The United States is the planet’s major player in terms of political, economic, and military clout. China is rising fast as a competitor in those three arenas, but lags far behind in a fourth: “soft power,” or cultural influence. The rest of the world finds America’s style, entertainment, art, and ideas far more attractive than China’s. As you enter a phase that will be favorable for enhancing your own leverage and authority, Scorpio, I suggest you put the emphasis on wielding “soft power.” You’ll accomplish more by charming people with your intelligence than by trying to push them or manipulate them.
This article appears in Jul 21-27, 2010.