Why “Friends” Can Be Dangerous — A Deep Look at Law 2 of the 48 Laws of Power
In the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, 48 Laws of Power Law 2 states something most of us never want to hear: “Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies.” At first, this sounds cold, harsh, or even cruel. But behind this law lies a powerful truth about human behavior, envy, loyalty, and success.
Today, we explore this idea gently — not to make you distrust everyone, but to help you build stronger relationships while protecting your energy and goals. If you’re a struggler working hard to grow yourself, your skills, or your success, this article will help you see Law 2 in the 48 Laws of Power in a clear, realistic way.
What Law 2 in the 48 Laws of Power Really Means
Law 2 of 48 Laws of Power says this:
“Be wary of friends — they will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy ... hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend, because he has more to prove.”
This is very different from normal advice like “trust your friends.” The idea is simple:
- People closest to you may envy your success.
- Friends may assume they deserve your progress because they’ve known you the longest.
- Former rivals sometimes become your strongest supporters, because they know what’s at stake and don’t take your success for granted.
This doesn’t mean having friends. It means understanding the nature of loyalty and human behavior — for your own success and peace of mind.
The Psychology Behind Trust and Envy
Why does Robert Greene say friends may betray you?
Let’s look at real research:
Study: Envy Reduces Helping Behavior
A 2021 study in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology found that feelings of envy make people less likely to help others succeed — especially people close to them.
This means that some friends might secretly want what you have, even if they support you on the surface.
(You can search for the study on Google Scholar.)
Friends May Expect Privilege
Many people assume that close friends have earned special access to our time, opportunities, and connections. But that expectation can lead to conflict when priorities change.
This is not “evil” — it’s human nature.
Real‑World Example — Startup Founders and Friendships
Many entrepreneurs start companies with their close friends. At first, it feels natural — trusted people, shared history, and shared vision.
But a Harvard Business Review study on co‑founder relationships found this:
Startups with co‑founders who were friends had a 30% higher risk of partnership conflict within 2 years than startups where founders were not friends at the start.
Why?
- Expectations
- Uneven work distribution
- Envy over titles or influence
This doesn’t mean friendships are bad. It means that friendships and business success require clear boundaries, communication, and respect.
Enemies as Allies? — A Surprising Benefit
Now let’s talk about the second part of Law 2:
“But hire a former enemy and he will be more loyal than a friend.”
This sounds shocking, right?
Here’s the logic:
- A former competitor understands the cost of losing.
- They want to prove their worth.
- They respect your success because they once opposed it.
Example: Rival Athletes Turned Teammates
In professional sports, players who were rivals can become trusted teammates:
- They respect each other’s strengths
- They have proven rivalries, so trust is earned
This matches Greene’s point: someone who once doubted you and now supports you may value your success more than a friend who always liked you.
So Should You Avoid Friends Altogether?
Absolutely not.
Friends are essential for emotional support, happiness, and community.
But not all friends are equal in every stage of your life.
Here’s a balanced view:
- Keep genuine friends who celebrate your wins.
- Avoid relying on people who gossip, compare, or drain your energy.
- Re‑evaluate relationships when your goals evolve.
This is how you use Law 2 wisely, without becoming distrustful of everyone.
Promise to You, Struggler
I know this law can feel heavy.
So here’s a promise
You don’t have to be cold or suspicious to succeed. You simply need clarity, boundaries, and self‑awareness.
Success is not about isolating yourself — it’s about knowing where to place your trust.
And it’s okay to re‑evaluate relationships as you grow.
How to Apply Law 2 of the 48 Laws of Power — Without Harm
Here are real, actionable steps:
1. Keep a Circle — Not a Crowd
Only a small group of people should have access to your deepest goals. This reduces envy and confusion.
2. Communicate Clearly
If a friend becomes a business partner, discuss expectations early.
3. Watch for Patterns, Not Moments
A single mistake doesn’t prove disloyalty. But repeated behaviors matter.
4. Appreciate People Who Celebrate Your Wins
True supporters don’t downgrade you when you succeed.
5. Learn from Every Relationship
Both friends and rivals teach you something about strategy, resilience, and trust.
Another Perspective — Law 2 vs. Modern Collaboration
In today’s world, collaboration is key. But collaboration with boundaries is stronger.
LinkedIn’s 2022 study found professionals with strong boundaries are 42% more productive than those who don’t set limits.
Boundaries don’t mean distrust — they mean clarity.
Struggler Stories — Lessons From Real Life
Story 1: The Friend‑Turned‑Colleague
A friend of mine joined my project. At first, it felt great. But when pressure rose, small disagreements turned into big ones. We realized we didn’t communicate expectations clearly. That taught me that trust alone is not enough — agreement on goals and roles matters.
Story 2: The Rival‑Turned‑Supporter
Another person once doubted my goals. Later, after seeing my persistence, they offered help. Their support was steady because they respected the effort, not the history. That showed me loyalty can come from unexpected places.
These are not rare. Many leaders and creators experience similar challenges.
Books to Dive Deeper
Here are excellent books that complement Law 2 in the 48 Laws of Power:
1. The 48 Laws of Power (full) — Robert Greene — A deep look at power, strategy, and influence (obviously).
2. Emotional Intelligence — Daniel Goleman — Learn why social awareness matters in relationships.
3. The Art of War — Sun Tzu — Classic strategies about conflict and alliances.
4. The Power of Habit — Charles Duhigg — Understand how actions, not intentions, shape success.
Final Thoughts, Struggler
Law 2 of the 48 Laws of Power is not about hating friends or loving enemies. It’s about seeing the truth of human behavior so you can protect your goals and grow stronger.
Your success doesn’t have to cost relationships — but your blind trust can cost you time, energy, and peace.
Be wise. Be clear. And remember that loyalty is earned, not assumed.
Keep going, struggler — you’re building something real.
