One of the interesting things about these laws of power is trying to see how they play out in major political events. The 5th law deals with reputation and I can’t think of a more interesting exemplar than the US race for the Republican nomination. The candidates have been busily savaging each other’s reputation in order to get the nomination, creating fodder for the opposing candidate.

From The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene:

Law 5: So Much Depends on Reputation – Guard it with your Life

Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Through reputation alone you can intimidate and win; once you slip, however, you are vulnerable, and will be attacked on all sides. Make your reputation unassailable. Always be alert to potential attacks and thwart them before they happen. Meanwhile, learn to destroy your enemies by opening holes in their own reputations. Then stand aside and let public opinion hang them.

Write a story regarding either the observance or transgression of this law.