The Tyrion Lannister Handbook

We’re two episodes into the final season of Game Of Thrones. I don’t know how long I’m going to have in this season. Everyone’s familiar with George R.R. Martin’s affinity to killing off favourite characters as soon as they have things going right for them. The Starks had it the worst. Everyone believed it to be impossible for an imp like me to make it beyond the first few seasons. But here I am, alive and kicking. With the Battle Of Winterfell looming over our heads, I’ve decided to let you in on what kept me alive for so long.

1. “Never forget what you are, the rest of the world will not. Wear it like armor and it can never be used to hurt you.”

It is, by far, the most important piece of advice I can ever give you. The only other person I said this to, made it through everything and now prepares to defend Winterfell against the dead. Just like the misfits at your primary school, anyone who doesn’t fit in with the cool kids, tends to form a kinship with other outcasts. Haven’t you noticed this in my behaviour? Bron, Podrick, Varys and Jon. All misfits in their own way. But unlike school kids, I couldn’t leave the ridicule behind. I took it as a challenge and did everything I could, to make up for it. But the first step is always accepting it.

2. “A mind needs books like a sword needs a whetstone.”

Jon never really looked beyond a sword for a solution. And it worked pretty well for him most of the times. But for someone who’s way smaller than a sword, there has to be another weapon of choice. Knowledge.

“Why do you read so much ?” - Jon Snow

I realized that, the more I learned, the more I could stay ahead of others who have power. The day you stop learning is the day you stop growing. There are always new things to learn, tools to master, and techniques to adapt. The most successful entrepreneurs in the world know this. I bet, I’d be quite the Zuckerberg if the internet was a thing in our realm.

3. “I try to know as many people as I can. You never know when you might need them.”

I’ve grown to understand that, even though I belong to one of the most powerful families of the 7 kingdoms, true power lies with the people. If you’ve paid close enough attention, you’ll notice that I’ve always tried to befriend people from all walks of life.

“What’s your story?” and “What do you want?” are two questions that got people to open up to me.
In a way, it has enabled me to creatively respond to people. I get people what they want, and in return, they help me achieve my goals.

However, I did manipulate quite a few people but come on! I did it to survive. Lannister blood hehehehehe.

4. “ I’ve only just met you. I will have to judge you before I choose to advise you.”

I took a grave risk with this. I stood before the Dragon Queen who was in half a mind to kill me for everything my house did to hers. She needed my knowledge and I knew that.

Never grovel for power or be obsequious towards royalty or people with more power.
Believe in what you bring to the table. And hope the leader is wise enough to appreciate it. If not, take your expertise elsewhere. I didn’t have much of a choice when it came to this. But nevertheless, Daenerys was kind to me and she is the leader I believe in.

These 4 morals have kept me alive to this point. If the dead overrun this place, I don’t think these will make much of a difference anymore. They aren’t quite the listening kind. But for you, in the land of the living, it will work wonders.

Oh! One more thing.

Always pay your debts.

Yours Truly,
Tyrion Lannister,
Hand Of The Queen