This newsletter is going to be different.
Whether you love him, hate him, or just enjoy the spectacle, there’s no denying that Donald Trump is one of the most fascinating figures in modern history. He’s not just a politician. He’s a brand, a movement, a force of nature.
And if you strip away the noise—the politics, the scandals, the larger-than-life persona—you’re left with something undeniably interesting: a personal growth strategy that has propelled him from real estate mogul to reality TV star to President of the United States… and back to the political arena again.
Now, before you throw your phone across the room or start composing an angry tweet, let me be clear: this is NOT an endorsement or a takedown. This is an exploration. A deep dive into the four rules that have shaped Trump’s worldview and, in turn, his success.
So let’s step back from politics for a moment.
What if, instead of judging, we simply observed? What if we looked at Trump—not as a politician—but as a case study in personal growth, influence, and the psychology of success?
What if we examined his mindset?
Because here’s the truth: The man has defied every expectation, broken every rule of conventional leadership, and still remains one of the most influential figures on the planet. He has lost and won, been written off and resurrected, faced scandals and indictments—and yet, his grip on his followers is unshakable.
So, what’s his secret?
What guiding principles have shaped him into the force he is today?
And perhaps most importantly—is there anything we can learn from them?
Visiting Mar-a-Lago & the movie The Apprentice
I got a firsthand glimpse into Trump’s world when I was invited to Mar-a-Lago a few months ago. I also have friends who have worked with him, been in meetings with him, and even done business deals with him. The insights they’ve shared with me paint a fascinating picture.
But what really sparked this letter was watching the film The Apprentice. The movie explores Trump’s relationship with the infamous American lawyer Roy Cohn, a man who once defended the mafia and was an ally of Senator Joseph McCarthy during the communist Red Scare in America.
The acting in the film was phenomenal— and the actors Sebastian Stan as Trump, Jeremy Strong as Cohn delivered Oscar-worthy performances.
But what struck me the most about the movie wasn’t just the acting—it was how it depicted Trump’s evolution. It showed his transformation from an eager, sweet, and somewhat naïve young man into the relentless, larger-than-life force he eventually became.
At the heart of it all were three laws that Roy Cohn imparted to Trump. These three rules—plus a fourth one that I picked up from reading The Art of the Deal years ago—form the foundation of Trump’s personal growth philosophy.
Are you ready? Buckle up.
Who was Roy Cohn?
To understand Trump’s personal growth philosophy, you need to understand Roy Cohn. If Trump is the ultimate showman-turned-politician, Cohn was the mastermind behind the curtain.
Cohn first rose to prominence as Joseph McCarthy’s chief counsel during the infamous Red Scare, where he helped orchestrate the anti-communist witch hunts of the 1950s. He was ruthless, unapologetic, and had a simple rule—never admit defeat, never apologize, and always attack.
When McCarthy fell from grace, Cohn reinvented himself as a power broker in New York, working as a mob lawyer and rubbing shoulders with the rich and powerful. It was during this time that he became Donald Trump’s mentor.
Cohn taught Trump how to weaponize the legal system, how to manipulate the press, and—most importantly—how to create an untouchable personal brand. He wasn’t just Trump’s lawyer; he was his strategist, consigliere, and attack dog all rolled into one.
Cohn had three ironclad rules. Rules that Trump absorbed like a sponge.
- Attack, attack, attack
- Admit nothing, deny everything
- Always claim victory
And then, years later, Trump added his own fourth rule—one that would become his ultimate superpower.
- Relentless optimism
These four rules became the foundation of Trump’s personal philosophy. And whether you agree with them or not, you can’t deny their impact.
Ironically, Cohn’s own downfall mirrored the tactics he taught Trump. In 1986, he was disbarred for unethical conduct—fraud, perjury, and unethical business practices. His response? Complete denial. Even as his career crumbled, he insisted he was the victim of a political conspiracy.
Trump absorbed all of this. And even after Cohn’s death from AIDS in 1986, his influence lived on in Trump’s philosophy of power and survival.
In the movie The Apprentice, it’s suggested that Cohn mentored Trump and asked him to follow the following 3 Rules of Life.
Rule #1: Attack, attack, attack
In The Art of War, Sun Tzu wrote:
“Opportunities multiply as they are seized.”
In other words: Never play defense. Always strike first.
This was Roy Cohn’s number one rule, and Trump didn’t just adopt it—he made it his core philosophy.
If you observe Trump’s career, you’ll see one pattern repeating over and over again: He never waits for an attack. He preempts it. He overwhelms. He escalates. He turns every battle into a scorched-earth war.
I had a fascinating conversation about this with Richard Branson on Necker Island in September 2024. Branson—who has been quite vocal about his distaste for Trump—shared something revealing.
During the 2016 elections, both Trump and Hillary Clinton invited him to separate meetings.
When he sat down with Hillary, she spoke about governance, strategy, innovation, and policy.
When he met with Trump? The entire conversation was about revenge.
Trump listed people who had wronged him, one by one, and described exactly how he planned to destroy them.
Branson walked out of that meeting shaken.
He had never met someone so singularly obsessed with retaliation.
But here’s the thing: It worked.
Trump’s relentless attacks obliterated his political rivals. In 2016, one by one, every Republican candidate who stood in his way was demolished.
This isn’t just politics. This is branding warfare.
Robert Greene, in The 48 Laws of Power, puts it this way:
“Crush your enemy totally.”
Trump doesn’t just defeat opponents. He erases them from relevance.
But what about those who stand with him?
That’s a different story.
At Mar-a-Lago, I saw this firsthand.
I had been invited to a private dinner for an incoming governor in March 2024. The attendees were some of the most politically influential people in America. And while I didn’t necessarily share their political views, I found them to be polite, warm, and genuinely kind individuals.
But the conversations? Fascinating.
One person confidently told me that 350,000 Chinese operatives had crossed the U.S. border and were waiting for China’s signal to attack America.
Another person claimed that two million terrorists were currently hiding within the United States.
Someone else insisted that Biden wasn’t actually running the country—that Barack Obama was secretly in charge, funded by George Soros.
Now, let’s be clear—I don’t think these beliefs hold up under objective scrutiny.
But what struck me was this: These weren’t angry, aggressive conspiracy theorists. They were polite, rational, and open to discussion.
When I questioned some of their claims, they listened. No tension. No fights. Just discussion.
And then, Trump walked in.
The energy in the room shifted instantly.
I have only seen a handful of people who radiate this level of charisma in person. The Dalai Lama is one of them.
As he greeted the crowd, he pointed at us and said:
“I love you!”
The room exploded.
“We love you, Mr. President!”
“We’re with you till the end!”
It was a level of loyalty that is extremely rare for any leader.
Regardless of what you think of him, Trump’s magnetism is undeniable.
But here’s the paradox: If you oppose him, he will try to destroy you.
And in American politics, that Machiavellian strategy has proven to be highly effective.
Rule #2: Admit nothing, deny everything
If Rule #1 is about overwhelming your enemies with force, Rule #2 is about something even more powerful: controlling reality itself.
This is Roy Cohn’s second golden rule, and Trump has turned it into an art form.
The rule is simple: Never admit fault. Never concede. Deny everything. No matter what.
This isn’t just about avoiding accountability. This is about bending reality to your will.
And Trump has done this over and over again, with astonishing effectiveness.
Let’s look at some of the most infamous examples.
Case study: The lawsuit that “never happened”
One of Trump’s earliest legal battles came in the 1970s when the U.S. Department of Justice sued Trump’s father’s company for racial discrimination in housing.
Trump’s response?
They didn’t just deny the charges—they counter-sued the U.S. government.
Eventually, the Trumps settled. But how did Trump spin it?
“We didn’t lose. We won.”
Factually, this was untrue. But in Trump’s world, it became true.
And this pattern would repeat throughout his entire career.
The 2020 election: The ultimate reality distortion field
Nowhere is this rule more evident than in Trump’s handling of the 2020 election.
Every court ruling, every recount, every single legal fact pointed to the same conclusion: Trump lost.
And yet, to this day, millions of people still believe he won.
Why?
Because he never admitted defeat.
Instead, he reframed the entire election as a stolen victory. He flooded social media with claims of fraud, manipulated perception, and planted a seed that no amount of evidence could uproot.
This is the power of Rule #2.
If you simply refuse to acknowledge reality, you force the world to choose: Do they believe their own eyes? Or do they believe you?
And if you’re charismatic enough, bold enough, and unyielding enough—people will believe you.
Trump’s superpower: The ability to rewrite history in real-time
A few months ago, I spoke to a seminar organizer who used to book Trump for speaking events before he became President.
He told me something mind-blowing.
There was a seminar where 8,000 people attended.
After the event, he followed Trump back to his suite for a quick chat.
Trump picked up the phone, called Melania, and said:
“Can you believe it? 18,000 people showed up to see me!”
Now—Trump knew the real number.
The seminar organizer was sitting right next to him.
And yet, in that moment, Trump rewrote the past.
Not out of forgetfulness. Not out of a simple exaggeration.
But because, in his mind, 18,000 was now a reality.
And this is where Trump does something most people can’t comprehend:
He doesn’t just lie—he creates a new truth.
Most of us, when confronted with reality, adjust our beliefs. Trump does the opposite.
He adjusts reality to fit his beliefs.
The big leap: Trump and the absence of an “upper limit”
Now, let’s pause for a moment—because there’s a fascinating personal growth concept at play here.
Gay Hendricks, in The Big Leap, talks about something called the Upper Limit Problem.
The idea is that most people have an internal thermostat for success, happiness, and self-worth.
When we exceed that limit—whether it’s a big career win, a massive relationship breakthrough, or a financial windfall—we subconsciously sabotage ourselves to return to our comfort zone.
Trump?
He has the opposite problem.
He doesn’t see limits at all.
He expands reality to fit his version of himself.
Call it narcissism. Call it delusion.
But the reality is—it works.
Because the world believes the people who believe in themselves the most.
This brings us to…
Rule #3: Always claim victory
There’s a phrase in branding and persuasion that goes like this:
“It’s not about the truth. It’s about the truth people believe.”
And no one embodies this more than Trump.
Roy Cohn’s third golden rule was simple but incredibly effective: No matter what happens, always claim victory.
Even when you lose.
Even when the facts say otherwise.
Because here’s the secret: People don’t remember details. They remember the story. And the story that wins is the one told with the most conviction.
Trump understands this better than almost anyone alive.
He doesn’t just claim victory—he does it with so much confidence that people start questioning reality itself.
The 2020 election: The biggest “victory” that never happened
Let’s take a step back to the 2020 election.
By every possible metric—legal, statistical, factual—Trump lost.
The courts ruled against him. Recounts confirmed the results. Every piece of credible evidence pointed to the same conclusion: Joe Biden won.
But Trump never conceded.
Instead, he reframed the loss as a fraudulent victory.
He planted the idea that the election was stolen, and once that narrative took hold, no amount of evidence could shake it. And here’s what’s absolutely mind-blowing—millions still believe it.
Not because the claim was supported by facts. But because it was delivered with conviction.
This is why Trump is still the dominant force in Republican politics today. Because he never allowed himself to be seen as a loser. In the world of influence and personal branding, losing is often worse than being wrong. And Trump knows that.
The bankruptcy “wins”
The 2020 election wasn’t the first time Trump rewrote history in real-time. In the 1990s, his business empire was crumbling.
- His Atlantic City casinos were bleeding money.
- He filed for multiple bankruptcies.
- His investors lost billions.
For most business leaders, this would have been the end. But not for Trump.
He never admitted failure. Instead, he rebranded bankruptcy as a genius business move. He walked away from his casino failures richer than before—while his investors got wiped out.
But if you ask him? He’ll tell you he won. And because he never acknowledged defeat, most people never saw him as a failure.
The inauguration crowd that “grew” on its own
One of the most blatant examples of this rule happened on Trump’s first day in office.
During his inauguration, news outlets published aerial photos comparing his crowd size to Obama’s 2009 inauguration.
And the difference was clear: Obama’s crowd was far bigger.
So what did Trump do?
He simply declared that his crowd was the largest in history. Even though the photos proved otherwise.
Rather than backing down, his press secretary doubled down on the claim. Suddenly, the conversation wasn’t about policies, the economy, or the future—it was about who had the biggest crowd.
And by the time the media finished arguing about it, Trump had already moved on.
The power of reframing reality
The lesson here isn’t just about Trump.
It’s about human psychology.
- Entrepreneurs sell themselves as billionaires before they hit their first million.
- Athletes visualize their victories before stepping onto the field.
- CEOs project confidence in their startups, even when their companies are burning cash.
Because here’s the truth: Winning is often a matter of perception. And if you can control the perception, you can control reality.
When this works (and when it doesn’t)
Now, this rule is incredibly powerful—but it has two sides.
If you declare victory with conviction, you can:
- Attract investors who believe in your vision.
- Build momentum even when the odds are against you.
- Create the feeling of winning—which often leads to actual success.
But there’s a dark side: delusion.
If you keep claiming victory even when reality is crumbling, eventually, the truth catches up.
- Investors stop believing in you.
- Employees lose faith.
- Your empire collapses.
So the real question isn’t just, “Does this work?”—because it clearly does.
The real question is: How far would you take it? Because once you start bending reality, it’s easy to lose sight of the truth altogether.
And that leads us to Trump’s final rule—his true superpower.
Rule #4: Relentless optimism
Roy Cohn taught Trump how to attack and deny, but the fourth and final rule in Trump’s personal growth playbook comes from a very different source: Norman Vincent Peale, the pastor who shaped Trump’s core belief system.
Peale’s philosophy, outlined in The Power of Positive Thinking, was radical self-belief taken to the extreme. His mantra? “If you think it, it will be so.” In other words, reality bends to the will of those who believe hard enough. And Trump has lived by this principle his entire life.
The power of positive illusions
This explains why Trump’s many financial collapses never seemed to faze him. Even when his Atlantic City casinos went bankrupt, he walked into meetings projecting absolute confidence—so much so that banks kept lending him money. He convinced investors that failure wasn’t real because, in his mind, it simply wasn’t an option.
And it wasn’t just business—this mindset shaped his entire approach to politics. Take his presidential campaign in 2016. Pundits laughed at the idea of a reality TV star with no political experience winning the White House. The media dismissed his campaign as a joke. And yet, Trump acted as if victory was inevitable from day one. His supporters felt his confidence, and that belief became contagious.
Failure? What failure?
Most people, when they suffer a public failure, go into damage control. They issue apologies, explain their mistakes, and try to win back credibility.
Not Trump.
When something doesn’t go his way, he simply acts like it never happened. His businesses collapse? “That was a smart business move.” His administration fumbles a policy? “It was actually a huge success.”
And here’s the wild part—people buy it.
Psychologists call this “positive illusions”, a cognitive bias where people who maintain extreme optimism—even in the face of failure—end up influencing reality itself. When a leader truly believes they are winning, they can convince others to follow them—even if the facts say otherwise.
Trump’s ultimate psychological shield
One of the most fascinating things about Trump’s relentless optimism is how it serves as a psychological shield.
A former White House aide once described watching him walk into a meeting completely unprepared, bluff his way through, and leave convinced he had dominated the room. He had no self-doubt. No hesitation. Just pure, unshakable confidence.
And the thing is, this kind of mindset is scientifically proven to work. Studies have shown that leaders who project confidence—whether or not it’s justified—are perceived as more competent. Even when they fail, people see them as visionaries rather than frauds.
The real lesson: When optimism becomes delusion
So, does relentless optimism work? Absolutely. It keeps you moving forward. It makes failure feel like a temporary inconvenience rather than a real setback. It builds an aura of invincibility.
But there’s a fine line between optimism and delusion.
At some point, reality catches up. Investors pull out. Supporters grow skeptical. And if you’ve built your empire entirely on positive illusions, the crash can be catastrophic.
So, the real question isn’t whether Trump’s relentless optimism is effective.
The question is: How far would you take it?
Final thoughts
Would you use these rules?
Trump’s rules—Attack Relentlessly, Deny Everything, Always Claim Victory, and Stay Relentlessly Optimistic—aren’t just political tactics. They are principles of influence, branding, and personal resilience that have been used by leaders, CEOs, and power players throughout history.
These rules have built billion-dollar empires, crushed opposition, and propelled him to the highest office in the world. They are also rooted in psychological strategies used by the most powerful figures throughout history—from military generals to corporate titans to media moguls.
But they also come with a cost.
When you attack relentlessly, you create enemies who never forget. When you deny reality, reality eventually catches up. When you always claim victory, you risk delusion. And when you stay relentlessly optimistic, you walk a fine line between confidence and blind arrogance.
Yet, these strategies work—at least for a time. And perhaps that’s why Trump, even in the face of indictments, bankruptcies, and political defeats, remains as influential as ever.
And here’s the thing. If you had asked me before that evening in March 2024 at Mar-a-Lago, I would have said—without hesitation—that I was anti-Trump. Not because of his policies, not because of his party, but because I had assumed he was a vengeful, hateful man. Someone so consumed by anger and ego that being in a room with him would be suffocating.
But that wasn’t the man I met. The Trump I saw was the exact opposite—charismatic, warm, full of high energy. And honestly? He was just fun to be around. Not the monster I had expected.
And it wasn’t just him.
I had also assumed that the MAGA movement was filled with narrow-minded conspiracy theorists, racists, and hateful and delusional people who saw the world in extremes. But the people I met in that room weren’t like that at all. They were kind. They were generous. They were intelligent. They operated from a different set of facts, yes—but they were open to discussion. They listened. They debated politely. They were willing to engage.
That night, I had to confront an uncomfortable truth about myself.
A lot of the conclusions I made about Trump and his followers came from one side of the media. And that had shaped my worldview into a rigid, binary perspective—where certain politicians were good and others were evil.
But life isn’t binary. Everything lies on a spectrum.
And in that spectrum are shades of gray—nuances that get erased when we let ourselves be polarized.
That night, I left with a newfound conviction: the moment you label one side as “good” and the other as “bad,” you stop seeing reality. You stop analyzing people for who they actually are, and instead, you judge them based on the version of them you’ve been fed.
I no longer see the world that way. And I don’t think anyone else should, either. Because the best way to truly see the truth about someone isn’t to assume. It isn’t to rely on what you’re told. It’s to analyze them yourself—to look at them with an open mind, to see both their light and their shadow, and to recognize that we all exist somewhere in between.
So, the real question isn’t just whether these rules work.
The real question is: Would you use them?
If you would or wouldn’t, let me know in the comments below.
Because at the end of the day, power isn’t about being right—it’s about knowing how to play the game.
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Comment by Vishen:
I want to be clear, this newsletter is not meant to be political – America is divided on their voting choices and I won’t bring politics into Mindvalley. But I have been clear since 2016 on my stance on Trump. He is not the right man to lead America and has too many flaws of character. Even the day before the election I went on Instagram live to endorse Harris (on my insta, not Mindvalley). I still hold the view that Trump should not have won. But my job is to bring unity and not get political on Mindvalley. This article is designed to provoke thought and to show that in politics today – Machiavellian and Sun Tzu principles oftentimes trump spiritual laws. For each rule I’m not suggesting one adopt them – I’m only shining light on the belief system behind them.
515 Responses
Regardless of this person’s ‘successes’, I detest the actions he has taken that harm people. Not only Americans, but all of humankind, the environment, our friendly neighbors, immigrants who are in the U.S. legally, etc., etc. Of course his tactics have worked (for him.) Perhaps he is a mad genius, or more likely, he is a mentally deranged person. Is he a leader of a cult of sheep who will follow him off of a cliff? Not sure, but it appears to be a reality.
Wow! That was a brilliant article!! to answer your question … no, although I love optimism, I could not attack relentlessly… nor could I deny actual truth. The world is changing and for the better. I believe optimism is going to be key but so will honesty, truth, and integrity. And I thank you, Vishen! Your article was so refreshingly honest!
Thank you for sharing this perspective. It’s certainly an interesting (and brave) exploration of power, influence, and resilience.
I believe that personal growth often involves studying a wide range of philosophies—absorbing what is useful, discarding what is not, and integrating what aligns with our own values. This idea, attributed to Bruce Lee, is strikingly similar to a sentiment expressed in Mao Zedong’s Problems of Strategy in China’s Revolutionary War. In a way, it reflects the broader reality that even controversial figures can offer lessons, though the application of their strategies depends on our individual ethics and objectives.
Trump’s approach has undeniably led to power, but at the cost of peace, trust, and honor. He excels in the game of influence precisely because he does not concern himself with these values. His worldview appears to align with traits described in the DSM’s criteria for Antisocial Personality Disorder (ASPD), which includes a disregard for social norms, a lack of empathy, and an absence of accountability.
This raises an important question: If more people adopted a similar mindset—one that prioritizes power over integrity—what kind of world would we be shaping? And at what cost?
I am fascinated by your take. Thank you for being so bold and confident as to invite us to reframe and evaluate this man whose life philosophy is shaking up the very foundation of the US government. I’ve often reflected on his area of influence because what is pitched with great confidence does come off to be arrogant and self serving. When what seems to be tremendous greed affects the average American’s access being stripped to programs that are meant to lend a helping hand. I would love a similar analysis on someone else of power and influence who has used their power to do more good for the highest good of all as opposed to what seems to me as someone who is more interested in the rich getting richer and polarizing others based on perceived cultural differences. Thank you as always Vishen. I appreciate your newsletters that give us all a glimpse from a fresh perspective.
I love this newsletter about Trump! These four rules are definitly the opposite of what i’ve been told my entire life. But it makes so much sense to me. I would consider to use them eventhough it feels scary because this is a new reality for me.
Vishen, I really appreciated this piece. I anxiously kept waiting for you to weigh in politically. Instead, you were able to take a “hot button” topic and create a learning experience for me. I was so relieved to get to the end and see you were not pushing an agenda, this allowed me to go back and reread the entire piece…with a less anxious mind. I love, love, love that you used your own personal experience and encounters as the foundation for your epiphany. Thank you for crafting this topic so beautifully. Once again, I learned something valuable from you. <3
I would like your thoughts on accountability and how that fits in here.
Thanks.
Vishen, I expected so much more from you and from Mindvalley. This is the personification of power abused and misused. This man is a liar, a dictator, and a traitor. He is on a personal mission to establish himself as Dictator of the United States and abolish the Constitution. Do you also glorify Hitler? Or are you one of those who convinced yourself that the Holocaust was a hoax? Or maybe that’s a grey area too?
My comments are not based on “information fed by the media.” They are based on a 27 year career as a CIA operations officer — where my job was to observe people, assess their motivations, and predict their next moves. If you experienced trump and his maga supporters as “warm, kind, generous, and open to discussion” it’s because you fell for the lies and manipulation the same way they did.
This is not a question of politics. It’s a question of values.
I stand for:
The Rule of Law and its equal application to ALL people
Personal and fiscal responsibility
Legal immigration
The clear separation of Church and State
Equal rights for all people regardless of race, religion, creed, age, socio-economic status, or sexual orientation
Elected officials and government workers being held to a higher standard of ethics and morality because they represent the face of our nation both domestically and internationally
Due process and the system of carefully crafted checks and balances as outlined in the Constitution of the United States
Alliance and cooperation with nations and global organizations to navigate challenges that know no borders — such as health, climate preservation, energy production, economic stability, and human rights
I once thought that Mindvalley also held similar values. Clearly I was wrong — and that’s heartbreaking for me.
Right, you are, thanks! The article was just horrendous, not what I expected to read here.
Thank you Martha. You have explained my thoughts perfectly.
I couldnt agree more , Thanks Martha to put it so clear
Thank you Martha, for writing here. You spoke me from the heart. It was heartbreaking to read that Mindvalley, which I always thought stood for empathy, respect, growth through spiritual connection and connectedness, took a stance and seemed to doubt if “Attack, attack, attack, Deny everything, never admit failure and relentless optimism” could maybe, possibly, be an option? Like “hey, be open minded, maybe give it a try?” The answer is a blatant NO, at least not in an audience which follow mindvalley!!! What was the point of doing so much growth work, accept our own failures, love ourselves despite our imperfections, learn from our failures and apologise from our wrongdoings, if in the blink of an eye a “powerful” man seems so admirable and charismatic, that this spiritual connection I tought Mindvalley stood for, seems for nothing??? What about empathy and respect? What about remembering that it is not everything about ME and MY success, but also about caring about my neighbours?
It was heartbreaking.
I think many of you missed the point Vishen was trying to make here: he is not endorsing the man, or saying what he has done is all good, it is a reflective piece meant to be thought provoking. For instance, if we never ask “Why was Hitler so influencial” and analyze his methodology what made him some to power- how could we ever know if we find ourselves on the brink of the same thing happening again?
To be able to change and do things differently we also have to think, analyze, contemplate. Admiring certain qualities of an enemy, doesn’t make them our best friend. It makes us intelligent creatures who can adapt and overcome. It is part of the human experience.
Thank you, Vishen, for your thoughtful analysis! Pretty eye-opening when you take a step back and look at it without prejudgement. Some great lessons in there.
You are wrong about Trump. There is good and evil and Trump is Evil. I honestly don’t see how you do not see that? I am canceling my subscription and no longer want to receive anything from you or your organization. Something’s in life are so important a person needs to take a stand and apposing Trump in all ways is one of those things. I hope you wake up and see that!
I am appalled and offended that you publish this. I really thought that mind Valley was better than this. Regardless of whether or not these principles work, Trump uses them to cheat people lie and a fraud. He’s a convicted crook. He is tanking our economy and has no business being president. Remove my name and my email from your list and never contact me again.
Because at the end of the day, power isn’t about being right—it’s about knowing how to play the game.
Been following you for years. This statement of yours…well I’ll prob not read you as much or more insight on that your vision is all a game to you.
Quite a disappointment. When the bending of his reality and yes his lies and complete disregard for law and his unlimited greed for power, status, prestige, limelight start affecting the working people and the people on the margins, it’s greed, lust, arrogance. It’s not power.
Sorry you were fooled and drank the kool aid at the Mar a Lago conference.
Go fish again for the
In answer to your question about whether or not I would use Trump’s tactics – the answer is a resounding NO. These tactics are deceitful. Applying them subscribes one to a practice of blatant lying and I’m appalled that anyone – including you – might marvel at their use.
Hi Vishen,
The tone in this newsletter feels very aggressive. By starting the article by observing this controversial world leader and focusing so much energy on the tactics, I tuned out. If there was any optimism or positive influence on humanity in the last part of the newsletter, it was overshadowed.
I have always maintained that this leader is clever but I find his motives suspect. The wake of destruction he leaves behind him is very controversial and not what I thought Mindvalley represented.
Respectfully,
AG
I understand the principles, however, the idea of denial and attack are not ideas I wish to adopt. I am all about empowerment but not at the cost of others. If these concepts you present are what Mindvalley will encourage then this is no longer the group for me. I am not interested in belittling others for my advancement. Power is not the end all. I believe in uplifting the whole community and hearing others. And not to recognize or care about others is abhorrent. It is sad to hear you approve and encourage such tactics.
This shook me. I am disturbed that you are looking for any balanced perspective about someone so dangerous and awful. Sorry but someone who is this blatantly racist, xenophobic, homophobic, misogynistic cannot be viewed as having anything to offer us. He was engaging in clear tactics taken from Hitler and has already stripped marginalized people of their basic human rights and detained people who disagree with him. Fascism.
I’m glad that I read this now as I was just about to purchase a membership. I now will not be as your values are not aligned. I will send your blog post to others who were considering joining so that they are also saved from supporting a company who takes a neutral stance on someone so dangerous to marginalized peoples and to the freedom and safety of other nations and the planet and environment itself.
Succintly well said. Thank you.
This is one of the most well-thought-out and unbiased essays I have ever read. It’s nice to see someone analyze a topic without letting it get clouded by emotions.
Thank you so much. Yes it was designed to be unbiased.
I believe that the lack of bias is exactly what is causing the outrage. By listing all his accomplishments and tactics, without taking a (stronger?) stand on what you think about the ethics of his tactics, it comes off as promotion. And, in that sense, it actually becomes biased.
Goodbye. I always wondered if you were just a con man. Questions answered. Are you seriously offering this playbook for an authoritarian dictator as if it’s a legitimate way to develop a brand or run a business? I’m sure Hitler was charismatic and diabolical in the same way. You are disgusting. And you are complicit as he runs our country into the ground. I hope your friends enjoy the money they made from this association. He will turn on them when it suits him too. I’ve deleted your app and unsubscribed.
I think you have lost your mind, Vishen. You have been my great inspiration during many years, but don’t you really know anything about psychpatic people, how charming and winning they are at first glimpse and as long as they can benefit from you? Are you blind to, how he makes war – not peace – in the world? I’m in chok – not because of trump, but because of you, Vishen – don’t you see similarities to Hitler? Don’t you know history?
Thank you for this clear observation. I was married to a man who believed he could change facts. He was so enrolled in his ideas that I began to doubt my own memories and experiences. A therapist recommended that I read, “People of the Lie” by Scott Peck. That book supported me in my divorce and beginning life anew. It also allowed me to understand Trump. No matter what he says, he BELIEVES it because the words left his mouth. I hope that your observation opens minds and encourages all people to dive deep into their own vision of life. Each of us is capable of creating a better world – and each of us creates the definition of “better world”