Words of Wisdom: The Moscow Rules

Or How To Be A Good Spy

The Moscow Rules are a set

of rules said to have been

developed by the CIA to be used

by spies and others working

in Moscow during the Cold War.

The Moscow Rules

1. Assume nothing.

2.  Never go against your gut.

3.  Everyone is potentially

under opposition control.

4.  Don't look back; you are

never completely alone.

5.  Go with the flow, blend in.

6.  Vary your pattern and stay

within your cover.

7.  Lull them into a sense

of complacency.

8.  Don't harass the opposition.

9.  Pick a time and place

for action.

10. Keep your options open.

I have always tried to teach

my kids how to be good spies.

I have a copy of the Moscow

Rules hanging next to the sink

in our kitchen.  The Cold War

may be over but I have found

these rules can apply for any

number of situations; work,

social and family situations

or if your just trying to make

it through Junior High School.