Do Not Commit to Anyone – Law 20 of 48 Laws of Power (Meaning, Strategy & Examples)

“Do Not Commit to Anyone” is the 20th law from Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power. It teaches us that full commitment to people, sides, or causes can compromise your freedom and power. When you commit, you become predictable, emotionally invested, and more easily manipulated.

By refusing to commit, you create space, maintain autonomy, and hold the power of choice—making others work harder to win your favor. This doesn’t mean avoiding alliances forever, but that your loyalties must always serve your self-interest first.

Understanding the Law

The law isn’t about disloyalty or being a loner. Instead, it’s about maintaining strategic neutrality. When you align yourself too closely with one person, group, or ideology, you limit your options and inherit their problems. You also signal dependence, which weakens your position.

Instead, let others seek your favor. If people or groups need your support, they will work to earn it—often giving you more in return. Stay above the fray and you gain leverage.

Historical & Real-World Examples

1. Queen Elizabeth I of England

Elizabeth never married, despite constant pressure. She kept powerful European suitors interested by refusing to commit, using their interest as political leverage. This preserved her independence and strengthened England diplomatically.

2. Charles de Gaulle

The French general and statesman refused to bow to any party or foreign influence. His independence gave him immense national credibility and allowed him to shape post-war France on his own terms.

3. Modern Freelancers and Entrepreneurs

In today’s world, professionals who avoid being tied to one company or project often find more freedom, better opportunities, and higher pay—because they’re not bound by singular loyalty or fixed roles.

How to Apply Law 20 in Life and Business

1. Maintain Autonomy in the Workplace

Avoid becoming too entangled in office politics or being overly loyal to one department or manager. Stay flexible, and align yourself based on opportunities, not emotional ties.

2. Keep Your Personal Life Balanced

Even in relationships, maintaining a degree of self-sufficiency can create respect and attraction. Overdependence can lead to imbalance or manipulation.

3. In Negotiations or Deals

If you remain neutral or show openness to multiple offers, you increase your value and bargaining power. Don’t show your cards too early.

Pros and Cons of Following This Law

✅ Pros:

• Greater freedom and flexibility in decision-making.
• Increased leverage—others compete for your support.
• Avoid being dragged into conflicts that don’t benefit you.
• Stay emotionally detached, which strengthens strategic thinking.

❌ Cons:

• May be seen as cold or untrustworthy by those seeking commitment.
• Can miss out on deep relationships or long-term loyalty.
• Risk of isolation if you never take a stand or form bonds.
• People may retaliate if they feel used or manipulated.

Balancing the Law with Real Life

This law doesn’t mean being heartless or avoiding all connections. It’s about never giving your loyalty blindly. Commit when it serves your long-term interests, and even then, retain some independence.

Be clear on your values, but flexible in your affiliations. Just like a skilled chess player, always leave yourself room to maneuver.

Conclusion

Law 20 – “Do Not Commit to Anyone” – reminds us that power lies in independence. When you remain unattached, you can observe more, choose wisely, and act with more authority.

Let others invest in you. Make people work for your attention, not the other way around. Preserve your freedom—because once lost, it’s hard to regain.