Lapham's Rules of Influence: A Careerist's Guide to Success Status and Self-Congratulation

As the editor of Harpers Magazine Lewis Lapham has enjoyed entrée to Americas cultural elite a class distinguished by its talent for currying favor licking boots and kissing ass. Now in this scathingly funny and politically incorrect self-help book Mr. Lapham offers his best advice to aspiring careerists seeking to ride in helicopters and see themselves on television.        Drawing upon a lifetime of experience among the cogno-scenti Mr. Lapham breaks rank and reveals the unspoken secrets of getting ahead: what to say how to dress when to lie whom to befriend where to be seen and why it is absolutely essential to wear clean shoes. (The first impression is also the last impression. You dont wish to be remembered as the stain on the rug.)        Anyone interested in self-advancement will be transformed by Laphams Rules of Influence which offers proven nuggets of wisdom. For example when trying to impress the boss remember: Flattery cannot be too often or too recklessly applied. Think of it as suntan lotion or moisturizing cream.        Written with stinging wit and tongue planted firmly in cheek Laphams Rules of Influence is a brilliant critique of class and manners in America packed with the kind of irreverent observation that only Lewis Lapham can provide..   Seek out the acquaintance of people richer and more important than yourself and never take an interest in people who cannot do you any favors..   Rumor tinged with malice is the most precious form of gossip. When you are invited to spend a weekend with important journalists or movie stars it is considered polite to bring four items of unpublished slander in lieu of a house present or a bottle of wine..   Make unsparing use of clichés. The empty word is the correct word. Contrary to the opinion of snobbish New York intellectuals the placid murmur of cliché is always preferable to the expression of strong feeling which is an embarrassment..   A truly fashionable dinner party ends at the moment when all the guests have arrived and everybody has been seen or not seen. Once attendance has been taken the rest of the evening is superfluous..   A good meeting is one at which nothing happens. Sit erect second all the motions remember everybodys name.