Show your appreciation for those who serve your interest, even if you don't mean it. Take notice of the insignificant person, if they can serve your needs. Keep your admirers at arms length, but always be polite. Never give more than you expect to receive, except to those who can benefit you. Take no offense, but always keep a dagger for when a back is turned. Talk subtly to those whom you loathe to keep them in your corner, until its time to take revenge. In all things put yourself first and only make a promise if it isn't inconvenient or costly. Be clever as a Fox and cunning as a Serpent and always keep a scape goat for emergencies. Do all of this to perfection and cruelty will become second nature to you.