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On Power: My Journey Through the Corridors of Power and How You Can Get More Power
YOU DESERVE TO HAVE POWER.
IT IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING.
GENE SIMMONS IS HERE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO THE TEMPLE.
Gene Simmons, KISS front-man, multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, and master of self-invention, shares his philosophy on power—how to attain it, how to keep it, and how to harness it as a driving force in business and in life.
As co-founder of KISS, America's #1 gold record-award-winning group of all time, Simmons knows the thrill and seduction of power firsthand. But gold records alone don’t equal power. The decisions you make once you attain a certain level of success are what separate the pretenders from the pantheon.
Inspired by Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, Simmons offers his unique take on the dynamics of power in every realm of life, from the bedroom to the boardroom, to the world of rock, celebrity, and social media, to politics. With one-of-a-kind anecdotes from his life and career, as well as stories from historical and contemporary masters of power, including Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Warren Buffett, Michael Jordon, Oprah, and Elon Musk, Simmons crafts a persuasive and provocative theory on how the pursuit of power drives civilization and defines our lives.
The rules of power are changing in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world in a way that Machiavelli never could have imagined, and we all need to learn to adapt. Simmons tells readers: Ignore the negatives. Be unrelenting. Rise above the rest. You are the architect of your success.
IT IS YOURS FOR THE TAKING.
GENE SIMMONS IS HERE TO UNLOCK THE DOORS TO THE TEMPLE.
Gene Simmons, KISS front-man, multi-hyphenate entrepreneur, and master of self-invention, shares his philosophy on power—how to attain it, how to keep it, and how to harness it as a driving force in business and in life.
As co-founder of KISS, America's #1 gold record-award-winning group of all time, Simmons knows the thrill and seduction of power firsthand. But gold records alone don’t equal power. The decisions you make once you attain a certain level of success are what separate the pretenders from the pantheon.
Inspired by Niccolo Machiavelli’s The Prince, Simmons offers his unique take on the dynamics of power in every realm of life, from the bedroom to the boardroom, to the world of rock, celebrity, and social media, to politics. With one-of-a-kind anecdotes from his life and career, as well as stories from historical and contemporary masters of power, including Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Warren Buffett, Michael Jordon, Oprah, and Elon Musk, Simmons crafts a persuasive and provocative theory on how the pursuit of power drives civilization and defines our lives.
The rules of power are changing in today’s fast-paced, hyper-connected world in a way that Machiavelli never could have imagined, and we all need to learn to adapt. Simmons tells readers: Ignore the negatives. Be unrelenting. Rise above the rest. You are the architect of your success.
160 pages, Hardcover
Published November 14, 2017
53 people are currently reading
530 people want to read
About the author
Gene Simmons
83 books68 followersLibrarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
From genesimmons.com
Gene Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel in 1949, and is the only child of his mother, a German Nazi Concentration Camp survivor. He has always attributed his ethics, morals and drive to his mother's notion's about life. "Every day above ground, is a good day," his mother is apt to say.
He came to America at eight and a half years of age. He graduated State University (NYSU) and City University (CUNY) and got a Bachelor of Education degree. He taught sixth grade in Spanish Harlem in New York City.
He then became the Assistant to the Director of the Puerto Rican InterAgency Council, a government funded research and demonstration project. He worked at Glamour and then at Vogue, as the assistant to the editor, Kate Lloyd.
Gene speaks a few languages: English, Hungarian, Hebrew, German and is getting better at Japanese every day.
Gene Simmons has never been married.He has had live in relationships with Cher and Diana Ross. He has been happily unmarried for 25 years to Shannon Tweed, the mother of his two beautiful children.*
*Simmons and Tweed finally wed on October 1, 2011
From genesimmons.com
Gene Simmons was born in Haifa, Israel in 1949, and is the only child of his mother, a German Nazi Concentration Camp survivor. He has always attributed his ethics, morals and drive to his mother's notion's about life. "Every day above ground, is a good day," his mother is apt to say.
He came to America at eight and a half years of age. He graduated State University (NYSU) and City University (CUNY) and got a Bachelor of Education degree. He taught sixth grade in Spanish Harlem in New York City.
He then became the Assistant to the Director of the Puerto Rican InterAgency Council, a government funded research and demonstration project. He worked at Glamour and then at Vogue, as the assistant to the editor, Kate Lloyd.
Gene speaks a few languages: English, Hungarian, Hebrew, German and is getting better at Japanese every day.
Gene Simmons has never been married.He has had live in relationships with Cher and Diana Ross. He has been happily unmarried for 25 years to Shannon Tweed, the mother of his two beautiful children.*
*Simmons and Tweed finally wed on October 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
March 3, 2018
Not About Rock n Roll
On Power is a Self-help book like a Tony Robbins or a Dale Carnegie book that has a theme of go out and be successful, work hard, and get it done. The focus is decidedly not on Mr. Simmons' history as a rockstar. There are three parts to the book with the first being a mini-autobiography of Simmons' impoverished childhood first outside Haifa then later in Brooklyn. The point of this first part is that he worked hard, took ant job he could, and was successful. The second part is an easy to read pep talk philosophy that says work hard, look at the real world, and take the steps you need to take to become successful and powerful because that success will allow you to make a difference. The third part offers a series of mini-biographies of successful people ranging from Machiavelli and Napoleon to Oprah, Elon Musk, Michael Jordan, David Grohl, and Warren Buffett. In all, it's an easy to read, fairly short, book about working hard and being successful.
On Power is a Self-help book like a Tony Robbins or a Dale Carnegie book that has a theme of go out and be successful, work hard, and get it done. The focus is decidedly not on Mr. Simmons' history as a rockstar. There are three parts to the book with the first being a mini-autobiography of Simmons' impoverished childhood first outside Haifa then later in Brooklyn. The point of this first part is that he worked hard, took ant job he could, and was successful. The second part is an easy to read pep talk philosophy that says work hard, look at the real world, and take the steps you need to take to become successful and powerful because that success will allow you to make a difference. The third part offers a series of mini-biographies of successful people ranging from Machiavelli and Napoleon to Oprah, Elon Musk, Michael Jordan, David Grohl, and Warren Buffett. In all, it's an easy to read, fairly short, book about working hard and being successful.
Read
January 4, 2018Read this doing yin yoga during a bomb cyclone. I picked it up from the library after reading the story that Gene Simmons got permanently banned from Fox after bopping people on the head with the book while promoting it.
February 6, 2019
This was an excellent volume. I have a PhD in management and leadership, which makes me pretty book-smart about the topic, and this volume offers the other side, the street-smart aspect, the practical aspect. I don't think Gene offered any advice that wasn't spot on.
February 13, 2019
The only things I enjoyed about this book were reading up about Gene Simmons’ life before he was famous, and that he mentioned how your house should look like a Barnes and Noble. Everything else was confusing, aggressive, and somewhat sexist. I get how some people would enjoy this book, but I was happy to be done with it.
May 22, 2019
This book pleasantly surprised me. As being well acquainted with a personality such as Gene Simmons, I was expecting this book to be a drawn out session of boasting and egotistical ramblings, but surprisingly he is quite transparent of his life story and his beliefs on obtaining success. He refers to many sources, literary as well as modern examples of those who achieved greatness in addition to revealing in plain and clear language on how you can achieve it for yourself. Even if you don't like him personally (which I don't), my opinion of him has been altered as a result of reading this book. One thing is for certain is that by the end of reading this piece, you will definitely feel that you have the ability to achieve the level of success that he and many others like him have.
November 3, 2017
Simmons at one point acknowledges that being "aggressive and off-putting" is on-brand for him. The book definitely captures his voice. I would have given the book one more star, but the book reads like it is aimed towards 16 year old boys and Simmons is often irritating. He tries to present himself as saying the things others are too polite or afraid to say - but mostly it comes across as trying a little too hard.
He uses the word "Power" as a general catch all for money and influence. The whole book is Simmon's case for ambition. And he is right that if you want to change things in the world you have to get yourself in a situation where you have the opportunity and resources to do so.
The advice in this book is nothing new, but it's a short book, and a good reminder of some things that are unavoidably true: That life is definitely not fair (And it's never going to be), you have to work with your individual advantages and disadvantages, and nothing trumps hard work.
I received this book free from the Goodreads First Reads program.
He uses the word "Power" as a general catch all for money and influence. The whole book is Simmon's case for ambition. And he is right that if you want to change things in the world you have to get yourself in a situation where you have the opportunity and resources to do so.
The advice in this book is nothing new, but it's a short book, and a good reminder of some things that are unavoidably true: That life is definitely not fair (And it's never going to be), you have to work with your individual advantages and disadvantages, and nothing trumps hard work.
I received this book free from the Goodreads First Reads program.
March 16, 2018
I'm giving this book four stars not because I agree with everything Simmons writes, but because I think it's a smart, engaging look at an important aspect of life which -- as he himself points out -- too many people don't think clearly about.
“So much of our popular mythology focuses on the negative aspects of power that we forget that gaining power is, perhaps, the only way to enable ourselves to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others.”
Gene Simmons was born in Israel and began his life in poverty. His father walked out when he was very young, and his mother worked hard to support them, setting a powerful example he would always carry with him. They immigrated to America when he was still a child. As he grew up, he was driven by the desire to have money to be able to take care of his mother. He worked multiple jobs, saved his money, and made the conscious, deliberate choice to adapt his accent, his appearance, and his name to become more like those he observed to have power.
Simmons criticizes the idea that having power is inherently wrong, pointing out that power enables someone to accomplish their goals, to build a better life for themselves and those they care about, and have the ability to do meaningful good in the world. And I think he's right. Power and money are neutral in themselves. It's what a person does with them -- and to achieve them -- that carry ethical weight.
And this is where Simmons' himself becomes an interesting case study. While he does not advocate criminal behavior, he states again and again that a person needs to be ready to do whatever is necessary to achieve power and not worry too much about their own tender feelings. Flatter, lie, replace your deadbeat friends, if that's what it takes. If you're a beautiful woman, use that to your advantage without qualms. Once you're in power you can work to change the rules, but until then, ruthless pragmatism is necessary. And a lot of hard work. Although unashamedly Machiavellian in his outlook, Simmons pulls no punches about his belief in the necessity of working harder than anyone else, improving one's self, and achieving mastery of one's craft/art/business. His essential message is work hard, play the game, adapt yourself, and get to the top. Once you're there, you can take care of your loved ones, donate to charity (he lists, without self-congratulation, the charities he himself supports), and help others. "Secure your own breathing mask first," he orders. "Then you can help others."
It is only late in the book, when he discusses Warren Buffett, that Simmons discusses the importance of ethics in the drive to power. He admires Buffett's integrity and honesty and points out that they are essential to success. While not stating it directly, comparing the two sections of his book, he clearly considers social dishonesty acceptable as part of advancing one's self, but one's business ethics need to be above reproach.
The second half of the book is a series of case studies of successful people he admires, including Napoleon, Oprah, Michael Jordan, Buffett and others. They are less interesting than his own stories, but do provide a useful range of examples of different personalities and areas of achievement.
I think this would be a great book to read with one's kids (or other adults) and discuss. What do you think of power? What are the consequences of having it versus not having it? What are the ethical considerations? Do the ends always justify the means? How are you willing to change yourself -- or not -- to get what you want? Does power always corrupt? How did the people in Simmons' case studies -- and he himself -- change themselves or remain true to themselves in the course of their lives? Whether you agree with everything Simmons says or not, he offers a lot of food for thought.
Best of all, Simmons is a good writer. This isn't going to be a college textbook, but it's intelligent, easy to read, clear in its arguments, and frequently entertaining.
I was never a fan of KISS, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed getting to know Gene Simmons a bit and spending some time in his virtual company.
“So much of our popular mythology focuses on the negative aspects of power that we forget that gaining power is, perhaps, the only way to enable ourselves to make a difference in our lives and in the lives of others.”
Gene Simmons was born in Israel and began his life in poverty. His father walked out when he was very young, and his mother worked hard to support them, setting a powerful example he would always carry with him. They immigrated to America when he was still a child. As he grew up, he was driven by the desire to have money to be able to take care of his mother. He worked multiple jobs, saved his money, and made the conscious, deliberate choice to adapt his accent, his appearance, and his name to become more like those he observed to have power.
Simmons criticizes the idea that having power is inherently wrong, pointing out that power enables someone to accomplish their goals, to build a better life for themselves and those they care about, and have the ability to do meaningful good in the world. And I think he's right. Power and money are neutral in themselves. It's what a person does with them -- and to achieve them -- that carry ethical weight.
And this is where Simmons' himself becomes an interesting case study. While he does not advocate criminal behavior, he states again and again that a person needs to be ready to do whatever is necessary to achieve power and not worry too much about their own tender feelings. Flatter, lie, replace your deadbeat friends, if that's what it takes. If you're a beautiful woman, use that to your advantage without qualms. Once you're in power you can work to change the rules, but until then, ruthless pragmatism is necessary. And a lot of hard work. Although unashamedly Machiavellian in his outlook, Simmons pulls no punches about his belief in the necessity of working harder than anyone else, improving one's self, and achieving mastery of one's craft/art/business. His essential message is work hard, play the game, adapt yourself, and get to the top. Once you're there, you can take care of your loved ones, donate to charity (he lists, without self-congratulation, the charities he himself supports), and help others. "Secure your own breathing mask first," he orders. "Then you can help others."
It is only late in the book, when he discusses Warren Buffett, that Simmons discusses the importance of ethics in the drive to power. He admires Buffett's integrity and honesty and points out that they are essential to success. While not stating it directly, comparing the two sections of his book, he clearly considers social dishonesty acceptable as part of advancing one's self, but one's business ethics need to be above reproach.
The second half of the book is a series of case studies of successful people he admires, including Napoleon, Oprah, Michael Jordan, Buffett and others. They are less interesting than his own stories, but do provide a useful range of examples of different personalities and areas of achievement.
I think this would be a great book to read with one's kids (or other adults) and discuss. What do you think of power? What are the consequences of having it versus not having it? What are the ethical considerations? Do the ends always justify the means? How are you willing to change yourself -- or not -- to get what you want? Does power always corrupt? How did the people in Simmons' case studies -- and he himself -- change themselves or remain true to themselves in the course of their lives? Whether you agree with everything Simmons says or not, he offers a lot of food for thought.
Best of all, Simmons is a good writer. This isn't going to be a college textbook, but it's intelligent, easy to read, clear in its arguments, and frequently entertaining.
I was never a fan of KISS, but I was surprised by how much I enjoyed getting to know Gene Simmons a bit and spending some time in his virtual company.
June 19, 2018
Been a life-long Kiss and Gene fan. Although I'm not one who strives for power, it was an interesting read with some funny/cool quotes. He definitely doesn't mince words; you always know exactly how he feels about a topic. I may not always agree, but it makes you think.
Favorite quotes:
"I don't know about you, but I want to make sure the people I love not only feel good and loved, but are first and foremost healthy, safe, fed, clothed, and housed. The only reasonable response to 'Dad, you work too much' should be 'No, I work exactly enough to give you life.'" - p. 34
"Practice is the commonality among successful people. Practice over and over again, until you achieve exemplary results." - p. 57
"Talent is nothing without working hard. Be talented at working hard and you can eventually be talented at almost anything else that interests you." - p. 58
"...people who think that doing their best is good enough should not be allowed to perform heart surgery. Unfair? Incredibly. And, incidentally, good for the world." - p. 65
"Young people today seem to grow up with a sense of entitlement and the idea that making someone's coffee, fetching someone's dry cleaning, or working at a drive-through is embarrassing. This attitude must be snuffed out...You should approach every job you have with gratitude that anyone wants to pay you to do anything at all. Approaching even the crudest, most servile jobs with enthusiasm, and a drive to not only complete your tasks but to excel at them, is the only way to ascend the first crucial steps on your ladder to power." - p. 135 (If only I had read this before I got fired from pumping gas on my first "co-op" work term...)
Favorite quotes:
"I don't know about you, but I want to make sure the people I love not only feel good and loved, but are first and foremost healthy, safe, fed, clothed, and housed. The only reasonable response to 'Dad, you work too much' should be 'No, I work exactly enough to give you life.'" - p. 34
"Practice is the commonality among successful people. Practice over and over again, until you achieve exemplary results." - p. 57
"Talent is nothing without working hard. Be talented at working hard and you can eventually be talented at almost anything else that interests you." - p. 58
"...people who think that doing their best is good enough should not be allowed to perform heart surgery. Unfair? Incredibly. And, incidentally, good for the world." - p. 65
"Young people today seem to grow up with a sense of entitlement and the idea that making someone's coffee, fetching someone's dry cleaning, or working at a drive-through is embarrassing. This attitude must be snuffed out...You should approach every job you have with gratitude that anyone wants to pay you to do anything at all. Approaching even the crudest, most servile jobs with enthusiasm, and a drive to not only complete your tasks but to excel at them, is the only way to ascend the first crucial steps on your ladder to power." - p. 135 (If only I had read this before I got fired from pumping gas on my first "co-op" work term...)
June 24, 2022
Not a very theoretical book but a popular book that is good at reminding us that power and money is not necessarily negative properties of the universe. We use it to create jobs, lives, support families, avoid wars, save countries, change the world, and much more. It also details the inspiring story of Gene Simmons coming from Israel in the mid 1900s and explains several aspects of immigrant emotions about the U.S. Overall, good book.
December 18, 2017
Gene Simmons On Power🍒🍒🍒
By Gene Simmons
2017
It's a small, black and not very thick book. If not for its size, I may have missed it entirely. It's small size is why I noticed it. And it's how I have come to understand or "know" this man in a more " personal" way. A man who never stopped believing in himself and never gave up on his vision of success, or power. Power = Money. This is a man whose ego has no boundaries and that is exactly how and why he is the man we know today as Gene Simmons.Wealthy. Comfortable. Intelligent about who he is, what he is and what he wants. What inspired him to become Gene Simmons. And he's proud of it.
"You must be in a position of power if you are going to make a difference to those without power" p. 27.
Gene has truly made himself- his self created image, his beliefs and definition of power, his philosophies on life- into a marketing commodity. He sold it to the world. And the world bought it. Loved it. Bought it by the millions.
"Power is an inconvenient truth, a necessity, whether we like to admit it. To throw a little philosophy in, it is my opinion (and, really, everything in this book is my opinion) that if you can stand in front of me in clean clothes, knowing how to read, with food in your belly, and say things like "I don't care about money" or "Power corrupts", you are able to do so only because you are sheltered. Frankly you are lucky to be standing on the backs of those with power without realizing it" p.31
((He seems to have it backward. The truth no rich person wants to admit, Gene included, is how they like to claim the rise to power is on the backs of them, the wealthy; however relying on those "below " him to buy into his image and buy his product is how he became a self made man. While the wealthy want to believe everyone else rely on them and rides their backs, the reality is the opposite.))
Athough most peoples definition of power may differ vastly from his ( and thankfully, mine are nothing like his and I will never ever be anything like him)you have to admire his ability to use every person and situation to further himself. To define and go after your goal with tenacity and not caring who you run over. ......and to honestly not believe power corrupts....
He never gave up on his vision......
Interesting read.....
By Gene Simmons
2017
It's a small, black and not very thick book. If not for its size, I may have missed it entirely. It's small size is why I noticed it. And it's how I have come to understand or "know" this man in a more " personal" way. A man who never stopped believing in himself and never gave up on his vision of success, or power. Power = Money. This is a man whose ego has no boundaries and that is exactly how and why he is the man we know today as Gene Simmons.Wealthy. Comfortable. Intelligent about who he is, what he is and what he wants. What inspired him to become Gene Simmons. And he's proud of it.
"You must be in a position of power if you are going to make a difference to those without power" p. 27.
Gene has truly made himself- his self created image, his beliefs and definition of power, his philosophies on life- into a marketing commodity. He sold it to the world. And the world bought it. Loved it. Bought it by the millions.
"Power is an inconvenient truth, a necessity, whether we like to admit it. To throw a little philosophy in, it is my opinion (and, really, everything in this book is my opinion) that if you can stand in front of me in clean clothes, knowing how to read, with food in your belly, and say things like "I don't care about money" or "Power corrupts", you are able to do so only because you are sheltered. Frankly you are lucky to be standing on the backs of those with power without realizing it" p.31
((He seems to have it backward. The truth no rich person wants to admit, Gene included, is how they like to claim the rise to power is on the backs of them, the wealthy; however relying on those "below " him to buy into his image and buy his product is how he became a self made man. While the wealthy want to believe everyone else rely on them and rides their backs, the reality is the opposite.))
Athough most peoples definition of power may differ vastly from his ( and thankfully, mine are nothing like his and I will never ever be anything like him)you have to admire his ability to use every person and situation to further himself. To define and go after your goal with tenacity and not caring who you run over. ......and to honestly not believe power corrupts....
He never gave up on his vision......
Interesting read.....
December 24, 2021
A friend let me borrow this book after I said that I enjoy reading memoirs and biographies. Will be retuning this likely without a re-read. If you are familiar with Gene Simmons, this book will come as no surprise. He is probably one of the best examples of an extreme narcissist, but you can't deny that he is successful at what he does and has a good grasp on what he wants in life.
The book is about gaining power - but his definition of power only include influence and money (which is fine) - and briefly looks at some popular figures that he deems successful in their own pursuits of power (including Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and more).
Things I really didn't enjoy: an entire chapter fanboying over Machiavellianism, a few pretty sexist claims about how women should gain power, and overall a lot of unnecessary macho fluff. But what really disappointed me was that his whole thesis revolved around the idea that only after you gain power can you create positive change. His idea was that if you hate the rules, then gain power first, and change them yourself. He then goes on to show how he himself has made it, presumably has the power to influence some of these unfair and terrible rules he describes, but really has no interest in making any change. I guess he doesn't mind them all that much.
Still, there are some things that I enjoyed. Every now and then there would be an idea worth remembering about resilience and hard work. Nothing new, but good to hear repeated. Despite disagreeing with many of his ideas, I am glad that I took the time to read about them because I think this is important for everyone to do (reading about ideas that you disagree with).
If this type of life-view is your flavour, this will be a great short read. If it isn't, there are some good nods to pragmatism, a few interesting chapters that look into the lives of others, and a genuinely interesting look into his past before he became Gene Simmons.
The book is about gaining power - but his definition of power only include influence and money (which is fine) - and briefly looks at some popular figures that he deems successful in their own pursuits of power (including Elon Musk, Oprah Winfrey, and more).
Things I really didn't enjoy: an entire chapter fanboying over Machiavellianism, a few pretty sexist claims about how women should gain power, and overall a lot of unnecessary macho fluff. But what really disappointed me was that his whole thesis revolved around the idea that only after you gain power can you create positive change. His idea was that if you hate the rules, then gain power first, and change them yourself. He then goes on to show how he himself has made it, presumably has the power to influence some of these unfair and terrible rules he describes, but really has no interest in making any change. I guess he doesn't mind them all that much.
Still, there are some things that I enjoyed. Every now and then there would be an idea worth remembering about resilience and hard work. Nothing new, but good to hear repeated. Despite disagreeing with many of his ideas, I am glad that I took the time to read about them because I think this is important for everyone to do (reading about ideas that you disagree with).
If this type of life-view is your flavour, this will be a great short read. If it isn't, there are some good nods to pragmatism, a few interesting chapters that look into the lives of others, and a genuinely interesting look into his past before he became Gene Simmons.
December 15, 2017
This tiny gift book comes in at 150 pages and is exactly what you would expect from Gene Simmons - a no nonsense, in your face, I don't care if you like it or not, how to book on getting what he calls "power." I respect this guy for his hard work ethic and drive, his chameleon ways, and his staying power, believe me. And he does have some great ideas and examples, using philosophy, psychology, and good grief, David Grohl and Oprah, to convince us of how much drive, tenacity, dirty work, and yes, luck, have to do with making money and staying on top. Gotta love that he loves Frank Underwood as much as the rest of us do, too (yep, he's an example, too)! He makes some great points and he is his own proof to be sure. But power means different things to different people, so I found myself nodding one minute and saying nope the next. It is really a hard look, most likely not intentional, at what we as many Americans have deemed power and much why (I could not help but use as an analogy through the reading of this book) we have such an idiot in office right now. So, I think there is one main point that Simmons missed here that I would have liked to have seen addressed - with much power comes much responsibility, especially when you use that power to the loss or benefit of others. While Gene used the excuse that such money making and power tactics can help the masses - the trickle down effect, if you will that he never comes out and actually says, and makes sure we understand that much of his power goes to help others, I didn't quite buy that notion. He tells us that through his power, he got to ring the bell at the New York Stock Exchange. Um, okay. Like I said, power means different things to different people. It will be interesting what others have to say about this as this book makes the rounds.
April 19, 2019
I absolutely loved this book.
Of course not everyone will believe in his outlook on life, but I agreed with 99% of everything because I could relate so strongly. I also come from a poor country and a poor family. My childhood wasn't terrible at all, that's not what I am implying. The important part is that it was poor enough to recognize that if I didn't do something with myself my parents weren't going to save me. No one would. That's just surviving. If I want to become successful, I will also need to do whatever I can. If you gave this book to people from similar backgrounds, his words would resonate as strongly as they did for me because we have that beginning part in common. No one will help you, or your family, or anyone else, so go out there and work HARD and do what you need to do in order to not only survive, but to be powerful enough to help as many people as you can.
I just want to add that I am a female and that I do not want kids. It doesn't mean that I believe other people shouldn't have kids or that I hate kids. My mom always raised me with the advice that if you ever wanted to get married and/or have kids, that you should have your life figured out. You should have a solid career, be able to stand on your own two feet without the help from anyone else, so that if your relationship ever ended you would be losing a partner but you would not be losing anything else. You would still have your money, your house, your car, and live the life you wanted to live with or without them. And the same goes for having kids. You bring a kid into this life when you have the career, money, house, and time, to give that child what they deserve, which is the best.
There is a section in the book about women, which he prefaces by advising women to skip it if you think you can't handle it. He then goes on to say that women, you cannot be having kids without being successful first. The men WILL raise on ahead in front of you because having a child takes time and resources. Time and resources that you currently do not have enough of *yet*.
It is a beautiful book that I would not necessarily say is about self help. Because I view that category as a *how* to get it done when you are already in the right path to wanting to. If you are looking for how, you need to take some classes on what you are trying to accomplish, or read a different book with specific steps for what *you* are trying to accomplish.
This book is about how to approach life.
It's not about the how, it's about the mentality.
Of course not everyone will believe in his outlook on life, but I agreed with 99% of everything because I could relate so strongly. I also come from a poor country and a poor family. My childhood wasn't terrible at all, that's not what I am implying. The important part is that it was poor enough to recognize that if I didn't do something with myself my parents weren't going to save me. No one would. That's just surviving. If I want to become successful, I will also need to do whatever I can. If you gave this book to people from similar backgrounds, his words would resonate as strongly as they did for me because we have that beginning part in common. No one will help you, or your family, or anyone else, so go out there and work HARD and do what you need to do in order to not only survive, but to be powerful enough to help as many people as you can.
I just want to add that I am a female and that I do not want kids. It doesn't mean that I believe other people shouldn't have kids or that I hate kids. My mom always raised me with the advice that if you ever wanted to get married and/or have kids, that you should have your life figured out. You should have a solid career, be able to stand on your own two feet without the help from anyone else, so that if your relationship ever ended you would be losing a partner but you would not be losing anything else. You would still have your money, your house, your car, and live the life you wanted to live with or without them. And the same goes for having kids. You bring a kid into this life when you have the career, money, house, and time, to give that child what they deserve, which is the best.
There is a section in the book about women, which he prefaces by advising women to skip it if you think you can't handle it. He then goes on to say that women, you cannot be having kids without being successful first. The men WILL raise on ahead in front of you because having a child takes time and resources. Time and resources that you currently do not have enough of *yet*.
It is a beautiful book that I would not necessarily say is about self help. Because I view that category as a *how* to get it done when you are already in the right path to wanting to. If you are looking for how, you need to take some classes on what you are trying to accomplish, or read a different book with specific steps for what *you* are trying to accomplish.
This book is about how to approach life.
It's not about the how, it's about the mentality.
April 6, 2019
While promoting his new book, "On Power: My Journey Through the Corridors of Power and How You Can Get More Power”. Gene Simmons says You don't have to be a genius to become rich, just work hard and speak English.
Look in the mirror and tell yourself you can succeed. Get off the couch and do something. Practice practice practice. Persevere through failure, because you will fail multiple times.
Life presents us with many challenges. We all need something to struggle against and to struggle for. Difficulties will occur in everyone's life but you have a purpose in this world, and you will only find it if you keep going and keep growing. You deserve to have power. It is yours for the taking. This book will show you how to unlock the doors to the temple.
"You are stronger than you think", you have survived all of your challenges to this point. And you will survive whatever is coming but next time a struggle comes. No more second guessing. No more blaming others. For the problems that you have in your life. There is a reason. So, don’t give up. Be grateful for the struggle and ready to write the next chapter.
"If you’ve read anything else I’ve put out into the world, you may think you know my story. Lord knows I love talking about myself. But if you’ve heard it before, you need to hear it again, this time in a new context. In this book, I’m going to tell you the story of how I achieved power. And I’m going to tell you how you can do the same. You too can be powerful. So strap in and prepare for the ride."
Gaur Gopal Das said “Great people, they don’t cry, they try to rebuild their dreams.
Great people, don’t give up, they live up to the challenges that life throws at them.
Great people. Don’t go through, they grow through the difficulties that come on their path.
They start all over again with great hope, with great determination, with great grit, and that is why they reach the highest peaks of success that most people only aspire for.
That is why I say No Challenges, No Success. Know Challenges, Know Success."
""On Power"" - Another great book on power, life and what we should all hear. If there's one who knows how to succeed, it's Simmons. This book is worth your time.
Look in the mirror and tell yourself you can succeed. Get off the couch and do something. Practice practice practice. Persevere through failure, because you will fail multiple times.
Life presents us with many challenges. We all need something to struggle against and to struggle for. Difficulties will occur in everyone's life but you have a purpose in this world, and you will only find it if you keep going and keep growing. You deserve to have power. It is yours for the taking. This book will show you how to unlock the doors to the temple.
"You are stronger than you think", you have survived all of your challenges to this point. And you will survive whatever is coming but next time a struggle comes. No more second guessing. No more blaming others. For the problems that you have in your life. There is a reason. So, don’t give up. Be grateful for the struggle and ready to write the next chapter.
"If you’ve read anything else I’ve put out into the world, you may think you know my story. Lord knows I love talking about myself. But if you’ve heard it before, you need to hear it again, this time in a new context. In this book, I’m going to tell you the story of how I achieved power. And I’m going to tell you how you can do the same. You too can be powerful. So strap in and prepare for the ride."
Gaur Gopal Das said “Great people, they don’t cry, they try to rebuild their dreams.
Great people, don’t give up, they live up to the challenges that life throws at them.
Great people. Don’t go through, they grow through the difficulties that come on their path.
They start all over again with great hope, with great determination, with great grit, and that is why they reach the highest peaks of success that most people only aspire for.
That is why I say No Challenges, No Success. Know Challenges, Know Success."
""On Power"" - Another great book on power, life and what we should all hear. If there's one who knows how to succeed, it's Simmons. This book is worth your time.
June 12, 2020
Talk about a mixed bag! There are some wonderful nuggets of wisdom here, but also certain aspects that are toxic. Simmons is a workaholic whose personal philosophy is that life is work and vice versa. The story of his rise from poor American immigrant to world-famous rock star and entrepreneur is inspiring, but his notion that people should focus on work to the exclusion of all else--no vacations, no ball games with the kids, and absolutely no retirement--is excessive, to say the least. I guess it makes sense if you think that money and power (and the things achievable through them) are all that matter in life. But if you have any spiritual side whatsoever, Simmons' words will ring hollow.
The fact this book goes against everything we're taught in modern American culture makes me like it better than I probably should, since I appreciate people willing to stick out their necks to give unpopular opinions, as long as said opinions are backed up by reasoned arguments. And Simmons makes a pretty compelling case for the idea that the no-nonsense businessman who prioritizes work over friends and time with family is living life the right way. It's a fairly ugly notion, and one attacked in pretty much every Hollywood movie ever, but it's no less misguided than today's commonplace notion that life is all about "finding oneself"--hard work and financial success be damned.
ON POWER reads like a mix of Ayn Rand, Machiavelli, and Donald Trump. Like Ayn Rand, Simmons argues from a place of pure logic and reason, with no room for sentimentality, spirituality, meekness, or traditional values; like Machiavelli, Simmons is an ends-justify-the-means type of guy, and the only reason he doesn't outright promote immoral business practices is because he sees them as counter-productive in the long-run; and like Trump, he built a reputation on being obnoxious and can be expected to act completely out of self-interest.
Still, if you can sort out the wheat from the chaff, ON POWER is worth reading. Its overall effect is to inspire you to work harder and strive for greatness. (Just maybe be careful about wholly buying into Simmons' definition of greatness.) It also made me see Gene Simmons and KISS in a different light, since that's a band I never knew much about beyond the makeup and the merchandising. Not bad for something I picked up from the bargain bin at Office Max.
The fact this book goes against everything we're taught in modern American culture makes me like it better than I probably should, since I appreciate people willing to stick out their necks to give unpopular opinions, as long as said opinions are backed up by reasoned arguments. And Simmons makes a pretty compelling case for the idea that the no-nonsense businessman who prioritizes work over friends and time with family is living life the right way. It's a fairly ugly notion, and one attacked in pretty much every Hollywood movie ever, but it's no less misguided than today's commonplace notion that life is all about "finding oneself"--hard work and financial success be damned.
ON POWER reads like a mix of Ayn Rand, Machiavelli, and Donald Trump. Like Ayn Rand, Simmons argues from a place of pure logic and reason, with no room for sentimentality, spirituality, meekness, or traditional values; like Machiavelli, Simmons is an ends-justify-the-means type of guy, and the only reason he doesn't outright promote immoral business practices is because he sees them as counter-productive in the long-run; and like Trump, he built a reputation on being obnoxious and can be expected to act completely out of self-interest.
Still, if you can sort out the wheat from the chaff, ON POWER is worth reading. Its overall effect is to inspire you to work harder and strive for greatness. (Just maybe be careful about wholly buying into Simmons' definition of greatness.) It also made me see Gene Simmons and KISS in a different light, since that's a band I never knew much about beyond the makeup and the merchandising. Not bad for something I picked up from the bargain bin at Office Max.
July 5, 2021
This book is basically an extended Prager University YouTube video mixed with a little bit of Ayn Rand's Atlas Shrugged. As when I read things by Rand, I frequently found myself nodding in agreement (involuntarily) while reading this book.
Simmons makes the salient point that wealth and power are inherently amoral and that they are useful in achieving great good for one's loved ones, the underprivileged, etc. Despite his championing of strength (going so far as to quote Nietzsche during one chapter) Simmons is careful to qualify his points so as not to endorse cruel use of power.
The only reason I deduct some stars for this is that I disagree with some of Simmons's points/perspectives:
Firstly, he quotes the Bible twice, and in both instances his quote is taken out of context, misinterpreted, and handled, frankly, deprecatorily toward the Christian faith and its value system; his antireligious attitude is subtle but apparent beneath a razor-thin patina of secular, 'common sense' values, so much so that he may not even have realized he harbors any antagonism (I don't know enough about the man to comment informedly either way, but as a general rule, any sentence that contains the phrase "the Bible says x, but..." is not going to be in favor of religious values). Secondly, his attitudes regarding sexuality are, in a word, loose. Admittedly, I'm on the puritanical side of that spectrum; nonetheless, I didn't care for the points he made about the subjectivity of sexual mores of traditional society.
With some Bowdlerization, I would consider this book on essential read for high schoolers to prepare them for the real world; many more people need to share Simmons's attitude regarding diligence.
Simmons makes the salient point that wealth and power are inherently amoral and that they are useful in achieving great good for one's loved ones, the underprivileged, etc. Despite his championing of strength (going so far as to quote Nietzsche during one chapter) Simmons is careful to qualify his points so as not to endorse cruel use of power.
The only reason I deduct some stars for this is that I disagree with some of Simmons's points/perspectives:
Firstly, he quotes the Bible twice, and in both instances his quote is taken out of context, misinterpreted, and handled, frankly, deprecatorily toward the Christian faith and its value system; his antireligious attitude is subtle but apparent beneath a razor-thin patina of secular, 'common sense' values, so much so that he may not even have realized he harbors any antagonism (I don't know enough about the man to comment informedly either way, but as a general rule, any sentence that contains the phrase "the Bible says x, but..." is not going to be in favor of religious values). Secondly, his attitudes regarding sexuality are, in a word, loose. Admittedly, I'm on the puritanical side of that spectrum; nonetheless, I didn't care for the points he made about the subjectivity of sexual mores of traditional society.
With some Bowdlerization, I would consider this book on essential read for high schoolers to prepare them for the real world; many more people need to share Simmons's attitude regarding diligence.
June 30, 2023
One of my favorite books this year! While I have an affinity for a handful of Kiss songs, I'm not necessarily a Kiss fan. It's more of a built up admiration for Gene Simmons himself. I think it started when I watched his reality show years back. I'm not much for 'reality' shows but it offered something a bit different, dare I say ... authentic. That's what I grew to like about him, that degree of authenticity, that confidence in self and thus the power that comes with stepping into who you are and owning it.
Even with that, I was surprised by the eloquence of his writing. It was real, honest, cut throat advice with a great bit of background on him. There was no better book for me to wrap this year up with and take said advice into the upcoming year, as I step into myself and my capabilities.
I must add, it is too often that we equate power and money with greed and selfishness. Likely this is due to the handful of rich who abuse the privilege that comes with it. Too often do we forget those with power who use their influence and money compassionately. For me, when I see a boss, a politician, or even just a customer service rep (who in that moment has power over me, as I call about a product I purchased) use their power abusively or inconsiderately, do I wonder how I can gain said power to treat those with less as though they deserve more, because they do.
So let us stop thinking of money and power as evil. It all boils down to choices. Who do you want to be?
Even with that, I was surprised by the eloquence of his writing. It was real, honest, cut throat advice with a great bit of background on him. There was no better book for me to wrap this year up with and take said advice into the upcoming year, as I step into myself and my capabilities.
I must add, it is too often that we equate power and money with greed and selfishness. Likely this is due to the handful of rich who abuse the privilege that comes with it. Too often do we forget those with power who use their influence and money compassionately. For me, when I see a boss, a politician, or even just a customer service rep (who in that moment has power over me, as I call about a product I purchased) use their power abusively or inconsiderately, do I wonder how I can gain said power to treat those with less as though they deserve more, because they do.
So let us stop thinking of money and power as evil. It all boils down to choices. Who do you want to be?
September 15, 2018
This book is a slim volume, handbag-sized. Clocking in at just 150 pages, it is a fast and no-bullshit read.
Gene's style as an author os always no-bullshit and direct. Keep this in mind if you have politically correct or staunchly feminist views. Gene's views on males and females will be confronting if you aren't also a realist.
The book is a whiz through some key philosophers and examples, providing the cliffnotes for those who (like me) maybe haven't read The Prince, or just want a refresher.
The author also gives you a rollicking, motivational pep talk about why YOU deserve power. Not quite a "self help" book, On Power is, as a reading experience, being "talked at".
There are some extremely good moments in this work. One reason why I personally find Gene's works valuable is because they ARE no-bullshit. They always ARE direct, unforgiving, and real.
The only things that detract are parts like recaps of Gene's life, but it is only a detraction for people who have read more than one of his books. That and the author's talking to the reader who is at the start of his or her career or life. The truth is that there are plenty of us mid-career who also need to read a book like this.
In any case, I highly recommend it.
Gene's style as an author os always no-bullshit and direct. Keep this in mind if you have politically correct or staunchly feminist views. Gene's views on males and females will be confronting if you aren't also a realist.
The book is a whiz through some key philosophers and examples, providing the cliffnotes for those who (like me) maybe haven't read The Prince, or just want a refresher.
The author also gives you a rollicking, motivational pep talk about why YOU deserve power. Not quite a "self help" book, On Power is, as a reading experience, being "talked at".
There are some extremely good moments in this work. One reason why I personally find Gene's works valuable is because they ARE no-bullshit. They always ARE direct, unforgiving, and real.
The only things that detract are parts like recaps of Gene's life, but it is only a detraction for people who have read more than one of his books. That and the author's talking to the reader who is at the start of his or her career or life. The truth is that there are plenty of us mid-career who also need to read a book like this.
In any case, I highly recommend it.
December 25, 2017
This was an interesting book on the subject of power and influence. It had some things in it that that didn't necessarily settle to well with me on first glance, yet it all came together well and was an interesting, quick read with some good take aways. It is based loosely on Niccolo Machiavelli's book "The Prince". He talks about why Machiavelli is viewed negatively and why it's a mistake to view him that way. He covered several interesting profiles and how they achieved "power". Here are some of the main profiles he covered who were pretty diverse: Winston Churchill, Napoleon Bonaparte, Warren Buffett, Michael Jordon, Oprah, and Elon Musk. I also liked learning more about his humble beginnings as he was from a war torn Israel before he immigrated to the United States. His main themes were the following: Ignore the negatives. Be unrelenting. Rise above the rest. You are the architect of your success.
March 22, 2018
What Gene Simmons has learned during his lifetime about the acquiring and being wise with money and power. "Dress for the job you want, not the job you have," "Don't spoil your children or they'll never learn the power of the dollar or how hard life can truly be." His early life, the creation of Kiss, arguing the case for possessing power, and the classic "pantheon" of power: Machiavelli, Bonaparte, and Churchill. Modern power players: Oprah, Michael Jordan, Elon Musk, Warren Buffett, Stan Lee." No Trump? A one man PR firm starring himself. Having just finished Stevie Nicks "Gold Dust Woman" and sheer waste of multi-millions through lazy, indulgent lifestyle, you have to see something in Simmons' arguments about his band that didn't have private jets, high end hotels and controlling drug habits.
March 16, 2018
Could have been written better. A lot of this book's contents felt like fluff that was unnecessarily drawn out, like the author was trying to meet a quota of words but couldn't quite reach it. There really isn't any new or outstanding advice in this book about reaching power. I do disagree with a couple things in the book. For one, the end doesn't always justify the means, just because other people are doing something and getting away with it doesn't mean you should to. If you see people jumping of a cliff and surviving, does that mean you should do it to? No. And yes, time is money, it is very important to use your time wisely. But it is also important to set some time aside to relax, to unwind from the stress that is life.
May 8, 2018
An interesting and quick read. First, I was struck by the author’s really remarkable life story. It’s fascinating because he sounds so ordinary in his writings, but was a really mysterious and powerful persona as I was growing up. It was a bit of a cognitive disconnect but also encouraging and inspirational that this kid of humble beginnings could build his brand and really become legendary without guidance. The rest of the book is support for his premises in real world scenarios; interesting but really no secrets; the old rules of working hard and getting ahead were my takeaways. I think the twist is that the author insists upon removing stigma from success and is very encouraging and supportive of
the rewards. I enjoyed the perspective.
the rewards. I enjoyed the perspective.
January 24, 2018
Intimate, cunning and sincere. Gene Simmons writes for a reason. He writes to inspire.
The book interweaves personal philosophy and history, briefly citing the stories of hard-working mega-successful individuals including Machiavelli (the original inspiration for Gene’s book), Napoleon, Oprah Winfrey, Winston Churchill, among others.
Gene writes as a pragmatist + realist and he urges the reader to follow him as such. He commands the attention of the reader with a confident tone and respect for the reader.
The book is inspiring. At the very least, you’ll learn some history and gain perspective on your life, however old you are.
The book interweaves personal philosophy and history, briefly citing the stories of hard-working mega-successful individuals including Machiavelli (the original inspiration for Gene’s book), Napoleon, Oprah Winfrey, Winston Churchill, among others.
Gene writes as a pragmatist + realist and he urges the reader to follow him as such. He commands the attention of the reader with a confident tone and respect for the reader.
The book is inspiring. At the very least, you’ll learn some history and gain perspective on your life, however old you are.
March 13, 2018
What a weird little book - it’s a quick read and peddles a lot of the basic, “you can do it” motivational writer type tropes but with a few “political correctness is just holding you back”s thrown in for good measure. It’s a good reminder that working hard and going after your goals is a good way to live, but aside from the two opening chapters where Simmons really delves into his own life and experience, it starts to feel pretty generic, especially in the last third where he just gives very brief overviews of historical and current power players... a quick read with a few decent pieces of inspiration and a good backstory but not all that unique in terms of overall content...
November 30, 2017
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review, which can be found in full form on RunSpotRun.com
Basically, with Gene Simmons you know what you're getting. He's extremely proud of himself, very articulate, and he should be given credit for being blunt with his darwinian advice that doesn't cower to the snowflake culture, but there isn't really solid new advice here and he profiles the billionaires of the world as if anyone could become like them if they followed each success story's master plan.
Basically, with Gene Simmons you know what you're getting. He's extremely proud of himself, very articulate, and he should be given credit for being blunt with his darwinian advice that doesn't cower to the snowflake culture, but there isn't really solid new advice here and he profiles the billionaires of the world as if anyone could become like them if they followed each success story's master plan.
July 9, 2018
This book started slowly for me, since I have been a fan of KISS and Gene Simmons for so long, the introduction was redundant but once it got rolling it was a very deep philosophical discussion which I enjoyed immensely. The up and coming generation needs to read and take to heart particularly Chapter 5, "Perspective." I felt recharged, inspired and ready to go out into the world and take it on after reading his book Me, Inc., and even more so with this one. I'm glad he's doing something productive and inspiring, since new KISS albums are so few and far between. Highly recommended. Highly.
February 27, 2018
Gene Simmons is most intelligent and definitely "knows the system". While I may have some moral challenges with some of what he wrote, I will say, he is a powerful figure for a reason, and that does not make what he wrote less true. One must read this with an open mind and take it for what it is. An experienced individual who has a good grasp on what it takes in America to hold power. I thoroughly enjoyed it and appreciated the challenge to my standard way of thinking!
July 26, 2020
I liked it. I like Gene Simmons and his no holds barred approach to life. I got a few nuggets from this book much i had read elsewhere. but well worth the time and effort. A very quick and easy read.My second book finished by this author. And he is right , power got a bad rap hundreds of years ago and the weak use thought that only the bad side win, to keep others in line. A good , quick basis business knowledge book.
March 19, 2021
If you think that book might be a 'Destroyer'; well, I'd say it is rather 'Unmasked' Gene who is pretending being 'Dressed to kill' in pursuit to show you, how to get into the corridors of power of the nowadays world.
But to reach that in the reality, you will need perhaps to go through the days 'Hotter than hell'...
But to reach that in the reality, you will need perhaps to go through the days 'Hotter than hell'...
December 7, 2017
Much smaller book than I expected! Some good lessons but really just revisiting ideas in Me, Inc. Work hard. Stick with your dreams. Use everything ya got to push forward. Don't get pregnant and don't do drugs.
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