48 Laws of Power Book Summary

by Parish Publishers

This is a summary of 48 Laws of Power.

Genres: Self Help, Psychology, Nonfiction, Politics, Personal Development, Leadership

18 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 4, 2011

Reviews

[Alexandra · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am afraid of the people who would respect all the laws of this book, literally. Especially if they already are in positions with high potential to do harm e.g. politicians. Some ideas in this book could work, but not as a whole. There are short fragments and pieces that sound reasonable, if taken to other contexts.
But other than that, it reminded me again why power alone is a shitty goal to aim for. The road as described, is riddled with machiavelian, petty little games that hurt, insult, and ignore the people around.
The best thing this book could do for me - It made me realize I actually am not the person to want power that much. I feel like the book propagates some highly toxic behaviors, ans makes use of antiquated stereotypes and hierarchical games.

[Robert · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm not even finishing this... not very inspiring or life changing. The idea of having power is pretty short sighted... leadership would be better topic to study... just sayin!

[Mariem Jarrahi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read to expend your knowledge not to do everything the laws tell you to do. Use carefully.

[awwsalah · Rating 5 out of 5]

a book that everytime u read you find something new

[Lorenzo Salvador · Rating 4 out of 5]

The 48 Laws of Power is a provocative and meticulously researched exploration of social dynamics and strategic influence, drawing on thousands of years of historical precedence from figures like Machiavelli and Sun Tzu. The book functions as a cold, calculated manual for understanding the mechanics of power, covering themes of deception, self-preservation, and the ruthless pursuit of dominance. Greene’s writing style is incisive and detached, illustrating each law with vivid historical anecdotes that make the complex power plays of the past feel immediately relevant to modern interpersonal conflicts. While the moral ambiguity of the laws can be jarring, the book provides an essential lens for identifying the manipulative tactics used in various professional and social hierarchies. It is a highly recommended read for those who wish to understand the underlying currents of human ambition and protect themselves from the machinations of others.

[John Ginotti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, but probably not for the same reason that others who recommended this one did. As a history lover, I thought it was a pretty unique way to depict common political “power grab” tactics by past leaders and historical figures. I don’t know the author’s actual intentions, but I don’t think the content should be taken literally. I thought it was a pretty fun read and one that I probably wouldn’t recommend to everyone but would definitely recommend to some.

[Dea Aditia Maulana Y · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is more like a guide to becoming a leader like Hitler than Alexander. Reading it requires a very solid moral compass, as each chapter seems to encourage adopting strategies devoid of conscience. I was even shocked to find a chapter that blatantly suggests annihilating enemies completely—a suggestion bordering on the glorification of genocide. This book is definitely unfit as a reference for self-development or leadership but still fun to read.

[AlRayyan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I genuinely believe that everything in this book is satire. I really hope people don’t take what’s in this book too seriously, if they did, I’m afraid we’re gonna have a bunch of “American Psycho”’s walking around us.

[Mahmoud · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quite insightful :)

[Kyaw Ke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Machiavelli ထက် ပိုကောင်းတဲ့ devil စာအုပ်တစ်အုပ် တော့ တွေ့ပြီ။ တော်တော်ကြာကြာ ဖတ်လိုက်ရတယ်။ အကောင်းဆုံး devil book.

[Adam]

Continued notes:

❤️ Law 33: Discover each man’s thumbscrew. Everyone has a weakness (usually an insecurity - uncontrollable emotion/need, or secret pleasure). Always be interested in what people have to say; this will make them open up to you and let you know their secrets. You can also share something personal to you, which will make them more likely to share their secrets. ❤️❤️ If you’re able to to fulfill a childhood need, you will be irresistible. People’s weakness is often in the opposite of the bravado they show.
❤️❤️ Law 34: Be royal in your own fashion - act like a king to be treated like one. The way you carry yourself will determine how you are treated. in the long run, being vulgar or common will make people disrespect you. For a king respects himself and inspires that sentiment in others. ❤️By acting regally incompetent you make yourself seem destined for greatness. ❤️ It is within your power to set your own price. It is reflected in your character and how you carry yourself. Reflect a quiet confidence that you know you are destined for greatness.❤️❤️❤️ People who believe they can accomplish anything are often able to get what they want because this energy radiates outward. people love to help these individuals. It becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy. ❤️❤️❤️ Always act with dignity and firmness of purpose.❤️ Dignity is acting as if nothing can affect you. Act as if you have all the Time in the world to respond.
❤️Law 35: Master the art of timing. never seem to be in a hurry. Hurrying betrays, a lack of control over yourself. Always same patient as if everything will come to you eventually. strike fiercely when the time is right and be patient when it isn’t.
❤️❤️❤️Law 36: Disdain things you cannot have - ignoring them is your best revenge. More attention to pay an enemy the stronger you make them. A small mistake is made more visible and worse when you try and fix it. if there is something you want, but can I have show contempt for it. You will see more superior. By acknowledging other people even if to argue you we’ll be influenced by them. Ignoring people you cancel then it which unsettled and infuriates. There is nothing they can do. It is inversely powerful because it lets you set the conditions if the conflict. The war is waged on your terms. It’s the ultimate power move. You ignore what offends you. It will infuriate people. Half of what they do is to get your attention. Hurt a man and he’ll forgive you, flatter him and he might see through you; ignore him and he’ll hate you. ❤️❤️❤️Desire creates paradoxical effects. The more you want and chase and show interest something the more you repel it. Uncontrollable desire makes you seem weak and unsure. ❤️Turn your back on what you want and they will respond with a desire of their own. It drives them crazy to want to have an effect on you. ❤️ periodically show people you can do without them. Conversely commitment and engagement often weakens you. ❤️it is tempting to want to fix your mistakes but the more you try the worse you often make them. You are better off ignoring it. ❤️❤️❤️ There’s are two options: 1) if there is something you want but can’t have the worse thing you can do is draw attention to your disappointment by complaining about it. 2) An even better approach is to act like it never interested you in the first place. If you make a mistake play down the impact and whoever should be upset will likely have their anger be bypassed. Excuses and denials just stores the waters and makes matters worse. To disregard is to win regard. ❤️❤️❤️ take very few grievances to heart. Many things that seem important at the time turn out not to be if they are ignored.

[Chloe Peh · Rating 1 out of 5]

not for me.

an antiquated mindset where POWER is the main motivation in life, nothing else matters.

Perhaps it's also the tone that is throwing me off, much arrogance and self importance.
You would be better off reading well researched books on human psychology, leadership, communication skills.

Gimmicky and feels intentionally positioned to be controversial.

I didn't get too far with even the version summary of the book... but here is what I picked up:

Law 2: Never Put Too Much Trust In Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies

It is natural to want to employ your friends when you find yourself in times of need. The world is a harsh place, and your friends soften the harshness. Besides, you know them. Why depend on a stranger when you have a friend at hand?

Friends often agree on things in order to avoid an argument. They cover up their unpleasant qualities so as to not offend each other. They laugh extra hard at each other’s jokes. Since honesty rarely strengthens friendship, you may never know how a friend truly feels. Friends will say that they love your poetry, adore your music, envy your taste in clothes – maybe they mean it, often they do not

My thoughts: Ok sure, but isn't how that how it is with people in general? It's society norms to be polite and be tactful with your words. Also, friends who just tell you only nice stuff just to be in your good books sound like fair weathered friends. I have friends and family who tell me how it is, and I appreciate them for that. Just saying.

Strangely enough, it is your act of kindness that unbalances everything. People want to feel they deserve their good fortune. The receipt of a favor can become oppressive: It means you have been chosen because you are a friend, not necessarily because you are deserving. There is almost a touch of condescension in the act of hiring friends that secretly afflicts them.

My thoughts: Is this something otherwise commonly known as connections though? Is oppressive really the most plausible outcome? Sounds a bit extreme.

Whenever you can, bury the hatchet with an enemy, and make a point of putting him in your service.

My thoughts: If you can bury the hatchet then it's enemy no more isn't it, sounds like a paradox. Also I don’t see how an enemy is more trust worthy than a friend

And that's just on Law 2: Never Put Too Much Trust In Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies and it's already vexing me. No more for me thanks.

[Mayuri Rathod · Rating 5 out of 5]

"The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene is an intriguing and often controversial exploration of the dynamics of power throughout history. Greene delves deep into the tactics, strategies, and principles used by influential individuals to attain and maintain power. Each of the 48 laws is supported by historical anecdotes and examples, shedding light on how power plays out in politics, business, and personal relationships.

What sets this book apart is its unapologetic portrayal of human nature and the sometimes ruthless pursuit of power. However, it's essential to approach these lessons with a critical and ethical lens. Many of the laws promote manipulation and deception, which can raise moral dilemmas. It's crucial for readers to use this book as a tool for understanding the world rather than as a guide for behavior.

"The 48 Laws of Power" is not light reading; it demands careful consideration and self-reflection. It prompts readers to contemplate their values and ethical boundaries while offering insights into the strategies employed by those who seek power. Whether you embrace or reject its principles, this book serves as a thought-provoking examination of the complexities of ambition, influence, and human behavior. It's a compelling read for anyone intrigued by the intricate nature of power dynamics, provided they approach it with a discerning mind and a strong moral compass.

[Rachel Stewart · Rating 2 out of 5]

Given Robert Greene’s academic background and lack of technical expertise on the topics of human behavior and psychology, this book is simply a compilation of a man’s opinion and validating research to that effect. As for expert partnership in the publication of his opinions and manipulative tactics to obtain power, or lead the dynamic of power, Mr. Greene does not include enough of substance to support his opinions. I’ve read many of his books and generally try to keep his philosophical expertise in mind while reading them, but this book is heavily regarded by many seeking success and perhaps rhis is why I hold such a sever lens to it. I think it can be misrepresenting and opportunistic of Mr. Greene to publish such a book without including more substantive expertise throughout its execution. It’s like asking a gym teacher about history. Relevant and capable, but not necessarily the same thing. Great collection of case studies though!

[ANDREW]

After reading this book, I have become aware of how the human mind works..
I can no longer be deceived by the veneer of human piety and humility. The constant reference to quotes of great men in history, liberated my hitherto naive mind.I recommend this book to whoever wants to escape the tiger fangs of seeming human beings..

[My · Rating 1 out of 5]

These laws are made up marketing, no better than a “top 10 thing you need to do” listicle from buzzfeed.
The anecdotes for each “law” are flimsy, cherry picked stories that offer no real support that you should believe in any of them.

This book has nothing substantial to offer. You want an actual exploration of power and politics? Read The Prince.

You want a how-to for manipulating the people around you? Go see a therapist.

This book is Colleen Hoover for men.

[Nyasha Nyasha · Rating 3 out of 5]

Some decent stuff here but I feel like a lot of it assumes you are in a 1v1 situation for power whereas in real life you won’t always know your competition or have the opportunity to know them in a very intimate/personal manner and it also assumes you would always hate your competition for these reasons it would be quite hard to apply a lot of the “laws” in real life

[Novel_Nerd101 · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a fairly okay book. I just not a big historic story tellin fan. This book also made me question my morals n values when it came to things like deception n stuff. Certain aspects of the laws i liked while certain aspects i didn't. Ill definitely watch my back for the people that is only about Power.

[Jan Bjeličić · Rating 2 out of 5]

Summaries are there to remind you of the book's greatness.
The book contains stories/examples of how to employ the laws and how the laws have been employed throughout history. That makes it so captivating.

[Jennifer Virgo McKinley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great business book

[Mario Estadio]

A guide for coperate progressions

[Larry Kimetto · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awesome

[Bashir · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cool for the master

[David Roets · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meh. I was going on a power trip and read this quite interesting but self explanatory book.

See for yourself. Would definitely be a good read.

[Jay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

[Martin Groenewoud · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice as a summary but I find that there are too many reference to ancient 'stuff' and not enough reference/connections to modern day life.

[Elizabeth White · Rating 5 out of 5]

The pacing in this book was perfect. It kept me engaged from the first page to the last. A masterclass in storytelling!

[Leae · Rating 5 out of 5]

Long book.
Repetitive examples.
Gets dark and cynical.
Everyone should read.

[Maisy Knight · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a treasure trove of wisdom. It's like a guide to living a more meaningful life

[Genevieve Dietz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I like this book. It’s not based on psychological facts but on historical stories. Give or take on that.