I must admit that I was never a big reader of 19th century French literature, other than Jules Verne. And, I somehow didn’t read Stendahl’s The Charterhouse of Parma. However, I was intrigued by a New York Times article that suggested that the 19th century novel might offer a template for surviving a 21st century autocracy.

The Stendhal Novel That Doubles as a Playbook for Surviving Autocracy – The New York Times (gift link) suggests some of the tactics Stendhal’s heroine employs to dodge the depredations of her oppressive prince and his entourage — 26 handy bullet points :

1. Never criticize the prince in word or deed, or voice any disloyal thought. It will get back to him.
2. Make the prince see you as indispensable, without making him resent your skills and influence.
3. Radiate prestige and prosperity at court to bolster your status and enhance the prince’s self-regard.
4. Adopt the fashions of the court, even if they are ridiculous, to show social and political orthodoxy.
5. Never appear independent-minded, virtuous or enthusiastic; it fosters suspicion.
6. Track court gossip at all times; be alert to calumnies against you and to changing princely priorities.
7. Cultivate allies among the prince’s family and intimate circle.
8. Cultivate powerful allies outside the prince’s circle.
9. Recognize that your allies may be unable to help you, or may betray you. Have backup plans.
10. Study the motives and aims of allies, rivals and foes alike, so you know how best to manipulate them.
11. Grant favors to allies, rivals and foes alike, to make them beholden to you (though it may not work).
12. Never regard your own status as secure. Work at all times to buttress it.
13. If you excite envy, expect retaliation — work to pre-empt it.
14. Anticipate attacks against you from rivals for the prince’s favor. Thwart them, and strike back in kind.
15. Know that even if the prince seems to like you, he may seek to destroy you, for sport or out of malice.
16. Act as if you are under surveillance at all times, because you are.
17. Know whom you can trust, but be careful what you let them know, and anticipate their likely slip-ups.
18. Make yourself popular with the common people as a hedge against smears.
19. Avoid becoming so popular with the common people that the prince feels threatened.
20. Be prepared to defend yourself effectively but respectfully when rivals denounce you to the prince.
21. Do not expect the law to protect you; the judiciary is surrendered to the will of the prince.
22. If your influence wanes, invent a conspiracy against the prince; punish its members to impress him.
23. If you are threatened with incarceration in domestic or foreign prisons, leave the country at once.
24. When you travel, carry a passport that will pass muster with border officials and court spies.
25. In life or death situations, enlist the help of powerful enemies through blackmail or bribery.
26. If, for self-preservation, you must resort to illegal actions, plan well and cover your tracks.