# How to Cultivate Political Acumen

**First**, you must correct the habit of responding with ten sentences when someone asks you one question.

**Second**, you must change the habit of baring your heart and soul every time someone treats you well.

**Third**, focus on actually getting things done. Remember, don't even tell the gods—work silently in secret, and only speak once you've succeeded. Affairs are perfected through secrecy; words lead to failure.

**Fourth**, as long as interests don't conflict, you generally don't need to refute what others say.

People who truly accomplish great things possess political acumen without harboring grudges, can keep their composure, can bend when necessary, and can hold their head high. They remain unmoved when Mount Tai crumbles before them, and their heart doesn't waver even when a fierce tiger charges from behind.