This quote by Howard Hughes suggests a strategy of maintaining control and flexibility by ensuring that one is not overly reliant on any single individual or group. By playing different parties against each other, one can create a dynamic where they are the central figure that everyone else revolves around. This places the individual in a position of power, as they can leverage the competition and tensions between different parties to their advantage.

In essence, Hughes is advocating for a form of divide and conquer strategy, where by fostering competition or discord among others, one can maintain their own independence and freedom of action. This approach can help to prevent any one party from becoming too powerful and thereby exerting control over the individual.

In today’s world, this strategy can be seen in a variety of contexts, from business and politics to personal relationships. In business, for example, a company might play off its suppliers against each other to get better terms. In politics, a leader might play off different factions within their party against each other to maintain their own position of power.

However, it’s important to note that while this strategy can be effective in certain situations, it can also create a toxic and unstable environment if not handled carefully. It can lead to a lack of trust and cooperation, which can ultimately be detrimental in the long run.

In terms of personal development, this quote might be interpreted as a call to maintain independence and not allow oneself to be overly influenced or controlled by others. By maintaining a degree of detachment and not becoming too closely aligned with any one group or individual, one can preserve their own freedom of action and ability to make independent decisions. However, it’s also crucial to balance this with the need for collaboration and positive relationships, as no one can succeed entirely on their own.