Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws. This bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other infamous strategists. The 48 Laws of Power will fascinate any listener interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.
13 reviews for 48 Laws of Power
0.0out of 5
★★★★★
0
★★★★★
0
★★★★★
0
★★★★★
0
★★★★★
0
Write a review
Show allMost HelpfulHighest RatingLowest Rating
Yulissa Martinez de Reyes –
A lot for learn
“The 48 Laws of Power” is an extraordinary read that offers profound insights into human behavior and the dynamics of power. Robert Greene’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, presenting each law with historical examples that illustrate their relevance.This book has not only changed my perspective on social interactions but has also equipped me with practical strategies for navigating various situations. The laws are well-structured, making it easy to understand and reflect on their applications in everyday life. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, improve your relationships, or simply gain a deeper understanding of power dynamics, this book is an invaluable resource. Highly recommended for anyone interested in personal development and strategic thinking!
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Polarbear –
I think this is one of those books every thinking person should own.
This is a great book. I’ve been reading it for myself and to my kid. He isn’t necessarily old enough to worry about leading an army, seducing a French noble girl, or pleasing the Emperor of China, but the lessons in this book are worth learning. I fear this book probably gets a bad rap as a cynical, Machiavellian practical manual for being a bad guy, but the lessons in this book do apply to nearly all aspects of your life, even if you find some of the approaches and reasoning objectionable. It’s better to learn these rules from others’ experiences, rather than your own blunders. One thing I love about this book is the historical examples used to justify the rules. The author pulls from all over the world’s cultures to show you how politicians, business men, military commanders, politicians, and royals played the game of power. It helps bring history to life and makes historical figures more approachable. The sections on P.T. Barnum, for instance, made me laugh at his audacious showmanship. The sections on Louis the XIV brought him to life as more than just some old French guy with a cane and a blue cape lined with ermine (the Hyacinthe Rigaud portrait). The proverbs and anecdotes and quotes sprinkled throughout the margins also add another layer of context to the book. I like seeing how these rules are essentially universal to the human experience and they’re found in Aesop and African proverbs and Chinese anecdotes and Shakespeare, etc.I believe everyone ought to read this book, even if you don’t personally like the lessons it contains. Additionally, I recommend getting the hardcover version. For me, this book is one I’ll be proudly adding to my library for re-reading and I like the larger format the hardcover version offers.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Laura QHW –
Great book, beautiful edition of Pretty and perfect for holding hair back while styling.
Great book, beautiful edition of Pretty and perfect for holding hair back while styling. Lots of practical advice!!
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
You wish –
Good book
Helped me get money easy, could prolly start a cult now or somethingSo rich nowGet it if you want to me as cool as me
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Yookow Ampah –
Awesome book
A masterpiece collection of great insights into the approaches to life situations from years before but still relevant today.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Hayden –
Good read
Good read I read it while doing 75hard hand has helped with my mental game.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Ami Gonzalez –
A lot of reading but definitely worth every word
It has become a favorite book, it has unleashed so many secrets I never thought I’d use in this lifetime.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Willie Esco –
Classic book
Classic book. Great read!
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
T. J –
Rekommenderas varmt, underbar Bok, Tack Säljaren o Amazon.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Augusto Assalin –
Â
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Sudhakar kadiyala –
Every one of us secretly desire to hold Power.As human beings we always wish to have our way and expect otherâs to follow us and holding power is the best means in having our way.It instills fear or awe in others,making most of the job easier, and the great feeling of wow! â as nothing can be more stronger or powerful .The 48 laws of Power by Robert Greene is all aboutgaining Power by various means and enjoying its fruits .The laws are defined by taking key points from the ancient past to that of the modern day world, where the laws mentioned are followed by various references to the people who attained power through different means viz fighting wars,ruling ruthlessly,conning successfully,leaving a mark of their own through painting,writing and so on.These references help to understand the laws of gaining power in different ways as well as act as a tip to the readers in guarding against falling prey to scams and tricks.The laws while dwelling deep in to the human nature,brings out various aspects of manipulation,selfishness,deceit,treachery,back stabbing,masking the real intent ,conning,tricking and many more things.These laws act as a tool in understanding the mind games being played in different situations at different places by different people.On hindsight when I look into my past,I personally felt the laws giving me the clarity,much to my satisfaction and perhaps may aid in my future decisions.The stories like that of Arnold and Slack (P158,L21) or Sheriff Richardâs and Lustig (the conman (P74,L9))are not only informative but much fun to read.and laugh.A book that increases your knowledge of power,subtle actions of the people around and their nuanced meaning behind it.Ultimately though the laws reflect individuals personal benefit and even show the âbasic instinctsâ , of humans in seeking power but also enrich the readers with knowledge of power I.e the power to see through the masked faces of others and act .A book that fills the readerâs with admiration and respect for the writer for the enormous amount of information and the profound meaning behind each law. A âmust-readâ, book to be read multiple times to understand the Power. and finally,quoting one of my favourite quote mentioned in the book (L19,pg-138) â âWhen you meet a swordsman.draw your sword.Do not recite poetry to one who is not a poet.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Adargoma Mejias-sanabria –
Initially I was not sure about the book. It provides tips on how to assume control and power. It almost felt like it was an instruction book to become a dictator or a cult leader. However, as I read more of the book, I realised that it was a very informative book on how authorities including presidents, prime ministers, religious leaders, politicians, cult leaders, and wealthy businessmen use these techniques to control and manipulate people. The author is telling you in what it feels like reversed psychology “watch out for these things because you might be under the attack”. I recommend this book if you want to learn how the rules of power are used constructively and destructively.
Helpful(0)Unhelpful(0)You have already voted this
Jessica –
I recommend reading 1 law per day, as there is A Lot to digest, and you need to absorb what your read before going to the next chapter.
Yulissa Martinez de Reyes –
A lot for learn
“The 48 Laws of Power” is an extraordinary read that offers profound insights into human behavior and the dynamics of power. Robert Greene’s writing is both engaging and thought-provoking, presenting each law with historical examples that illustrate their relevance.This book has not only changed my perspective on social interactions but has also equipped me with practical strategies for navigating various situations. The laws are well-structured, making it easy to understand and reflect on their applications in everyday life. Whether you’re looking to enhance your career, improve your relationships, or simply gain a deeper understanding of power dynamics, this book is an invaluable resource. Highly recommended for anyone interested in personal development and strategic thinking!
Polarbear –
I think this is one of those books every thinking person should own.
This is a great book. I’ve been reading it for myself and to my kid. He isn’t necessarily old enough to worry about leading an army, seducing a French noble girl, or pleasing the Emperor of China, but the lessons in this book are worth learning. I fear this book probably gets a bad rap as a cynical, Machiavellian practical manual for being a bad guy, but the lessons in this book do apply to nearly all aspects of your life, even if you find some of the approaches and reasoning objectionable. It’s better to learn these rules from others’ experiences, rather than your own blunders. One thing I love about this book is the historical examples used to justify the rules. The author pulls from all over the world’s cultures to show you how politicians, business men, military commanders, politicians, and royals played the game of power. It helps bring history to life and makes historical figures more approachable. The sections on P.T. Barnum, for instance, made me laugh at his audacious showmanship. The sections on Louis the XIV brought him to life as more than just some old French guy with a cane and a blue cape lined with ermine (the Hyacinthe Rigaud portrait). The proverbs and anecdotes and quotes sprinkled throughout the margins also add another layer of context to the book. I like seeing how these rules are essentially universal to the human experience and they’re found in Aesop and African proverbs and Chinese anecdotes and Shakespeare, etc.I believe everyone ought to read this book, even if you don’t personally like the lessons it contains. Additionally, I recommend getting the hardcover version. For me, this book is one I’ll be proudly adding to my library for re-reading and I like the larger format the hardcover version offers.
Laura QHW –
Great book, beautiful edition of Pretty and perfect for holding hair back while styling.
Great book, beautiful edition of Pretty and perfect for holding hair back while styling. Lots of practical advice!!
You wish –
Good book
Helped me get money easy, could prolly start a cult now or somethingSo rich nowGet it if you want to me as cool as me
Yookow Ampah –
Awesome book
A masterpiece collection of great insights into the approaches to life situations from years before but still relevant today.
Hayden –
Good read
Good read I read it while doing 75hard hand has helped with my mental game.
Ami Gonzalez –
A lot of reading but definitely worth every word
It has become a favorite book, it has unleashed so many secrets I never thought I’d use in this lifetime.
Willie Esco –
Classic book
Classic book. Great read!
T. J –
Rekommenderas varmt, underbar Bok, Tack Säljaren o Amazon.
Augusto Assalin –
Â
Sudhakar kadiyala –
Every one of us secretly desire to hold Power.As human beings we always wish to have our way and expect otherâs to follow us and holding power is the best means in having our way.It instills fear or awe in others,making most of the job easier, and the great feeling of wow! â as nothing can be more stronger or powerful .The 48 laws of Power by Robert Greene is all aboutgaining Power by various means and enjoying its fruits .The laws are defined by taking key points from the ancient past to that of the modern day world, where the laws mentioned are followed by various references to the people who attained power through different means viz fighting wars,ruling ruthlessly,conning successfully,leaving a mark of their own through painting,writing and so on.These references help to understand the laws of gaining power in different ways as well as act as a tip to the readers in guarding against falling prey to scams and tricks.The laws while dwelling deep in to the human nature,brings out various aspects of manipulation,selfishness,deceit,treachery,back stabbing,masking the real intent ,conning,tricking and many more things.These laws act as a tool in understanding the mind games being played in different situations at different places by different people.On hindsight when I look into my past,I personally felt the laws giving me the clarity,much to my satisfaction and perhaps may aid in my future decisions.The stories like that of Arnold and Slack (P158,L21) or Sheriff Richardâs and Lustig (the conman (P74,L9))are not only informative but much fun to read.and laugh.A book that increases your knowledge of power,subtle actions of the people around and their nuanced meaning behind it.Ultimately though the laws reflect individuals personal benefit and even show the âbasic instinctsâ , of humans in seeking power but also enrich the readers with knowledge of power I.e the power to see through the masked faces of others and act .A book that fills the readerâs with admiration and respect for the writer for the enormous amount of information and the profound meaning behind each law. A âmust-readâ, book to be read multiple times to understand the Power. and finally,quoting one of my favourite quote mentioned in the book (L19,pg-138) â âWhen you meet a swordsman.draw your sword.Do not recite poetry to one who is not a poet.
Adargoma Mejias-sanabria –
Initially I was not sure about the book. It provides tips on how to assume control and power. It almost felt like it was an instruction book to become a dictator or a cult leader. However, as I read more of the book, I realised that it was a very informative book on how authorities including presidents, prime ministers, religious leaders, politicians, cult leaders, and wealthy businessmen use these techniques to control and manipulate people. The author is telling you in what it feels like reversed psychology “watch out for these things because you might be under the attack”. I recommend this book if you want to learn how the rules of power are used constructively and destructively.
Jessica –
I recommend reading 1 law per day, as there is A Lot to digest, and you need to absorb what your read before going to the next chapter.