Mad Men and House of Cards

1. Men are only respected and stand to move up the social and work hierarchy when they put a lid on their feelings. 

2. The more high-stress the scenario the calmer and more put-together men are expected to be. 

3. Not every bit of repartee merits a reply. In most cases, measured silence speaks way louder than words. 

4. Stress, poor mental health, vulnerability, rest, switching off from work - terms that are way detached from the 'masculinity' lexicon. 

5. Lies, manipulation, deceit, the 'eat or be eaten' mentality - general emotions, thoughts and feelings that drive men's behaviours and attitudes. 

6. There is no objective reality or morality; reality and morality are meant to be bent and twisted to prop up your ambitions and desires. They're like Play Doh. 

7. Anyone can be sold on anything if you know their strengths, weaknesses and desires. 

8. Most of life is stern dealmaking. You need something, I have it - I need something, you have it. Give and take. 

9. You don't deserve anything. If you think you do, a) you're mistaken. b) You're going to have to put up a fight to get it. c) In doing so, you risk making enemies out of friends, mentors and bosses. d) Now you have it, and you're one rung up in the hierarchy, but at what cost? You're more alone than ever. 

10. Successful life is lonely. Conventionally successful life, of course. You may have your own definition of success. 

11. Money and fear are the two huge motivators that cut across class, caste, religion, neurotype, race, etc. 

12. The more money there is in any equation, the less the relationship matters. 

13. Always tell people what they like to hear. 

14. With every step up in the hierarchy you'll think the fight to remain there gets easier. You'll learn it's the exact opposite. The fewer the competitors the more intense the competition. 

15. Privilege is an inherent part of life. Life is inherently unfair. The sooner you accept that the less you'll beat yourself up for not being in your 'ideal' circumstances. 

16. Everyone, literally everyone, has some challenges. Everyone has some strengths. Some strengths naturally lend themselves to better financial outcomes for people, some don't. That doesn't mean everyone can't earn big money. You just have to really do some granular thinking and figure stuff out. 

(will keep adding to this list)