Definition
A center of gravity is the source from which a person, group, or position draws its cohesion and force — and, by the same logic, the point whose collapse would bring the whole down. The idea originates in military strategy and is adapted by Robert Greene as a tool for everyday strategic thinking.
Identifying the center of gravity reframes a complex situation. Instead of attacking everything at once, the strategist asks: what one thing, if shifted, changes all the rest?
Why it matters
How it works
To locate a center of gravity, look past surface activity for the element everything else depends on. In a rival it might be a key supporter, a reputation, or a financial lifeline. In your own plans it might be the assumption that, if false, unravels the strategy. In a problem it is the root cause that other difficulties branch from.
Once the point is found, strategy becomes economical: apply pressure, support, or change there, and the surrounding system follows. Greene's lesson is that power and effort are limited, so they must be aimed where they will cascade.