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48 Rules of Power

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This eBook reveals the most treasured 48 rules of power that you need to relate to if you want to succeed and make a career in your life. You can ask the universe anything, and you'll get it if you believe, follow these instructions and you'll be a step closer to what you want - your dreams.

Kindle Edition

First published January 18, 2014

52 people are currently reading
767 people want to read

About the author

Tiago Pereira

41 books3 followers

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5 stars
47 (24%)
4 stars
59 (30%)
3 stars
59 (30%)
2 stars
13 (6%)
1 star
17 (8%)
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
Profile Image for Wissam Raji.
106 reviews19 followers
February 10, 2015
A book that addresses the instincts and completely ignore the ideals and values that enhanced humanity. Moreover, and at many instances, there are contradictions in the rules that the author suggests.
6 reviews1 follower
June 29, 2015
In the first hundred pages, the reader could get the gist of the book. However, the more I read, the more repetitive and contradictory I found the text to be. The rules are inapplicable in many contexts, and the author lists stories where his rules have a counter-effect. However, after reading the book, power remains as obscure as ever.
42 reviews1 follower
March 19, 2024
Martin España
Launchpad Studio
March 19th, 2024

48 Rules of Power Book Review

"The 48 Laws of Power", written by Robert Greene, is a highly controversial book that explores the art of creating and maintaining power in your favor. The book gives us the inside to 48 "laws," each one designed to help the readers navigate and understand the savage jungle of power dynamics.

"The 48 Laws of Power" studies human nature and psychology, the strategies that people use to gain and retain power, and that power is often achieved through a combination of intelligence, and charisma. Greene emphasizes the importance of cultivating these qualities in oneself. Greene studied psychology and specialized in the research of human memory and learning. Every law has the same structure: The observance of the law, Interpretation, Keys to Power, and for some a Reversal. Each law is presented as a clear and actionable principle that readers can apply to their own lives. The book draws on examples from history, literature, and politics, such as Machiavelli, Louis XIV, Julius Caesar, etc.

Despite the practical advice and historical insights that "The 48 Laws of Power" offers, the book has also been criticized for its potentially amoral and manipulative approach to human interaction. In the past, readers have found the book to be dangerous, as most of the laws give an inside to manipulation, readers could describe it as an “arm that put in the wrong hands can cause harm and danger”. One criticism of the book is that it promotes a selfish and amoral approach to life. However, it is important to note that the book is not intended as a guide for amoral behavior, the author himself pointed out that the book is not a call to arms for would-be Machiavellis, but rather an interesting tool that can help with understanding the dynamics of power in all aspects of life.

It also could be a good question to ask if the book is morally ethical. And for me, this depends on two things, the perspective and purpose of the reader, and the law they’re reading. As it’s different from someone who’s searching to further apply the laws, to someone who just wants to read for education. Also even though many laws can seem selfish and ruthless, other laws motivate good behavior, integrity, and confidence. One of my favorites is to win through your actions, not through arguments. This is a value I highly promote. I believe one should focus on achieving results, instead of simply talking about what they intend to achieve.

Just like laws that could be qualified as good like law 15: "Crush Your Enemy." This law advises readers to eliminate their enemies definitely, rather than allowing recovery and giving them a chance to seek revenge. While this advice may seem extreme, Greene argues that it’s a must to prevent future conflict and maintain one's power. Like this law many others seem ruthless, however, he also cautions readers to be careful not to become consumed by vengeance or allow their actions to be driven solely by a desire for revenge.

Overall, "The 48 Laws of Power" is a controversial book that will challenge readers to think critically about power and its role in their lives. I like and found it interesting I recommend the book to everyone, it’s a must to understand human nature, and even though it's long, it’s pretty easy to read and understand.
Profile Image for Gerald Hilton.
40 reviews45 followers
July 20, 2018
This is a book that's packed with so many classic facts about power. It also, dose not put any morals into the equation. Power can be used by all kinds. The rules apply in many aspects, and can be used in many ways.
It a must read for those who want to know more about the way people take advantage of each other in all. aspects of life.
Profile Image for Sangavi.
21 reviews
September 16, 2018
I found a few very useful, but most of them I couldn't digest as a straight-talking person;
No comments read for yourself;
Profile Image for Oana.
1 review13 followers
September 19, 2021
I found this book chaotically written with a lot of simplistic and contradictory information.
4 reviews
August 13, 2023
A remarkable overlap of courtier behavior and current corporate politics. Enthusiastically recommended!
2 reviews
March 11, 2024
Incredible book. Great tools to help you navigate social situations. There are a lot of historical references to show examples of the methods being employed.
15 reviews
January 14, 2025
I can't wrap my head around the premise of this book. Who is it for?
It's some kind of Machiavelli for office plankton.
Profile Image for Manuel Avila.
Author 3 books1 follower
July 14, 2025
Don't let the title mislead you. It's not a book with rules, but stories, and very good ones at that. However, if you expect a guidebook you're in for disappointment. I enjoyed the read throughout
Profile Image for Ji.
175 reviews51 followers
July 5, 2021
A quick read if you learned to skip most of the evidential stories of each rule. I found it hilarious to go through this book - reasons being (1) everything it says is absolutely true, esp. in the world I've seen and experienced (2) it's so exaggerated and almost ill-intended in nature that you have a good laugh about everything it says.

PS I was debating with myself about the rating, but it's probably worth an extra star, if only just for the fun I had..
Profile Image for Sarah.
492 reviews20 followers
July 10, 2015
I do not remember how on earth I came upon this little book, but just reading it makes me feel icky. I thought it was a joke when I read the first chapter-surely no one could be advocating for such greed, backstabbing, and disingenuity. The book seems to be about clawing your way to the top, no matter who you have to shove down along the way. I read only the first two "power tips" and I felt like I needed to put it down, for the safety of my soul. This is a book for the worst politicians.
Profile Image for Safwat Hatem.
3 reviews
January 5, 2016
well it is a good book but it ignored all about being good and respectful person and it concentrated on being powerful no matter how
Profile Image for Thomas Caldwell.
46 reviews5 followers
April 4, 2017
A must for anyone in a situation where power--especially political power--is a way of life. Currently re-reading it.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews

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