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Law of Covetousness
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Law of Covetousness
Definition
Desire intensifies when something appears scarce or withdrawn; strategic withdrawal and rivalry amplify attraction.
Practical Example
- Strategic Withdrawal: When negotiating a partnership, temporarily step back; the counterpart’s desire rises, increasing leverage.
- Rivalry of Desire: Subtly hint that a third party values the same asset, sparking competitive interest.
Origins
Based on Greene’s synthesis of evolutionary mating strategies and social scarcity dynamics, outlined in The Concise Laws of Human Nature.
Key Thinkers
- Robert Greene
- Robert Cialdini (scarcity principle)
Related Concepts
- Law of Defensiveness – both manipulate self‑opinion to unlock desire.
- Farsighted Perspective (Mountain View) – helps avoid short‑term over‑pursuit.
Applications
- Marketing: create limited‑time offers.
- Personal relationships: use occasional distance to heighten emotional appeal.
Connected Sources
The Concise Laws of Human Nature
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The Concise Laws Of Human Nature Robert Greene
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