Ferengi words of wisdom: Rules of Acquisition for Daily Use

No one ever trusts a Ferengi. But their Rules of Acquisition can be great advice. This set of rules is meant to guide men of commerce.

The Ferengi species of Star Trek is often seen as comical and their practices over the top. No one ever trusts a Ferengi. But their Rules of Acquisition can be great advice.

Rule of Acquisition #9 “Opportunity plus instinct equals profit.”

The Rules of Acquisition are learned by male Ferengi at an early age. This set of rules is meant to guide men of commerce toward acquiring as much wealth as possible. These precepts run their entire lives since, as stated in Rule of Acquisition #18, “A Ferengi without profit is no Ferengi at all.” (From Deep Space 9) At the start of a new year, many of us set goals and make resolutions. Now whether you are bent on making your fortune or just want to profit good things from life, some of these rules could be the key.

Rule of Acquisition #75 “Home is where the heart is…but the stars are made of latinum.” (DS9)
We live in a big world (galaxy). There is so much out there to learn, explore and do. If the Ferengi just stayed on Ferenginar, profits would quickly dwindle. But a good Ferengi can smell profit. Get out and try new things! Take chances! Go somewhere new! You may make some money or gain a revitalized sense of self.  Either way, profit is good. Go out and find it!

More from Star Trek: Deep Space Nine

• ET flashes back to Avery Brooks’ interview on Far Beyond the Stars
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• Cirroc Lofton’s dream is to return to Jake Sisko
• Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’s Dr. Julian Bashir was created to be unlikeable
• Armin Shimerman reminds everyone of his disastrous first run as a Ferengi on Star Trek: The Next Generation

Rule of Acquisition #214 “Never begin a business negotiation on an empty stomach.” (DS9)
This is excellent advice! Your body affects your mental capacity. Eating well, taking care of your physical body is going to keep you in peak mental form. Going into a negotiation? Asking for a raise? Taking a relationship to the next level? Eat something first. You will be focused, relaxed, and less distracted. Pro tip: if possible, eat with the person you are beginning negotiations with. There is no better way to get to know someone than to listen to them chew. A Ferengi knows when to break out guests’ favorite food and drink. Use it to your advantage.

Rule of Acquisition #9 “Opportunity plus instinct equals profit.” (DS9)
A good Ferengi always has his ears open for opportunity (Rule of Acquisition #7 DS9). Some opportunities may knock but other times you have to go out and get it for yourself.  Quark, our favorite bartender on Deep Space 9, is a prime example of this. He is always listening. It is amazing the things he knows: security codes, favorite drinks, and names of new customers. Mix this with a good sense of instinct and you have got the lobes for profit!

The Ferengi get a bad rap. They may make some shady deals, profit from the losses of others, and not give their employees sick leave but if Star Trek shows us anything it is the ability for growth in everyone. Especially in Deep Space 9, we see the growth of Quark, Rom, and Nog from greedy, self-absorbed, cheapskates to greedy, self-absorbed, cheapskates with hearts of gold. Take a page from the Ferengi Rules of Acquisition and see your goals succeed!  Keeping a couple of these rules in your pocket can be a great boost, though maybe not all of them.  May you find success as you travel The Great Material Continuum.