In any social situation, whether it’s a business negotiation, a first date, or a casual conversation, what someone says may not always clearly show what they truly feel. Beneath polite smiles or carefully chosen words, people often hide their real emotions. But according to Robert Greene , bestselling author of The Laws of Human Nature and The 48 Laws of Power, there’s a small but powerful trick to catch someone’s genuine feelings before they can actually conceal them, this can be done by observing their face the moment they first notice you, by a little trick!
Greene writes, “Approach someone from the side and catch their initial micro-expression before they can mask it.” This technique is based on the psychological concept of micro-expressions .
These expressions can be described as those momentary, involuntary facial expressions that reveal true emotions before a person can consciously conceal them. These expressions often last less than half a second but can offer deep information into what someone is really thinking or feeling. According to Greene, the element of surprise is essential here. When someone approaches from the front, people have a few seconds to compose themselves. But when you approach from the side, they often reveal a raw emotional reaction before their social filters kick in.
They are hardwired into our biology and occur regardless of age, culture, or background. This makes them powerful tools for reading people, if you know how to spot them. Greene’s advice builds on this research, suggesting that those initial seconds of facial reaction are often more honest than an entire conversation.
How to use this in the real world?
In daily life, this hidden trick can be quite useful. For example, in a business meeting, it can help to understand how a colleague truly feels about a proposal, even if they’re being diplomatic in their response.
In personal relationships, one might catch a flicker of disappointment, excitement, or nervousness before your partner even says a word. However, Greene also warns readers not to jump to conclusions too quickly. Observing micro-expressions accurately takes time, patience, and practice. Misreading them can lead to false assumptions. He advises being calm, observant, and nonjudgmental while applying this skill.
Robert Greene believes that people show more in a few quick seconds than they ever do with words. It’s all about noticing those small, natural reactions that happen before someone has the chance to hide or control them. We all wear emotional masks, whether it’s to be polite, protect ourselves, or come across a certain way. But if one can catch that tiny, unfiltered moment before the mask goes on, they get a real idea of what someone’s actually feeling.
Greene writes, “Approach someone from the side and catch their initial micro-expression before they can mask it.” This technique is based on the psychological concept of micro-expressions .
These expressions can be described as those momentary, involuntary facial expressions that reveal true emotions before a person can consciously conceal them. These expressions often last less than half a second but can offer deep information into what someone is really thinking or feeling. According to Greene, the element of surprise is essential here. When someone approaches from the front, people have a few seconds to compose themselves. But when you approach from the side, they often reveal a raw emotional reaction before their social filters kick in.
This secret trick, which was revealed by the author, also aligns closely with the work of renowned psychologist Dr. Paul Ekman , who has extensively studied human facial expressions. Ekman discovered that micro-expressions are universal and tied to basic human emotions like anger, sadness, fear, surprise, and happiness."The Laws of Human Nature" is officially released!
— Robert Greene (@RobertGreene) October 23, 2018
The Laws of Human Nature was six years in the making and is the culmination of my life's study of power, psychology, and history.
Order your copy below or search for it at your favorite retailerhttps://t.co/ynCaeJiZXD pic.twitter.com/Op6fPYp0E3
They are hardwired into our biology and occur regardless of age, culture, or background. This makes them powerful tools for reading people, if you know how to spot them. Greene’s advice builds on this research, suggesting that those initial seconds of facial reaction are often more honest than an entire conversation.
How to use this in the real world?
In daily life, this hidden trick can be quite useful. For example, in a business meeting, it can help to understand how a colleague truly feels about a proposal, even if they’re being diplomatic in their response.
In personal relationships, one might catch a flicker of disappointment, excitement, or nervousness before your partner even says a word. However, Greene also warns readers not to jump to conclusions too quickly. Observing micro-expressions accurately takes time, patience, and practice. Misreading them can lead to false assumptions. He advises being calm, observant, and nonjudgmental while applying this skill.
Robert Greene believes that people show more in a few quick seconds than they ever do with words. It’s all about noticing those small, natural reactions that happen before someone has the chance to hide or control them. We all wear emotional masks, whether it’s to be polite, protect ourselves, or come across a certain way. But if one can catch that tiny, unfiltered moment before the mask goes on, they get a real idea of what someone’s actually feeling.
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