comments, suggestions etc., that are designed to lull you into a trap by sounding innocent or inoffensive.

Offensive remarks are designed to provoke you into saying something unwise or self-incriminating or to rising in anger. Do not answer any questions that are clearly just a fishing expedition.

Do not volunteer any information or opinions.

If you ask a question and they say "You tell me." stay silent.

When they stray off the point stay silent.

Do not give them anything to twist or turn. Anything that is not a straight answer (Yes or No) is only giving them a handle on you.

Remember they will try to push all your buttons by making insulting remarks about you, your parents, your wife or girlfriend, your children, your dog even. Do not let them provoke you. They will try to make you feel guilty about the "disgrace" and how your parents will feel. It is all hogwash. Don't fall for it.

466. Keep Schtum !

Keep quiet about your wealth and your plans for wealth-creation. Unless you are talking to people who are 100% supportive of you do not share this information. Other people's opinions can be negative and put you off what you are doing. Never allow yourself to be S.N.I.O.P.-ed, i.e. Subject to the Negative Ifluence of Other People. One way to do this is by inviting them NOT to give you their opinions in the first place.

Another very good reason for not telling them is that they may steal your ideas. You do not have to give away your best ideas.

It is always, i.e. WITHOUT exception bad for you to have others discuss your business amongst themselves. You do NOT want people around you to become jealos and try to do you down. It never costs you anything to keep silent. Omerta ! Herkos Odonton - behind the edge of the teeth.