The Politics of Life: 25 Rules for Survival in a Brutal and Manipulative World

by Craig Crawford

Inspired by the famed sixteenth-century philosopher Niccolo Machiavelli, journalist and pundit Craig Crawford offers 25 pithy rules for surviving the politics of everyday life. The rules will at times seem hard and cruel, perhaps even immoral. But that is what comes with the turf when you are learning to deal with others as they actually behave, not how you imagine them.

192 pages, Hardcover

First published April 1, 2007

Reviews

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you ever catch Crawford on MSNBC, he comes across as a self-deprecating fellow whose often goofy demeanor masks any truly negative feelings he has about the political figures he discusses. After reading this book, it is clear that this demeanor is part of his personal philosophy of how to get ahead in life while really, really trying.

Adapting Machiavellian philosophy to his 21st century purpose, Crawford develops a list of rules defined in detail and elaborated upon by use of personal anecdotes. Though occasionally tedious reading, the rules are in and of themselves great advice for the person active in adult life. My personal favorite...the one about how rewards are not the goal of a job well done.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

What I got out of this book... We all seek control. Ambition can lead to failure if you always want more. Greed will destroy the simple meaningful things. Favors are pleasant but dangerous, it can diminish your control. People want to hear what they want to hear, even if it is a lie. Beware of getting into a codependent relationship with a powerful person. It might seem like a good thing but it could be awful for your job security. Beware of the passive agressives. It is a personality disorder!

[Sharmayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not a book about self improvement but instead an examination of some of the worst qualities of humans & how you utilize the information could serve to protect yourself at best or at worst, turn you into an evil, soul destroying monster. It is extremely disconcerting to realize how much of this I recognize among people I know & work with.

[Brian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book in the library and ended up buying a copy, something I have done for no other book. While I do not agree with all of the principles he enumerates, there is a certain truth to what he says no matter how uncomfortable it may be.

[Jeff · Rating 3 out of 5]

Based on the writing of Machiavelli, a set of guidelines of navigating some of the basic situation in life. Some points are interesting, some not so much, but overall thought provoking in some ways.

[Ali Hassan · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book can be said a diet for everyday's engagement with other people no matters whether you are a businessman or you work in an office or you are a politician. This book has 25 basic principles which, if applied, can be used by anyone for achieving one's vested interests.

However, the book is particularly designed for the people interested in politics or for those who lead other people while working in an organization or generally for those who want to influence other people in any domain of their lives.

The principles described in the book can also be utilized in countering other manipulative peoples' tactics which they occasionally apply on masses, especially for comprehending the ploys engineered by politicians. I would recommend the book to all and sundry irrespective of class or status differences.

P.S. I give three stars to this book only because I have read Robert Greene and Dale Carnegie who I personally found more interesting and beneficial in everyday matters.

[Piu piu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Delicious little book. If I could give it 4.5 stars I would!
It’s the type of book you can put down and pick up months later or read chapters in no particular order. Crawford is an entertaining writer, his style delves more into the grey than giving his reader precise advice. Will most likely pick and read random chapters in future!

[Abid Chaudhry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark, cynical, but strangely useful in navigating through corporate america.

[Ann Busbey · Rating 3 out of 5]

The blurb of this book pretty much says it all. Although I don't doubt the verity of Crawford's 25 rules, it was sad and disheartening to face up to our human nature.