Robert Greene – The 48 Laws of Power, book review

In a nutshell (452 pages), this is not, as it is often accused, a playbook on how to be evil. This is a ruthlessly honest book about 48 ‘laws’ to get things done and be effective. Examples are taken from good, great and evil people, and the lessons from what these real people actually did and what it all means. Every chapter is also complete with a ‘reversal’ where Greene explains what eventually, or inevitably, will happen to you if you use the tactics and strategies for only personal gain, or for “bad” purposes.

What I got out of it

In quite a few of the stories I could see in myself some of the mistakes that I’ve made, as well as opportunities I’ve missed out on. Because I have no intention of swindling or abusing anyone I took lessons like, for example, “never outshine your master’ to learn the value of humility. Not to hoodwink (lie and scheme) bosses or mentors into giving me more. Largely, I got great lessons about what to watch out for, as well as how to be more effective at work, at home, and in the world generally.

What was difficult

The book is well written and easy to read, but there are so many lessons that time is needed to digest it all. Also, although I think it’s hard to argue what Greene teaches, it’s often uncomfortable. A little time to digest, and maybe debate, what you read is probably a good idea.

Recommendation

If you are at all interested, you won’t be disappointed. So definitely read this book. If you are repulsed and you think that people like Machiavelli are evil, definitely read this book. I believe that if you give some of the ‘bad’ people Greene writes about are actually anything but (for example, Machiavelli), and at the same time just how underhanded the average person can be.