
man knowledge
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• 2/11/25
The Handshake: A History of Peace and Trust
The Handshake: More Than Just a Grip? The SURPRISING History Every Man Should Know! 👊 You shake hands every day without a second thought. But this simple gesture is loaded with history. This video uncovers the fascinating origin story of the handshake, tracing it back to ancient Greece and revealing how it became a symbol of trust, peace, and even male camaraderie across cultures and centuries. Prepare to be surprised! In this video, we'll explore: The ancient Greek roots of the handshake - peace and disarmament in 5th century BC! Why Romans used it for a surprisingly practical reason (dagger checks!). How knights in the Middle Ages used it as a sign of trust and brotherhood. The Quaker connection and its egalitarian meaning. The handshake's role in the Industrial Revolution and modern global interactions. Cultural variations and nuances you might not know. The future of the handshake in a changing world. 🤔 *Did you know all this about the handshake?** Let us know in the comments below! 👇 👍 Hit like if you found this surprising! ➡️ SUBSCRIBE for more fascinating insights into everyday gestures and men's social skills. #handshake #history #men #mensetiquette #communication #nonverbalcommunication #greece #rome #middleages #quakers #industrialrevolution #socialskills #interestingfacts #didyouknow
TRANSCRIPT: The handshake. It's a simple gesture we do every day, often without even thinking about it. But have you ever stopped to think about where it came from? This seemingly mundane act has a rich and varied history. This little ritual has a surprisingly long and fascinating history, spanning across different cultures and eras. The most popular theory takes us back to ancient times, specifically to ancient Greece. Possibly as early as the fifth century BC in Greece, the handshake was already in use. Back then, extending your open hand showed you weren't carrying a weapon, a clear sign of peace and trust. We even see handshakes in ancient Greek art, depicted on pottery and in sculptures. These images suggest it was a symbol of peace, a truce, or maybe even an agreement between parties. Some historians believe that Romans used the handshake to make sure that neither person was hiding a dagger up their sleeves, a practical measure for safety. Fast forward to the Middle Ages, a time of knights and castles. Knights might have shaken hands as a sign of trust, a way of ensuring mutual safety. It was a way of saying, "See? No swords here," reinforcing the idea of trust and camaraderie. There are also some less common, more mystical theories about the origins of the handshake. Some believe a handshake was a way to transfer spiritual power or energy. Think of it as an ancient energy exchange, a way to share one's spiritual essence with another. In the sixteen hundreds, the Quakers, a religious group, reportedly adopted the handshake as a more egalitarian greeting, moving away from more hierarchical forms of greeting. Bowing and hat-tipping were seen as signs of social hierarchy, gestures that placed one person above another. And the Quakers wanted something more equal, something that reflected their values of equality and mutual respect. A simple handshake fit the bill perfectly, embodying their principles in a single gesture. As cities grew during the Industrial Revolution, the handshake became even more significant. With people interacting with strangers more often, the handshake became a quick, efficient way to greet someone and show you were friendly. It was a practical solution for a rapidly urbanizing world, a way to establish trust quickly. Today, the handshake is a global gesture, recognized and used in almost every country. We use it to greet people, say goodbye, seal deals, and show good sportsmanship, making it a versatile and universal gesture. It is seen in almost every country in some form or another, each culture adding its own unique twist. But it's not without its variations. A firm handshake, a soft one, a quick shake, a long one - they can all convey different meanings, depending on the culture and context. The nuances of a handshake can speak volumes, revealing much about the individuals involved and their relationship. Of course, in recent times, we've seen a shift away from the traditional handshake, primarily for health reasons. But even if we're fist-bumping or elbow-bumping for now, the handshake's long history as a symbol of peace, trust, and connection is undeniable. What will be the next evolution of the handshake? Only time will tell. But one thing is certain: the handshake, in whatever form it takes, will continue to be a powerful symbol of human connection.
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• 2/11/25
The 48 Laws of Power By Robert Greene (condensed)
While "The 48 Laws of Power" is a controversial book, it's undeniably popular and widely discussed. Here are some reasons why a man might choose to read it, keeping in mind that these reasons don't necessarily endorse the book's philosophy: Understanding Power Dynamics: The book dissects the mechanics of power, exploring how it's acquired, maintained, and wielded. Even if you disagree with the tactics, understanding these dynamics can be valuable in navigating social and professional situations. It can help you recognize when these tactics are being used on you. Historical Context: Greene draws heavily on historical examples, from ancient times to the modern era, to illustrate his laws. Reading the book can offer a glimpse into historical events and the strategies employed by powerful figures. It's a study in human behavior throughout history. Strategic Thinking: The book encourages strategic thinking and planning. It forces the reader to consider long-term consequences and to think several steps ahead. This kind of strategic thinking can be applied to many areas of life, not just those involving power. Self-Awareness (and Awareness of Others): While some of the laws are manipulative, they can also highlight aspects of human nature, both in yourself and in others. Reading the book might prompt you to reflect on your own motivations and how you interact with others. It can also make you more aware of the motivations of the people you interact with. Critical Analysis: Even if you disagree with the book's premise, reading it can be a valuable exercise in critical thinking. You can analyze the arguments, evaluate the historical examples, and form your own opinions about the nature of power and ethics. This can be a good way to strengthen your own moral compass by understanding what you don't agree with. Cultural Phenomenon: "The 48 Laws of Power" is a cultural phenomenon. It's widely referenced and debated. Reading it allows you to participate in these discussions and understand the context of these references. It's crucial to approach the book with a critical and discerning eye. The book's philosophy is not universally applicable or ethically sound. Many of the "laws" advocate for manipulative and even ruthless behavior. Reading it doesn't mean you have to adopt its principles. It's more about understanding the perspective it offers and making your own informed decisions about power, ethics, and how you choose to live your life. #48LawsOfPower #RobertGreene #Power #Strategy #Influence #Manipulation #SelfImprovement #Leadership #Success #Motivation #Psychology #HumanBehavior #SocialDynamics #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessStrategy #Negotiation #Persuasion #MensSelfImprovement #48LawsOfPowerSummary #MensLifestyle
TRANSCRIPT: … The forty-eight laws of power, by Robert Greene CONDENSED. … NUMBER 1 … Never outshine the master. Make your superiors appear more brilliant than they are. … NUMBER 2 … Put no too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies. Utilize your adversaries' strengths and weaknesses. … number 3 … Conceal your intentions. Never reveal your true motives. … number 4 … Always say less than necessary. The less you say, the more powerful you appear. … number 5 … Reputation is everything. Guard it with your life. Your reputation is your greatest asset. … number 6 … Court attention at all costs. Any attention is better than none. … number 7 … Use soft power to get others to do your work. Make others do the work, but take the credit. … number 8 … Bring others to you. Lure opponents into your territory. ...number 9 … Win through your actions, never through argument. Demonstrate your power through actions, not words. … number 10 … Infection- Avoid the Unhappy and Unlucky.... Misfortune can be contagious. … number 11 … Learn to Keep People Dependent on You. Create a situation where others need you. … number 12 … Use Honesty and Generosity Only to Disarm Your Victim. Use these traits strategically. … number 13 … When asking for help, appeal to people's self-interest, never to their gratitude. Frame requests in terms of what the other person will gain. … number 14 … Pose as a friend while spying as a friend. Gather information discreetly. … number 15 … Crush your enemy totally. Total annihilation is sometimes necessary. … number 16 … Create a Cult of Personality- Build a loyal following. … number 17 … Learn When to Let Go- Know when to disengage. … number 18 … Do Not Isolate Yourself- Maintain connections. … number 19 … . Know who you're dealing with. Understand your opponent's strengths and weaknesses. … number 20 … . Do not commit to anyone. Maintain your independence. … number 21 … . Play on people's weaknesses. Exploit others' vulnerabilities. … number 22 … Use the weak link. Target the weakest member of a group. … number 23 … Concentrate your forces. Focus your energy on key objectives. … number 24 … Master the timing. Know when to strike. … number 25 … . Re-Create Yourself- Adapt to changing circumstances. … number 26 … . Keep Your Hands Clean- Conceal your involvement in dubious actions. … number 27 … . Play on People's Need to Believe- Offer them something to believe in. … number 28 … Be bold. Audacity can create opportunity. … number 29 … Plan to the end. Think long-term. … number 30 … Make your accomplishments seem effortless. Hide the hard work. … number 31 … Control the Options- Limit others' choices. … number 32 … Play to People's Fantasies- Appeal to their desires. … number 33 … Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew- Find what motivates or controls each person. … number 34 … Be royal in your fashion. Project an image of power. … number 35 … Master the art of timing. Be patient and strike at the right moment. … number 36 … Disdain things you cannot have. Don't show your desires. … number 37 … Create compelling spectacles. Use drama and spectacle to impress. … number 38 … Think as you like but behave like others. Conform outwardly while maintaining your inner independence. … number 39 … Stir up waters to catch fish. Create chaos to your advantage. … number 40 … Despise the Free Lunch- Nothing is truly free. … number 41 … Avoid Stepping into Great Men's Shoes- Create your own path. … number 42 … Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep Will Scatter- Target the leader. … number 43 … Work on the hearts and minds of others- Persuade and influence others. … number 44 … Disarm and annoy with mirror effect- Mimic your opponents to confuse them. … number 45 … Preach change but deliver more of the same- Appear innovative while maintaining the status quo. … number 46 … . Never appear too perfect- Admit minor flaws to appear human. … number 47 … Do not go past the mark you aimed for- Know when to stop. … number 48 … . Assume formlessness- Be adaptable and unpredictable.