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The Concise 48 Laws Of Power: THE CONDENSED EDITION OF THE MULTI-MILLION COPY BESTSELLER
The perfect gift book for the power hungry (and who doesn't want power?) at an excellent price. The Concise Edition of an international bestseller. At work, in relationships, on the street or on the 6 o'clock the 48 Laws apply everywhere. For anyone with an interest in conquest, self-defence, wealth, power or simply being an educated spectator, The 48 Laws of Power is one of the most useful and entertaining books ever. This book 'teaches you how to cheat, dissemble, feign, fight and advance your cause in the modern world.' (Independent on Sunday) The distilled wisdom of the masters - illustrated through the tactics, triumphs and failures from Elizabeth I to Henry Kissinger on how to get to the top and stay there. Wry, ironic and clever this is an indispensable and witty guide to power. The laws are now Law 1: Never outshine the master Law 2: Never put too much trust in friends; learn how to use enemies Law 3: Conceal your intentions Law 4: Always say less than necessary
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 25, 2023
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About the author
Robert Greene
217 books20.2k followersThere is more than one author by this name on Goodreads.
Best-selling author and public speaker, Robert Greene was born in Los Angeles. He attended U.C. California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He has worked in New York as an editor and writer at several magazines, including Esquire; and in Hollywood as a story developer and writer.
Robert has lived in London, Paris, and Barcelona; he speaks several languages and has worked as a translator. In 1995 he was involved in the planning and creation of the art school Fabrica, outside Venice, Italy. There he met Joost Elffers, the New York book packager and discussed with him his idea for a book on power and manipulation, the ultimate modern version of Machiavelli's The Prince.
Robert and Joost became partners and in 1998, The 48 Laws of Power was born. The book has been a national and international bestseller, and has been translated into 17 languages. In 2001, Robert released his second book, The Art of Seduction, which is more than a sequel to The 48 Laws; it is both a handbook on how to wield the ultimate form of power, and a detailed look at the greatest seducers in history.
The third in this highly anticipated series of books, The 33 Strategies of War, hit bookstores January 2006 and offers a strategic look behind the movements of War in application to everyday life. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, these books are also being hailed by everyone from war historians to some of the heaviest hitters in the rap world (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent).
The popularity of these books along with their vast and fiercely loyal audience proves these are profound, timeless lessons from historical leaders that still ring true in today's culture. Robert currently lives in Los Angeles.
Best-selling author and public speaker, Robert Greene was born in Los Angeles. He attended U.C. California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He has worked in New York as an editor and writer at several magazines, including Esquire; and in Hollywood as a story developer and writer.
Robert has lived in London, Paris, and Barcelona; he speaks several languages and has worked as a translator. In 1995 he was involved in the planning and creation of the art school Fabrica, outside Venice, Italy. There he met Joost Elffers, the New York book packager and discussed with him his idea for a book on power and manipulation, the ultimate modern version of Machiavelli's The Prince.
Robert and Joost became partners and in 1998, The 48 Laws of Power was born. The book has been a national and international bestseller, and has been translated into 17 languages. In 2001, Robert released his second book, The Art of Seduction, which is more than a sequel to The 48 Laws; it is both a handbook on how to wield the ultimate form of power, and a detailed look at the greatest seducers in history.
The third in this highly anticipated series of books, The 33 Strategies of War, hit bookstores January 2006 and offers a strategic look behind the movements of War in application to everyday life. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, these books are also being hailed by everyone from war historians to some of the heaviest hitters in the rap world (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent).
The popularity of these books along with their vast and fiercely loyal audience proves these are profound, timeless lessons from historical leaders that still ring true in today's culture. Robert currently lives in Los Angeles.
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December 31, 2019
✘ Law 1: Never outshine the master.
✔ Law 1: Stay humble and respect your mentors.
✘ Law 2: Never put too much trust in friends, learn to use enemies.
✔ Law 2: Don’t use people. Understand we all make mistakes, and set up your life so that the actions of your friends or enemies does not make or break you.
✘ Law 3: Conceal your intentions.
✔ Law 3: Keep your intentions pure and for the good of the world. You will radiate more power than being shady.
✘ Law 4: Always say less than necessary.
✔ Law 4: Speak only the truth, and do it whenever it is necessary.
✘ Law 5: So much depends on reputation. Guard it with your life.
✔ Law 5: So much depends on your reputation, that’s right. But, build one based on good works and there’s no need to guard it. False attacks will be quickly brought into the light and destroyed.
✘ Law 6: Court attention at all cost.
✔ Law 6: Attract the right kind of attention by providing value in any situation.
✘ Law 7: Let others do the work for you, but always take credit.
✔ Law 7: Empower people to do work that helps both of you, and you will never need to take the credit.
✘ Law 8: Make other people come to you. Use bait if necessary.
✔ Law 8: Make other people come to you by always offering solutions to their problems. Then, delegate the work.
✘ Law 9: Win through your actions, never through argument.
✔ Law 9: Beautiful. Actions speak louder than words. Smile and take the high road to instantly win any argument.
✘ Law 10: Infection: Avoid the unhappy and the unlucky.
✔ Law 10: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, so you can all help the unhappy and unlucky find personal freedom too.
✘ Law 11: Learn to keep people dependent on you.
✔ Law 11: Wrong. Teach a man to fish, and he will be an endless source of fish for you.
✘ Law 12: Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim.
✔ Law 12: Wow, these start to get pretty scummy, huh. Victim? Use honesty and generosity to disarm your team members so you can trust each other.
✘ Law 13: When asking for help, appeal to people’s self-interest, never to their mercy.
✔ Law 13: Ask for completely one-sided help sparingly. Instead, take care of yourself and find ways to work together that makes life easier for everyone. Never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do for them.
✘ Law 14: Pose as a friend, work as a spy.
✔ Law 14: Are you kidding? To avoid dying as a miserable person, be a good friend. Give endlessly to these people, and you will always have a loyal army behind you.
✘ Law 15: Crush your enemy totally.
✔ Law 15: If you are confronted with evil, crush your enemy totally. Heroes do not hesitate to fight for what is right.
✘ Law 16: Use absence to increase respect and honor.
✔ Law 16: Don’t overstay your welcome or overstep your bounds. Give your best to a few people and projects, which makes your time and presence extremely valuable to others.
✘ Law 17: Keep others in suspended terror: cultivate an air of unpredictability.
✔ Law 17: Variety is the spice of life. Take risks, move fast, and don’t think about things like keeping others in suspended terror. People will just be excited to go on the ride with you.
✘ Law 18: Do not build fortresses to protect yourself – isolation is dangerous.
✔ Law 18: It’s true: loneliness kills. Find other people to go through life with, and help each other when times get tough. Give and take.
✘ Law 19: Know who you’re dealing with- do not offend the wrong person.
✔ Law 19: When dealing with powerful people, you are bulletproof if your actions come from good intentions for everyone involved.
✘ Law 20: Do not commit to anyone.
✔ Law 20: As you mature, you move from dependence and independence to interdependence. Commit to projects that matter, and take your due credit for success or failure. Do not engage in anything that moves you back to dependence.
✘ Law 21: Play a sucker to catch a sucker- seem dumber than your mark.
✔ Law 21: No one likes to be talked-down to. Be patient, keep things simple, and ask leading questions to help others come to conclusions by themselves.
✘ Law 22: Use the surrender tactic: transform weakness into power.
✔ Law 22: Brilliant. By choosing not to fight & assuredly lose, you can simply continue building your empire while enemies burn each others’ castles down around you.
✘ Law 23: Concentrate your forces.
✔ Law 23: Focus. Succeed by relentlessly pushing and achieving each milestone you’ve set, one by one.
✘ Law 24: Play the perfect courtier (royal advisor).
✔ Law 24: Learn to give solid advice, and you will never be out of the loop. Do not grovel. Powerful people sense attempts at manipulation from a mile away, and if you happen to succeed, it’s only because they’ve decided to play along and manipulate you back.
✘ Law 25: Re-create yourself.
✔ Law 25: If who you are and what you do isn’t working or making you happy, level up.
✘ Law 26: Keep your hands clean.
✔ Law 26: Keep your hands clean, but that doesn’t mean outsource the dirty work. Refuse the dirty work.
✘ Law 27: Play on people’s need to believe to create a cult-like following.
✔ Law 27: Give people something real, transformative, and effective to believe in. Become someone striving to reach an ideal to inspire others.
✘ Law 28: Enter action with boldness.
✔ Law 28: Absolutely. Believe in yourself, fight for yourself, and come out swinging against any odds.
✘ Law 29: Plan all the way to the end.
✔ Law 29: Understand your actions have consequences. Make choices based on the best solution for everyone involved.
✘ Law 30: Make your accomplishments seem effortless.
✔ Law 30: Climb mountains, tell no one. Your work will speak for itself.
✘ Law 31: Control opinions: get others to play with the cards you deal.
✔ Law 31: Give people choices and recommendations that always lead to positive results for both of you.
✘ Law 32: Play to people’s fantasies.
✔ Law 32: When speaking to others, speak to their best version of themselves.
✘ Law 33: Discover each man’s thumbscrew.
✔ Law 33: When someone shows you their weakness, help them turn it into a strength for lifelong loyalty. Don’t use blackmail for short-term control that turns into lifelong grudges instead.
✘ Law 34: Be royal in your own fashion: act like a king to be treated like one.
✔ Law 34: Hold yourself to a high standard. You are the hero of your own story, your own personal coach. Walk with the confidence of knowing you are an equal with all others, and watch doors open for you.
✘ Law 35: Master the art of timing.
✔ Law 35: Use observation, research, and plain old trial-and-error to learn how to say or do the right things at the right time.
✘ Law 36: Disdain things you cannot have: ignoring them is the best revenge.
✔ Law 36: True wealth and happiness comes from an elimination of desire for wants, not the fulfillment of desire for wants.
✘ Law 37: Create compelling spectacles.
✔ Law 37: Do great work that inspires, touches, and solves problems.
✘ Law 38: Think as you like but behave like others.
✔ Law 38: You cannot help people who do not feel comfortable around you. Lead from within. Don’t stand out for the wrong reasons.
✘ Law 39: Stir up waters to catch fish.
✔ Law 39: Stay calm and don’t make decisions out of anger to avoid being caught by people who follow these old rules.
✘ Law 40: Despise the free lunch.
✔ Law 40: There’s no such thing, but give or take a “free” lunch to discuss win-win opportunities.
✘ Law 41: Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes.
✔ Law 41: Be yourself and carve your own path. No one can ever do that better than you.
✘ Law 42: Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.
✔ Law 42: Start at the root of any problem. Don’t just cover up symptoms.
✘ Law 43: Work on the hearts and minds of others.
✔ Law 43: You will be more successful by speaking to the emotions of other people, not just their rational side.
✘ Law 44: Disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect.
✔ Law 44: Such a twisted way to state the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. Explain to others how you do not want to be treated with a steady voice and a locked-in gaze, if this becomes an issue.
✘ Law 45: Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once.
✔ Law 45: Too much change is difficult for everyone. When working towards the greater good, sell the vision while taking smaller steps and celebrating wins.
✘ Law 46: Never appear too perfect.
✔ Law 46: No one is perfect. Laugh about your most embarrassing mistakes to become more powerful than those wearing masks.
✘ Law 47: Do not go past the mark you aimed for; in victory know when to stop.
✔ Law 47: Set goals, achieve them, and review your progress. A life of victory is not a life of excess.
✘ Law 48: Assume formlessness
✔ Law 48: Be like water: adapt and flow. Become an expert in dealing with change. Stick only to your core values.
Best regards, Inti from Lake Titicaca
✔ Law 1: Stay humble and respect your mentors.
✘ Law 2: Never put too much trust in friends, learn to use enemies.
✔ Law 2: Don’t use people. Understand we all make mistakes, and set up your life so that the actions of your friends or enemies does not make or break you.
✘ Law 3: Conceal your intentions.
✔ Law 3: Keep your intentions pure and for the good of the world. You will radiate more power than being shady.
✘ Law 4: Always say less than necessary.
✔ Law 4: Speak only the truth, and do it whenever it is necessary.
✘ Law 5: So much depends on reputation. Guard it with your life.
✔ Law 5: So much depends on your reputation, that’s right. But, build one based on good works and there’s no need to guard it. False attacks will be quickly brought into the light and destroyed.
✘ Law 6: Court attention at all cost.
✔ Law 6: Attract the right kind of attention by providing value in any situation.
✘ Law 7: Let others do the work for you, but always take credit.
✔ Law 7: Empower people to do work that helps both of you, and you will never need to take the credit.
✘ Law 8: Make other people come to you. Use bait if necessary.
✔ Law 8: Make other people come to you by always offering solutions to their problems. Then, delegate the work.
✘ Law 9: Win through your actions, never through argument.
✔ Law 9: Beautiful. Actions speak louder than words. Smile and take the high road to instantly win any argument.
✘ Law 10: Infection: Avoid the unhappy and the unlucky.
✔ Law 10: Surround yourself with people who lift you up, so you can all help the unhappy and unlucky find personal freedom too.
✘ Law 11: Learn to keep people dependent on you.
✔ Law 11: Wrong. Teach a man to fish, and he will be an endless source of fish for you.
✘ Law 12: Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim.
✔ Law 12: Wow, these start to get pretty scummy, huh. Victim? Use honesty and generosity to disarm your team members so you can trust each other.
✘ Law 13: When asking for help, appeal to people’s self-interest, never to their mercy.
✔ Law 13: Ask for completely one-sided help sparingly. Instead, take care of yourself and find ways to work together that makes life easier for everyone. Never ask someone to do something you wouldn’t do for them.
✘ Law 14: Pose as a friend, work as a spy.
✔ Law 14: Are you kidding? To avoid dying as a miserable person, be a good friend. Give endlessly to these people, and you will always have a loyal army behind you.
✘ Law 15: Crush your enemy totally.
✔ Law 15: If you are confronted with evil, crush your enemy totally. Heroes do not hesitate to fight for what is right.
✘ Law 16: Use absence to increase respect and honor.
✔ Law 16: Don’t overstay your welcome or overstep your bounds. Give your best to a few people and projects, which makes your time and presence extremely valuable to others.
✘ Law 17: Keep others in suspended terror: cultivate an air of unpredictability.
✔ Law 17: Variety is the spice of life. Take risks, move fast, and don’t think about things like keeping others in suspended terror. People will just be excited to go on the ride with you.
✘ Law 18: Do not build fortresses to protect yourself – isolation is dangerous.
✔ Law 18: It’s true: loneliness kills. Find other people to go through life with, and help each other when times get tough. Give and take.
✘ Law 19: Know who you’re dealing with- do not offend the wrong person.
✔ Law 19: When dealing with powerful people, you are bulletproof if your actions come from good intentions for everyone involved.
✘ Law 20: Do not commit to anyone.
✔ Law 20: As you mature, you move from dependence and independence to interdependence. Commit to projects that matter, and take your due credit for success or failure. Do not engage in anything that moves you back to dependence.
✘ Law 21: Play a sucker to catch a sucker- seem dumber than your mark.
✔ Law 21: No one likes to be talked-down to. Be patient, keep things simple, and ask leading questions to help others come to conclusions by themselves.
✘ Law 22: Use the surrender tactic: transform weakness into power.
✔ Law 22: Brilliant. By choosing not to fight & assuredly lose, you can simply continue building your empire while enemies burn each others’ castles down around you.
✘ Law 23: Concentrate your forces.
✔ Law 23: Focus. Succeed by relentlessly pushing and achieving each milestone you’ve set, one by one.
✘ Law 24: Play the perfect courtier (royal advisor).
✔ Law 24: Learn to give solid advice, and you will never be out of the loop. Do not grovel. Powerful people sense attempts at manipulation from a mile away, and if you happen to succeed, it’s only because they’ve decided to play along and manipulate you back.
✘ Law 25: Re-create yourself.
✔ Law 25: If who you are and what you do isn’t working or making you happy, level up.
✘ Law 26: Keep your hands clean.
✔ Law 26: Keep your hands clean, but that doesn’t mean outsource the dirty work. Refuse the dirty work.
✘ Law 27: Play on people’s need to believe to create a cult-like following.
✔ Law 27: Give people something real, transformative, and effective to believe in. Become someone striving to reach an ideal to inspire others.
✘ Law 28: Enter action with boldness.
✔ Law 28: Absolutely. Believe in yourself, fight for yourself, and come out swinging against any odds.
✘ Law 29: Plan all the way to the end.
✔ Law 29: Understand your actions have consequences. Make choices based on the best solution for everyone involved.
✘ Law 30: Make your accomplishments seem effortless.
✔ Law 30: Climb mountains, tell no one. Your work will speak for itself.
✘ Law 31: Control opinions: get others to play with the cards you deal.
✔ Law 31: Give people choices and recommendations that always lead to positive results for both of you.
✘ Law 32: Play to people’s fantasies.
✔ Law 32: When speaking to others, speak to their best version of themselves.
✘ Law 33: Discover each man’s thumbscrew.
✔ Law 33: When someone shows you their weakness, help them turn it into a strength for lifelong loyalty. Don’t use blackmail for short-term control that turns into lifelong grudges instead.
✘ Law 34: Be royal in your own fashion: act like a king to be treated like one.
✔ Law 34: Hold yourself to a high standard. You are the hero of your own story, your own personal coach. Walk with the confidence of knowing you are an equal with all others, and watch doors open for you.
✘ Law 35: Master the art of timing.
✔ Law 35: Use observation, research, and plain old trial-and-error to learn how to say or do the right things at the right time.
✘ Law 36: Disdain things you cannot have: ignoring them is the best revenge.
✔ Law 36: True wealth and happiness comes from an elimination of desire for wants, not the fulfillment of desire for wants.
✘ Law 37: Create compelling spectacles.
✔ Law 37: Do great work that inspires, touches, and solves problems.
✘ Law 38: Think as you like but behave like others.
✔ Law 38: You cannot help people who do not feel comfortable around you. Lead from within. Don’t stand out for the wrong reasons.
✘ Law 39: Stir up waters to catch fish.
✔ Law 39: Stay calm and don’t make decisions out of anger to avoid being caught by people who follow these old rules.
✘ Law 40: Despise the free lunch.
✔ Law 40: There’s no such thing, but give or take a “free” lunch to discuss win-win opportunities.
✘ Law 41: Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes.
✔ Law 41: Be yourself and carve your own path. No one can ever do that better than you.
✘ Law 42: Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter.
✔ Law 42: Start at the root of any problem. Don’t just cover up symptoms.
✘ Law 43: Work on the hearts and minds of others.
✔ Law 43: You will be more successful by speaking to the emotions of other people, not just their rational side.
✘ Law 44: Disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect.
✔ Law 44: Such a twisted way to state the golden rule: treat others how you want to be treated. Explain to others how you do not want to be treated with a steady voice and a locked-in gaze, if this becomes an issue.
✘ Law 45: Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once.
✔ Law 45: Too much change is difficult for everyone. When working towards the greater good, sell the vision while taking smaller steps and celebrating wins.
✘ Law 46: Never appear too perfect.
✔ Law 46: No one is perfect. Laugh about your most embarrassing mistakes to become more powerful than those wearing masks.
✘ Law 47: Do not go past the mark you aimed for; in victory know when to stop.
✔ Law 47: Set goals, achieve them, and review your progress. A life of victory is not a life of excess.
✘ Law 48: Assume formlessness
✔ Law 48: Be like water: adapt and flow. Become an expert in dealing with change. Stick only to your core values.
Best regards, Inti from Lake Titicaca
April 3, 2009
This book does not have to be construed as a means to cruel and heartless power any more than Sun Tzu's The Art of War should be viewed as such. Are some power tactics manipulative? Yes. Does getting to the top sometimes involve taking an opportunity away from someone else? Yes. Is power necessarily a bad thing? No. Often, yes. Though this is not necessarily the case. Greene outlines a number of the aspects of power, giving concrete and interesting examples from history.
For those that say they cannot stomach this book I say they have dich0tomous view of the world, for there is nothing on this earth that is purely good or purely evil. Even the taking of a human life, murder, has circumstances under which it is not viewed as an evil act. Altruism is not always done with the intent of doing good selflessly; though it may sound like an oxymoron there is such a thing as selfish altruism.
To read this book is to gain knowledge, specifically knowledge of power, and unless you intend to use that knowledge for evil reasons, it is nothing more than information as one can find in another book. Dale Carnegie's famous How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the most popular and best-selling psychology/self-help books of all time - and yet I doubt the same critics whose stomachs turn in the reading of this book would say the same of the former. The information in that book involved power tactics and social manipulation to more an extent than does this book.
Some power tactics that are employed or described herein may be viewed as immoral or unethical, but the author does not sanction nor encourage them. And they are not all unethical - this would mean every person that has gained power is in some way immoral, and while this may be true on many counts, I believe certainly there are many exceptions. He simply has simply done his homework and can speak knowledgeably on the subject of power. Whether the reader intends to use this knowledge for good or bad is up to them.
I might also add that, for one to have such a visceral, negative reaction to this book - perhaps there is something unacknowledged within yourself that caused such a reaction? It is that which we do not acknowledge about ourselves that rules us all.
For those that say they cannot stomach this book I say they have dich0tomous view of the world, for there is nothing on this earth that is purely good or purely evil. Even the taking of a human life, murder, has circumstances under which it is not viewed as an evil act. Altruism is not always done with the intent of doing good selflessly; though it may sound like an oxymoron there is such a thing as selfish altruism.
To read this book is to gain knowledge, specifically knowledge of power, and unless you intend to use that knowledge for evil reasons, it is nothing more than information as one can find in another book. Dale Carnegie's famous How to Win Friends and Influence People is one of the most popular and best-selling psychology/self-help books of all time - and yet I doubt the same critics whose stomachs turn in the reading of this book would say the same of the former. The information in that book involved power tactics and social manipulation to more an extent than does this book.
Some power tactics that are employed or described herein may be viewed as immoral or unethical, but the author does not sanction nor encourage them. And they are not all unethical - this would mean every person that has gained power is in some way immoral, and while this may be true on many counts, I believe certainly there are many exceptions. He simply has simply done his homework and can speak knowledgeably on the subject of power. Whether the reader intends to use this knowledge for good or bad is up to them.
I might also add that, for one to have such a visceral, negative reaction to this book - perhaps there is something unacknowledged within yourself that caused such a reaction? It is that which we do not acknowledge about ourselves that rules us all.
September 21, 2013
Now here is the thing about this book; it's mean, it's ruthless but it's all true.
At the very first pages I was like 'this writer right here teaches us to lie, and to manipulate people'. when I continued reading I found out that some of the laws he's talking about are already implemented around us by people we know.
Some skills are born with us, some are learned. this book is an eye opening to what goes around us and how people with certain skills get what they want.
The book usually uses the term "enemies", which makes you think that it's written for war purposes. well, it can be used for everything. depending on how ruthless you want to deal with the people around you.
It's a guide that can be used. However I don't agree with all of it, but I found it very useful for success.
One more comment I have is that some of the laws actually contradict each other. Like it first tells you to 'sit on the shoulders of the giants', and then it says don't complete what others has started because you'll never be as good as them.
Also, he tells you to court attention at all costs, then he tells you to use absence to increase respect and honor.
All in all it was a good read and highly recommended, if not for practicing the laws then only for the sake of knowing them.
At the very first pages I was like 'this writer right here teaches us to lie, and to manipulate people'. when I continued reading I found out that some of the laws he's talking about are already implemented around us by people we know.
Some skills are born with us, some are learned. this book is an eye opening to what goes around us and how people with certain skills get what they want.
The book usually uses the term "enemies", which makes you think that it's written for war purposes. well, it can be used for everything. depending on how ruthless you want to deal with the people around you.
It's a guide that can be used. However I don't agree with all of it, but I found it very useful for success.
One more comment I have is that some of the laws actually contradict each other. Like it first tells you to 'sit on the shoulders of the giants', and then it says don't complete what others has started because you'll never be as good as them.
Also, he tells you to court attention at all costs, then he tells you to use absence to increase respect and honor.
All in all it was a good read and highly recommended, if not for practicing the laws then only for the sake of knowing them.
September 8, 2016
Pretty sure Donald Trump lives by this book.
January 1, 2022
this was a really great book .it did not stir one fact and go with it .it truly teaches you powerful laws which you can use in day to day life . definitely going to read again
February 6, 2011
If you do not keep an open mind about the contents of this book, it will come across as selfish, brutal and downright ruthless. But all said and done it is very pragmatic a book. In here I found 48 ways of looking at what the author thought are principles that made and kept people in power.
Peel away the historic significances and the anecdotes and these are things you see around you : in corporate boardrooms, news networks and the political circus all carry these lessons through them. Robert Greene seems to have relied upon varied sources and the reference that has gone into this book is quite huge. Footnotes carry quotes from Sun Tzu, Kautilya, Machiavelli, Baltasar Gracian and many others whom we have all come to regard as Military & Political strategists . These footnotes are probably the highlights of this book for they offer what can rightly be called as food for thought.
Never make the mistake of applying these directly in your sphere of influence for it's a guarantee that you will get the boot in no time. It is as devious as it comes and for sure you will note the subtlety with which people you see and know apply this in various spheres of life. All Robert Greene did was to put them in words !!!
Peel away the historic significances and the anecdotes and these are things you see around you : in corporate boardrooms, news networks and the political circus all carry these lessons through them. Robert Greene seems to have relied upon varied sources and the reference that has gone into this book is quite huge. Footnotes carry quotes from Sun Tzu, Kautilya, Machiavelli, Baltasar Gracian and many others whom we have all come to regard as Military & Political strategists . These footnotes are probably the highlights of this book for they offer what can rightly be called as food for thought.
Never make the mistake of applying these directly in your sphere of influence for it's a guarantee that you will get the boot in no time. It is as devious as it comes and for sure you will note the subtlety with which people you see and know apply this in various spheres of life. All Robert Greene did was to put them in words !!!
March 2, 2015
This is the first time I've read the 48 Laws -- in condensed form or otherwise. When the main book was on the bestseller list, I opened it up expecting a bunch of nice, typical self-help laws. What I got slapped in the face with was a harsh dose of reality. These laws are not "nice," but they do guide you in how to really gain power in life. I look forward to reading the larger work now.
May 10, 2025
No scandal will ever stick to you if you follow these Machiavellian rules. In the power world, you’re just acting like a winner. If someone else gets stepped on, they are obviously a loser.
These guys play by a completely different set of rules. You don’t need to be objectively good or decent. Just be obsessed with discipline and repetition: embody these rules, project them, repeat them. If you stay focussed, very little can touch you.
This is entirely amoral.
They would say it’s just being smart.
Well worth reading to understand how our current plutocrats , kleptocrats, corporatocrats think:
Rule 7: get others to do the work and take the credit
Rule 11: learn to make others depend on us
Rule 14: act like a friend, work like a spy
Rule 15: completely annihilate the enemy
Rule 17: maintain others in a state of terror and suspense
Rule 20: don’t commit to anybody
Rule 24: pretend to be the perfect courtesan
Rule 27: take advantage of the need for people to believe in something to obtain followers
Law 32: play with the fantasies of others
Law 37: create attractive spectacles
Law 43: manipulate the hearts and minds of others
These guys play by a completely different set of rules. You don’t need to be objectively good or decent. Just be obsessed with discipline and repetition: embody these rules, project them, repeat them. If you stay focussed, very little can touch you.
This is entirely amoral.
They would say it’s just being smart.
Well worth reading to understand how our current plutocrats , kleptocrats, corporatocrats think:
Rule 7: get others to do the work and take the credit
Rule 11: learn to make others depend on us
Rule 14: act like a friend, work like a spy
Rule 15: completely annihilate the enemy
Rule 17: maintain others in a state of terror and suspense
Rule 20: don’t commit to anybody
Rule 24: pretend to be the perfect courtesan
Rule 27: take advantage of the need for people to believe in something to obtain followers
Law 32: play with the fantasies of others
Law 37: create attractive spectacles
Law 43: manipulate the hearts and minds of others
April 5, 2021
Even though this book is quite ruthless and straight to the point, there’s many important lessons to be learnt and it’s quite eye-opening. I’d recommend this book if you’re seeking a position of power in life.
Also, being the concise version, it was a lot easier to digest the information.
Also, being the concise version, it was a lot easier to digest the information.
July 30, 2015
Some who have read this might say the author is ruthless, selfish, brutal and has no friends. I beg to differ. He simply put into words what most of us fear or hate the most, the truth. He never sugarcoated anything, hence the harshness.
I am not a sucker for anecdotes, but I like how he enforced his ideas with them. While most of them are easy to grasp, some takes a re-read or two to correlate with the law spoken of. Again, it must have been the dyslexic in me.
Two things, though: One, as brilliant as he may be, he managed to somehow contradict himself several times. One law said you should be conspicuous, while you should fit in, in another.
Two, Law 37 is farcical, it almost destroyed the book. "Stage spectacles for those around you, then, full of arresting visuals and radiant symbols." Basically, what it wants you to do is do anything with fireworks, confetti, et cetera, just to "heighten your presence."
Although I am certain I wouldn't abide by every law, it's good to know if they are being employed in front of or against me. If you have read a couple of pages once and did not like it, I suggest you open your mind a wee bit more and give it another chance.
I am not a sucker for anecdotes, but I like how he enforced his ideas with them. While most of them are easy to grasp, some takes a re-read or two to correlate with the law spoken of. Again, it must have been the dyslexic in me.
Two things, though: One, as brilliant as he may be, he managed to somehow contradict himself several times. One law said you should be conspicuous, while you should fit in, in another.
Two, Law 37 is farcical, it almost destroyed the book. "Stage spectacles for those around you, then, full of arresting visuals and radiant symbols." Basically, what it wants you to do is do anything with fireworks, confetti, et cetera, just to "heighten your presence."
Although I am certain I wouldn't abide by every law, it's good to know if they are being employed in front of or against me. If you have read a couple of pages once and did not like it, I suggest you open your mind a wee bit more and give it another chance.
June 17, 2021
Manipulation 101: The sociopath's guide to success:
Inarguably the most devious and cunning book I've come across. Its pretty much like being in the mind of Yago while he schemes and cackles evilly.
While there are some good points in there, it's just so dark and machiavellian. It's only focused on ways you can manipulate for own self interest. If you want power, there's no pious act you do to feel good, nothing else correlates with it so be an unfeeling robot. For example:
Rule 16: The more you are seen and heard the more common you are....so even if you feel like it, be absent when you can. Cuz they'll miss you more. Get it. Leave a party and go sit in parking lot. And nevermind the limited time in life, you have power.
Rule 17: Have an unpredictable air about you, to have power they can't know what you'll do next...
Maybe show up for work tomorrow, or maybe not, and day after maybe show up wearing a cocktail dress. Not like reliability matters in people you associate with.
Rule 18: Don't commit to anyone! What no one has, everyone covets......basically, say yes to marriage but leave the girl hanging on the altar. A quick 16, 17, 18 combo. Would show everyone who's got the power 😏
Rule whatever: they shouldn't love you, they should fear you. Fear can be controlled, love can't. So cane the dog from time to time. Sure he's loving and cute, but you know...power
Trolling aside, maybe it's that the concise version dosent describe them enough or maybe it's just too dark overall. Wasn't my cup of tea.
Admittedly, there's some real brilliance in this and noted some parts wherein found something interesting to refer back to (1,5,7,8,10,12-15,19, 21-35,38,43)
But on an overall level, I'm more of the empower others positively rather than negatively type. The emphasis being wholly on the dark side was a turnoff and don't really buy that that's all there is to it. Wasnt a big fan on format either. Expect alot of the "the wolf howls, while the hare sleeps" type allegories thrown in each page.
Fine for a read through and some awareness, but not something would like people to follow.
Inarguably the most devious and cunning book I've come across. Its pretty much like being in the mind of Yago while he schemes and cackles evilly.
While there are some good points in there, it's just so dark and machiavellian. It's only focused on ways you can manipulate for own self interest. If you want power, there's no pious act you do to feel good, nothing else correlates with it so be an unfeeling robot. For example:
Rule 16: The more you are seen and heard the more common you are....so even if you feel like it, be absent when you can. Cuz they'll miss you more. Get it. Leave a party and go sit in parking lot. And nevermind the limited time in life, you have power.
Rule 17: Have an unpredictable air about you, to have power they can't know what you'll do next...
Maybe show up for work tomorrow, or maybe not, and day after maybe show up wearing a cocktail dress. Not like reliability matters in people you associate with.
Rule 18: Don't commit to anyone! What no one has, everyone covets......basically, say yes to marriage but leave the girl hanging on the altar. A quick 16, 17, 18 combo. Would show everyone who's got the power 😏
Rule whatever: they shouldn't love you, they should fear you. Fear can be controlled, love can't. So cane the dog from time to time. Sure he's loving and cute, but you know...power
Trolling aside, maybe it's that the concise version dosent describe them enough or maybe it's just too dark overall. Wasn't my cup of tea.
Admittedly, there's some real brilliance in this and noted some parts wherein found something interesting to refer back to (1,5,7,8,10,12-15,19, 21-35,38,43)
But on an overall level, I'm more of the empower others positively rather than negatively type. The emphasis being wholly on the dark side was a turnoff and don't really buy that that's all there is to it. Wasnt a big fan on format either. Expect alot of the "the wolf howls, while the hare sleeps" type allegories thrown in each page.
Fine for a read through and some awareness, but not something would like people to follow.
September 18, 2016
Alright folks, here we go
Firstly, obligatory shout-out to Fight Mediocrity for convincing me that this would be a worthy time investment.
To put things straight, I am not much into self-help books. However, this one packs a punch. It ain't the conventional "be kind and people will love you" babble. It's more along the lines of "people are a******s and here is how to deal with their b******". As Fight Mediocrity claims, this is the essential counterpart to Carnegie's book, yet to read that but I can well imagine that this claim is on point.
Greene puts forth his wisdom in 48 laws that can be studied and internalized independently. He utilitizes a trademark bold approach to highlight pertinent points.
The format is great. Each explanation is preceded and concluded by rich summaries that make the info stick. Every law is studded with interesting historical examples.
I am certainly planning to read another one or two books by Robert Greene.
Firstly, obligatory shout-out to Fight Mediocrity for convincing me that this would be a worthy time investment.
To put things straight, I am not much into self-help books. However, this one packs a punch. It ain't the conventional "be kind and people will love you" babble. It's more along the lines of "people are a******s and here is how to deal with their b******". As Fight Mediocrity claims, this is the essential counterpart to Carnegie's book, yet to read that but I can well imagine that this claim is on point.
Greene puts forth his wisdom in 48 laws that can be studied and internalized independently. He utilitizes a trademark bold approach to highlight pertinent points.
The format is great. Each explanation is preceded and concluded by rich summaries that make the info stick. Every law is studded with interesting historical examples.
I am certainly planning to read another one or two books by Robert Greene.
February 26, 2022
I listened to the abridged audiobook. I found that 85% or so of this book could be considered my version of a living hell. Greene certainly unveils laws of power not laws of happiness, friendship, love, or even wealth. This book is about power at all costs. And I guess you could make a case that these laws are effective. However, I would never want to live that life. It is isolated, dishonest, deceitful, loveless, and paranoid. For me this was a book to learn from and things to look out for and other people. I would say there is potentially 10% of the book that I feel morally OK with but there still might be some caveats there.
February 5, 2018
I wish someone had warned me about most of it early in life, it would have saved me so much time and energy lost on dominance-seeking people, and would have helped me escape the boredom of such interactions.
April 22, 2022
The people that know these tricks already use them and the ones that don't will never be able to pull them off lol
December 15, 2017
Que les digo? Este libro es definitivamente EXCELENTE. Muchos lectores lo tildaran de ser un libro, cruel, hipócrita y sobre todo maquiavelico. Pero realmente este contiene innumerables pasajes de historias antiguas que además de brindar apoyo para sustentar el argumento del autor, enriquecen la cultura general del lector. Las 48 leyes del poder, son leyes fundamentales para el exito y no hay que obviarlas, hay que ponerlas en practica.
Los planteamientos de las leyes están bien fundamentados, me parece que Robert Greene estudio bastante las ideas de Mao Tse-Tung, Sun-tzu, Maquiavello, Mushashi, etc. (Ya luego me tocara estudiar a cada personaje por separado)
Las anecdotas históricas son de una precisión cronológica impecable y, si bien el libro no es dócil y corto, está lleno de aprendizaje y merece la pena su lectura.
Y si, algunas cosas son duras y criticables, pero esta en cada uno el aplicarlas o no, lo que yo siempre digo es que mas vale tener un arma y no usarla que tener que usarla y no tenerla.
Disfrutenlo al maximo.
E.D.S
Los planteamientos de las leyes están bien fundamentados, me parece que Robert Greene estudio bastante las ideas de Mao Tse-Tung, Sun-tzu, Maquiavello, Mushashi, etc. (Ya luego me tocara estudiar a cada personaje por separado)
Las anecdotas históricas son de una precisión cronológica impecable y, si bien el libro no es dócil y corto, está lleno de aprendizaje y merece la pena su lectura.
Y si, algunas cosas son duras y criticables, pero esta en cada uno el aplicarlas o no, lo que yo siempre digo es que mas vale tener un arma y no usarla que tener que usarla y no tenerla.
Disfrutenlo al maximo.
E.D.S
July 14, 2018
Great book with all thoughts organized, easy to read and follow. It's a cynical book if taken straight to the heart, I don't think power should be that plotted although we can't deny many leaders follow 75% of the laws in the book. If read in a way to understand the people around you and the laws they follow in their reign then it will give you more authority and power to deal with them. But power is sometimes more situation-based on the moment you're in. We already know a lot of this information but sometimes we need a reminder and a compass in the form of a book.
October 28, 2021
My personal favorite (and most shocking) rules:
2- never put too much trust in friends
3- conceal your intentions
4- always say less than necessary
10- infection: avoid the unhappy and unlucky
21- play a sucker to catch a sucker
30- make your accomplishments seem effortless
44- disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect
46- never appear too perfect
48- ASSUME FORMLESSNESS
2- never put too much trust in friends
3- conceal your intentions
4- always say less than necessary
10- infection: avoid the unhappy and unlucky
21- play a sucker to catch a sucker
30- make your accomplishments seem effortless
44- disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect
46- never appear too perfect
48- ASSUME FORMLESSNESS
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2013
كتاب غير اخلاقى بالمره!!
February 26, 2016
I bought this book back in high school, but couldn't understand most of the things at that time. I couldn't think of any "enemy" whom I would want to "crush", so I gave up reading it after a few chapters. Since now I have entered an environment, where I need to deal with a lot of competition and thrive to get myself noticed, I started reading this book again.
On completing the 195 pages of this book, I was really grateful that I didn't try to understand it back in my teenage, lest treachery would have become a part of my character. I found this book brazenly ambitious and outrageously ruthless during the initial chapters. For instance, the author quotes Friedrich Nietzsche in law/chapter 5- it is easier to cope with a bad conscience than with a bad reputation, and encourages slandering the reputation of a person more powerful than you to move ahead. Also, the author advocates selective honesty and using an innocent victim as a scapegoat, among other cruel things, but these instances were few and overall the book was quite prudent and can help you understand the psychology of people working with you.
It is very important to use your own judgement in applying these laws to attain success, to avoid hurting your conscience and the people around you. The book also enunciates many positive and imperative rules related to power, like knowing when to stop, not letting success get to your head, never accepting free lunches, using mirror effect to make people realize their faults etc.
The author also describes how powerful the 'us-versus-them' policy is in creating a cult-like following and keeping your followers united, like certain religious and belief systems. So rather than using this policy to divide people, it is important to understand the dirty tricks that politicians use to gain power and not fall prey to these tricks. There are many laws that would help you to reach your goal, but there are some outrageous laws that you wouldn't want to apply in your life, but you can atleast use them to understand the psychology of people around you (because not everyone would refrain from applying the negative).
The impression that this book would leave upon a reader is highly subjective, based on whether you take it literally and condemn it for being ruthless, or you use it as a tool to understand the cruel people around you and safeguard yourself from getting crushed in their journey of success.
Another interesting part about the book is the use of historical tales, which makes the book intriguing. It's overall informative and a fabulous read, and most importantly an eye opener. After reading this book, I realized how dishonest and merciless you have to be at times, in your journey to success. So I would want to conclude with a quote by the American guitarist, Jimi Hendrix- "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace".
On completing the 195 pages of this book, I was really grateful that I didn't try to understand it back in my teenage, lest treachery would have become a part of my character. I found this book brazenly ambitious and outrageously ruthless during the initial chapters. For instance, the author quotes Friedrich Nietzsche in law/chapter 5- it is easier to cope with a bad conscience than with a bad reputation, and encourages slandering the reputation of a person more powerful than you to move ahead. Also, the author advocates selective honesty and using an innocent victim as a scapegoat, among other cruel things, but these instances were few and overall the book was quite prudent and can help you understand the psychology of people working with you.
It is very important to use your own judgement in applying these laws to attain success, to avoid hurting your conscience and the people around you. The book also enunciates many positive and imperative rules related to power, like knowing when to stop, not letting success get to your head, never accepting free lunches, using mirror effect to make people realize their faults etc.
The author also describes how powerful the 'us-versus-them' policy is in creating a cult-like following and keeping your followers united, like certain religious and belief systems. So rather than using this policy to divide people, it is important to understand the dirty tricks that politicians use to gain power and not fall prey to these tricks. There are many laws that would help you to reach your goal, but there are some outrageous laws that you wouldn't want to apply in your life, but you can atleast use them to understand the psychology of people around you (because not everyone would refrain from applying the negative).
The impression that this book would leave upon a reader is highly subjective, based on whether you take it literally and condemn it for being ruthless, or you use it as a tool to understand the cruel people around you and safeguard yourself from getting crushed in their journey of success.
Another interesting part about the book is the use of historical tales, which makes the book intriguing. It's overall informative and a fabulous read, and most importantly an eye opener. After reading this book, I realized how dishonest and merciless you have to be at times, in your journey to success. So I would want to conclude with a quote by the American guitarist, Jimi Hendrix- "When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace".
February 3, 2017
I don't normally read concise editions, but this was very good. Good enough that I'd like to buy the full edition for more elaborate examples from the past.
I think the book is very well-thought-out, and the approach is, at times, unarguable. There are some minor contradictions in the advice, some of it is quite callous and borderline sociopathic/perverse (though shows why so many leaders, especially in business, can exhibit sociopathic tendencies without any seeming repercussions), but overall the book has a solid foundation in human psychology and historical precedents.
The downside of this approach to human interactions is two-fold. Firstly, not everyone craves such power, and the book acknowledges as much. I mean, it is literally not for everyone - you could practice some of the advice in the book (e.g., make yourself scarce), but if you don't have a well-established presence/character among those whom you wish to affect, such ploys will completely go unnoticed. There's a lot in here that only works if you already have some power socially, though I will admit that probably we have more power than we surmise due to network effects.
Secondly, and much more importantly, while the 'laws' are quite clear and relatively easy to comprehend, the true skill lies in their execution. No book of a couple hundred pages (or even a couple thousand) can actually impart wisdom, and no set of anecdotes about people like Tallyrand, Napoleon, and Picasso can adequately capture the necessary details of HOW those people behaved in order for a truly-deep understanding of the nuances of power.
Then again, given how superficial are most of our interactions with people, perhaps it's enough.
Regardless, the distilled advice in this book is interesting, at times useful, but always important to understand - even if your only goal is to avoid undue manipulations by the powerful.
I think the book is very well-thought-out, and the approach is, at times, unarguable. There are some minor contradictions in the advice, some of it is quite callous and borderline sociopathic/perverse (though shows why so many leaders, especially in business, can exhibit sociopathic tendencies without any seeming repercussions), but overall the book has a solid foundation in human psychology and historical precedents.
The downside of this approach to human interactions is two-fold. Firstly, not everyone craves such power, and the book acknowledges as much. I mean, it is literally not for everyone - you could practice some of the advice in the book (e.g., make yourself scarce), but if you don't have a well-established presence/character among those whom you wish to affect, such ploys will completely go unnoticed. There's a lot in here that only works if you already have some power socially, though I will admit that probably we have more power than we surmise due to network effects.
Secondly, and much more importantly, while the 'laws' are quite clear and relatively easy to comprehend, the true skill lies in their execution. No book of a couple hundred pages (or even a couple thousand) can actually impart wisdom, and no set of anecdotes about people like Tallyrand, Napoleon, and Picasso can adequately capture the necessary details of HOW those people behaved in order for a truly-deep understanding of the nuances of power.
Then again, given how superficial are most of our interactions with people, perhaps it's enough.
Regardless, the distilled advice in this book is interesting, at times useful, but always important to understand - even if your only goal is to avoid undue manipulations by the powerful.
March 18, 2022
Now I can understand why some might not like this book, for it sometimes provokes and turns you against the other party, harbouring conceit in your ways. some of the rules in the book were very manipulative and sinister in a sense that they nurture evil!
But on the other hand seeking to be powerful perhaps requires you to act as such.. and if you truly look at it, one must seek to be powerful because living in this life does entail you to be sharp and aware of your environment. Having a little bit of power gets you places where being weak does not.
In order to be seen as a human, as an individual, who has a wholesome existence؛ one cannot be naive and too good cause people will for sure take you for granted and think of you as an idiot who’s words and being has no value. It’s truly sad and crushing that that’s the way the world works.. (that being said I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be good. You should but you should pick your people carefully)
I see these rules as rules to live by in communities where jealousy and enemies might be lurking close by. Where competition cannot be averted. Calling them enemies might be a little bit too much but ill willed humans who wish you harm surround you in every corner. you don’t have to have enemies per se but haters, competitors and envious individuals who would delightfully wanna bring you down are enough enemies to have..
I’ve realised through reading this book that I possessed power I did not know I had and did not know how I had it.. very strategically informative
But on the other hand seeking to be powerful perhaps requires you to act as such.. and if you truly look at it, one must seek to be powerful because living in this life does entail you to be sharp and aware of your environment. Having a little bit of power gets you places where being weak does not.
In order to be seen as a human, as an individual, who has a wholesome existence؛ one cannot be naive and too good cause people will for sure take you for granted and think of you as an idiot who’s words and being has no value. It’s truly sad and crushing that that’s the way the world works.. (that being said I’m not saying that you shouldn’t be good. You should but you should pick your people carefully)
I see these rules as rules to live by in communities where jealousy and enemies might be lurking close by. Where competition cannot be averted. Calling them enemies might be a little bit too much but ill willed humans who wish you harm surround you in every corner. you don’t have to have enemies per se but haters, competitors and envious individuals who would delightfully wanna bring you down are enough enemies to have..
I’ve realised through reading this book that I possessed power I did not know I had and did not know how I had it.. very strategically informative
October 3, 2015
This a companion piece to the Joost Elffers book on seduction reviewed earlier [ https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ] but it is about power rather than sex and is a concise version.
It is interesting as far as it goes and is mostly (like the book on seduction) cynical common sense about human nature and its relationship, in this case, to authority and power.
Much of it derives from anecdotes from pre-modern history although, of course, our world (though not human nature) has changed a great deal since then.
Personally, I get the seduction game as pleasurable though it ceases to be so with age and maturity but the question is begged by this book 'why?' Why bother to play the power game at all when it looks like never-ending work and inauthenticity only to die at the end of it all.
If we are looking for survival tips in a rough world, then the 48 Laws have some value but we should perhaps be looking to reverse-engineer them to keep Power off our backs rather than wasting time bending ourselves into its strait-jacket in order to acquire it.
The book did not excite me in the end. It might be useful as an educational tool for a young man or woman starting to climb the slippery pole of life but if you are still taking this seriously at middle age then you have already lost the plot.
March 23, 2024
I was sceptical at first. The concept of 'laws' governing human dynamics is quite off-putting. However, given the book's controversial nature, I had to read it.
The concept of 'Laws of Power' has a certain air to it. It makes the division of the book quite entertaining. Everything feels new, but the style of the book is the same throughout. There are no scientific studies, but a variety of stories about people from throughout history. It was very apparent that there were multiple readings of the book. One interpretation paints Greene as a fanatically power-hungry individual, eager to employ manipulative tactics against others. Another interpretation sees the 'laws' as a medium for exploring a number of human experiences.
The book resonated more with me than expected. The concise edition is great, but sometimes too concise; it's a great read, yet I feel I would have gotten more out of the full version. Also, bonus points for my grandma's reaction when she found out what I was reading.
The concept of 'Laws of Power' has a certain air to it. It makes the division of the book quite entertaining. Everything feels new, but the style of the book is the same throughout. There are no scientific studies, but a variety of stories about people from throughout history. It was very apparent that there were multiple readings of the book. One interpretation paints Greene as a fanatically power-hungry individual, eager to employ manipulative tactics against others. Another interpretation sees the 'laws' as a medium for exploring a number of human experiences.
The book resonated more with me than expected. The concise edition is great, but sometimes too concise; it's a great read, yet I feel I would have gotten more out of the full version. Also, bonus points for my grandma's reaction when she found out what I was reading.
December 14, 2018
The 48 Laws of Power comprises of 48 laws that take you on a path of gaining success. They are not just tips and tricks but proper laws that MUST be followed if you want to be a powerful person in life. It is a self help and principal based book.
The title clearly goes with the book.
When it comes to the language, the writing style is pretty simple but the words used maybe tough for the beginners. You may have to sit with your phone or dictionary beside you. The structure of the book is great with small examples with every law and spare space on the side for notes.
This book can also be known as the art of manipulation. It is a very cunning book and anyone who wants power must take it up. However, I don't see it as a book that everybody needs to read. It is not Spiritual or motivational.
In the end, I do highly recommend it as a worldly book for people who are hungry for power.
The title clearly goes with the book.
When it comes to the language, the writing style is pretty simple but the words used maybe tough for the beginners. You may have to sit with your phone or dictionary beside you. The structure of the book is great with small examples with every law and spare space on the side for notes.
This book can also be known as the art of manipulation. It is a very cunning book and anyone who wants power must take it up. However, I don't see it as a book that everybody needs to read. It is not Spiritual or motivational.
In the end, I do highly recommend it as a worldly book for people who are hungry for power.
November 9, 2020
Basically a manual on how to be a politician.
Robert Greene is like that wise old mentor in every Hero's journey... if that very same mentor would advice the hero to burn down an orphanage filled with newborn fluffy kittens, slaughter any surviving ones, then blame the whole thing on the town priest. While making a profit. Then have sex with the poor bastard's wife (I've also read Greene's Art of Seduction and am therefore an expert on the subject). Reading Greene's work makes you feel slightly uneasy (certainly a bit guilty about enjoying it), but at the same time the guy's got a point about the whole human nature thingy.
I'd advice on reading the full edition, because all the historical examples that go with each "law"are a treat. I'd also advice on not slaughtering newborn kittens. Best make some other schmuck do it.
Robert Greene is like that wise old mentor in every Hero's journey... if that very same mentor would advice the hero to burn down an orphanage filled with newborn fluffy kittens, slaughter any surviving ones, then blame the whole thing on the town priest. While making a profit. Then have sex with the poor bastard's wife (I've also read Greene's Art of Seduction and am therefore an expert on the subject). Reading Greene's work makes you feel slightly uneasy (certainly a bit guilty about enjoying it), but at the same time the guy's got a point about the whole human nature thingy.
I'd advice on reading the full edition, because all the historical examples that go with each "law"are a treat. I'd also advice on not slaughtering newborn kittens. Best make some other schmuck do it.
July 5, 2024
"...udhar se aadmi soochta kuch hai, bolta kuch hai, karta kuch hai…." - Amitabh in Agneepath :)
The book is a compilation of 48 "laws", each with examples from history and explanations on how to pursue power and hold it. As such, have nothing against the book which made for interesting but amusing listening.
Amusing because almost all the "laws" are polar opposites of my philosophy of life. A few days ago, in a book-club meet, I spoke on Howard Roark from Ayn Rand's Fountainhead as my favourite fictional character and I focused on 2 traits - his authenticity and his stoicism. Each of the laws asks you to be cynical and disguise your intentions/speech/actions. To me it is both a waste of time and a terrible way to live !
Maybe that is why I do not understand realpolitik and people who double-speak. But, if you are in politics or in pursuit of power, you might find it indispensable.
The book is a compilation of 48 "laws", each with examples from history and explanations on how to pursue power and hold it. As such, have nothing against the book which made for interesting but amusing listening.
Amusing because almost all the "laws" are polar opposites of my philosophy of life. A few days ago, in a book-club meet, I spoke on Howard Roark from Ayn Rand's Fountainhead as my favourite fictional character and I focused on 2 traits - his authenticity and his stoicism. Each of the laws asks you to be cynical and disguise your intentions/speech/actions. To me it is both a waste of time and a terrible way to live !
Maybe that is why I do not understand realpolitik and people who double-speak. But, if you are in politics or in pursuit of power, you might find it indispensable.
June 25, 2013
I couldn't in all honesty read past the 5th law. The perspective from which this book approaches life, and advises you on how to gain power in it, is so destructive and dark on many levels that I chose not to continue reading. I give this book credit for two things: first of all, being written in a very intriguing way (which made me hesitant whether or not I should continue reading, because on the one hand the style kept me interested and curious yet on the other hand the content made me sad for all those who naïvely absorb it); and second of all, I give it credit for being a shortened version of a 500-paged book.
April 3, 2022
i liked the idea of this book and how it delivered the rules of power in an amoral point of view, which gives you the raw "rules" that you can use in your own way, which some people might see as extreme or psycho, but i personally enjoyed it.
it is one out of the ordinary book, you will find harsh truths in it and it can really make you a more powerful person.
the main reason i am giving it this rating is because i felt it was a bit too concise, the only regret i have is not reading the standard version.
3.4/5
it is one out of the ordinary book, you will find harsh truths in it and it can really make you a more powerful person.
the main reason i am giving it this rating is because i felt it was a bit too concise, the only regret i have is not reading the standard version.
3.4/5
November 28, 2022
I see why people would say it’s an evil book.
I don’t think it’s evil, I think it explains and shows all the human characteristics and motivations. I could see myself in some laws and recognise other people. It all comes down to use using people for our own good and status.
I liked the idea of this book but didn’t find it interesting to read. Really had to force myself to get through it.
I don’t think it’s evil, I think it explains and shows all the human characteristics and motivations. I could see myself in some laws and recognise other people. It all comes down to use using people for our own good and status.
I liked the idea of this book but didn’t find it interesting to read. Really had to force myself to get through it.
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