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The 48 Laws of Power
Book

The 48 Laws of Power

Robert Greene
Joost Elffers Books, 1998
First Edition: 1988

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Editorial Rating

10

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

This book is amoral, hauntingly true and indispensable. It should be on the bookshelf of anyone who aspires to any level of success in any organization or profession. It should not gather dust but should be read regularly, according to a plan - one law a day, for example, absorbed slowly and contemplated deeply. Author Robert Greene draws on a rich variety of sources including books so threatening that they were banned by the ancient Chinese. He cites the memoirs of Machiavelli, various con men and many others who swept aside what ought to be in order to focus on what is. It might seem that anyone who follows all of these laws in their rich, narrative detail will turn out to be a very unpleasant person. That’s probably not true. getAbstract suspects, in contrast, that the person who masters the laws of power will be extremely pleasant, with winning ways and a knack for likeability, yet awe-inspiring and in control - though not always obviously so. Doesn’t that sound tempting?

Take-Aways

  • Always look good, always be stylish.
  • Never trust anyone - enemies are more reliable than friends.
  • Make everything seem easy.

About the Author

Robert Greene has a degree in classical studies and has been an editor at Esquire and other magazines.

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    M. B. 4 years ago
    There is a huge error in Law 9, an error that states the law as totally opposite than it actually is. Lol <br> <br>Quote from the actual book: <br>“Demonstrate, do not explicate” <br> <br>But this summary says to NOT demonstrate. What you meant to write was do not argue, but DO demonstrate.
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      3 years ago
      Corrected, thank you.
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    B. W. 6 years ago
    I read the book last year and used the abstract as a review. Such great material. Please note you are doing yourself a HUGE disservice by not reading the actual book. Robert Greene is a genius and the book really gives meaning and applicability to the laws.
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      6 years ago
      Thanks very much for your comment. Often our summaries do exactly as you suggest: help people select which books they want to read in their entirety. Erica Rauzin, senior managing editor, getAbstract
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    M. H. 1 decade ago
    A must have addition to anyones personal library