Only two types of people have been and will be attracted to reading this book: those who hope it's about one thing and those who know it's about the other. The former belong to the timid, powerless, low-self esteem majority who are simply looking for the ultimate guide to gaining respect and admiration from their peers. The latter belong to the unscrupulous, dare I say sociopathic ever-growing minority whose end goal is to win at everything against everyone by any means. Once the book has been read and fully digested, one of two conclusions will be reached. The first is a sudden awareness of what a perfectly outstanding tool they hold in their hands and the limitless rewards it can afford them. The second is an absolute disgust and horror at what a dangerous volume this is and the malicious behavior it outright encourages. Interestingly, the timid are no always the ones repulsed and the ruthless are not always the ones aroused. The wave can break either way.

Shortly after this book was published, I happened upon it in a bookstore and knew I had to have it. A blaze of energy electrified my body and pounded through the deepest recesses of my mind. I was on fire, I couldn't put it down and yet I knew I could never share it with anyone, the way a child might hide away their favorite toy. In truth I became obsessed. I had to learn and then master every element of every law and take supreme authority over every aspect of my life. Indeed, this book, The 48 Laws of Power, became my bible, the most passionate conquest I had ever sought to undertake.

Within its pages I met with the reflection of every gruesome bully and every merry manipulator I had ever known. Their power was uncanny and yet so mysterious, mostly because I could never fathom how such apparently absent minds could lay so cool yet strike with such venom. It was awe-inspiring, and I had to come to terms with their secrets. The secrets that earned them respect from their enemies and fear from their admirers. The secrets that won them the most buxom women, who always appeared so entranced by even their rudest and most audacious displays. "How could they get away with everything so smoothly?!" I had wondered. "How could they be so desirable?!" I had thought. "HOW?!"

Well...here is how. It is simple.

Some people are given to a heredity and/or an upbringing that nourishes what is commonly considered 'bad' behavior. Certain genes as well as certain parenting styles perpetuate an attitude of unruliness which leads in its purest variety to utter contempt for anyone else's thoughts, feelings, or needs. Their minds develop without a balanced set of experiences, leading them to logically conclude that the information that they did receive must indeed be correct. This is also applicable to those who suffer violence in their youth, even if that violence is not carried out physically. The fact remains that whatever world with which one is presented is accepted as unmitigated truth. 'Bad' behavior is usually viewed by such a person as normal. Thus selfishness, cruelty, and manipulation are seen as strengths, while compassion, kindness and humility are seen as weaknesses.

Surely there are a bevy of other factors that cannot go without mention. High intelligence, a pleasing appearance, a particular talent, et cetra can all act as lauchpads for immorality if similar virtues in others go unrecognized as being equal. This sense of equality is what it all comes down to, in fact. The very idea of power assumes that another cannot or should not be in a position to where the perspectives of both can be viewed as equally valid. On the one end is the person who is possessed by their own image, on the other is the person who believes that they have no intrinsic worth at all. The two feed off of each other in a sadistic/masochistic symbiotic relationship. The point then comes to bear that a person who believes himself powerful only remains so long as the other believes the same thing. Put two people who both see power as the ultimate attainment and you have the setting for the average business affair. From here, only two things can happen. One will cave, allowing the other to dominate, or neither party will cave, effectively precipitating resentment and rage within both. The former leads to a continuation of the cycle, the latter leads to war.

This book is extremely well-researched and exquisitely written, which is why I still give it three stars. But you must beware of your intentions. Buy this book if you don't care about anyone but yourself, and it pleases you to see another man crumble. Do not buy this book if you have even the slightest interest in saving yourself from years of unnecessary struggle. Remember that the wave does break both ways, and you do not know who you may become if you toss your ethics in the wastebasket. Needless to say, I was the timid one who was sick of being overlooked, but in the end, it was this book that I tossed into the wastebasket. Your call.

I'm pretty into morality but I quite like this book. But If you're not weary of someone who recommends deception (as the author does) you deserve to get suckered. Some of the rhetorical techniques he employs include writing in the style of that wise blind guy who knew everything in Kung fu, it doesn't work at all once you've seen an interview with him. Also putting a number (48) in the title makes it sound very scientific, I'd bet he has no idea if there really are exactly 48 laws of power.

Still I would not say all the laws are immoral or even amoral as the blurb claims. Some, such as not hanging around with people who drag you down and "assuming formlessness" are about self defence not predation. You can pick and choose according to your code of ethics or lack thereof.

It probably should have come with a warning. The philosopher Alfred Whitehead said Machiavellian techniques work well for about 15 years. One of the practical problems with deception is reality does actually exist and cannot be kept at bay forever. When it is revealed it could ruin you or an entire economy (as when vast numbers of people lie to get loans).

Still an interesting book not only for the unscrupulous.

Very smart book. Has some very unique and useful tools. I don't agree with everything but I like the book and I will use some parts. I try to treat people as I would have them treat me....The Golden Rule. But with trouble makers or bad people this book can be very helpful.

Why do you need this power in the first place? Here is a quote from 7 Habits, "Standing near the graves of famous people, we understand all the silly wars in which they fought."

I will not be surprised if this book is used as a required reading in terrorist camps to show the "real Americans". Clearly, it is against democracy, Christianity, and all other values.

Read 7 Habits by Covey instead.

this book is absolutely ridiculous, it was written for the idiot's notion of what they believe power is, and just affirms what the dim witted already suspect; "Use a person until they are no longer valuable to you......" AH HA! says the ignoramus who has just been convinced of the vercity of this childrens book.

Decent book but all the laws aint the greatest. Follow this book and you can get killed.

Many people have found books like these, essentially "how to manipulate people," to be useful in achieving certain goals. However, in my experiences, people that succeed through these techniques almost always seem to grow a void within themselves. One might be able to convince others to the point of submission, but are they really happy? Books like these do not offer advice on life balance and personal relationships. Do people really like you? What do others really think of you and your ideas?

Another point to think about, to take from Stephen Covey: How many on their deathbeds wished they'd spent more time at the office? Even Maslow at the end of his life put the happiness and fulfillment and contributions of his posterity (self-transcendence) at the top of his famous "hierarchy." What kind of overall life balance will manipulation techniques bring you?

Take into consideration another alternative: Covey's The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. This book gives ideas on how to look at the world and yourself, and gives basis for a lifelong challenge in personal change. Practicing these habits can give you the "manipulation" you want through building genuine relationships all while being able to sleep at night knowing that you have real friends, self worth, and above all, a positive life balance.

I cringe. Is there really a craze behind this deceptively inspirational book? People, people, people - WAKE UP!! This book clearly needs to be titled "The Art of Manipulation" or maybe "How to Be a Robot" oh, I got it, "No, I will NOT Work Hard, Treat Others Right, or Be Honest!" The author did this one thing - dusted off the dictionary to teach those on the quest for power (I'll get into that in a second) how to be lazy, mindless manipulators who operate without any integrity. This book;s "laws" (ha! Is that what they are supposed to be?) contradict themselves. If in fact this is how corporate America's finest have achived their "success", then NO WONDER we have infamous cases like Enron, etc. Surely, people who live by these idiotic statements of immorality, oops, I mean "laws" will reap what they sow. THIS is what our society offers us and we gobble it up like it was the hidden golden treasure. What??!! This book covers itself up to be promoted toward the power-seeker, THEN when you get inside, it slowly and cunningly advises you how to be an easy-street-seeker.
Power-hungry folks are no different than someone with a Napolean complex. Trying to compensate for who you really aren't. BUT there's Hope!!
Work hard. Treat people fairly. Live an honest life. Then, people will SEE your example, respect you and others will want to "pour out blessings unto your bosom"!! Even if they don't you can sleep at night. Be on guard for people trying to set you up for a life that will most certainly backfire. You deserve so much more than that. God bless YOU!

If you watch TV news and movies and believe the Forrest Gump morality out there, that "people will be good to you if you're good to them" or that
"if you can't trust your friends, whom can you trust?", then you need
to read this book and wake up and smell the coffee. Tired of the self-help books telling you that all you need to do to get ahead is just be a better,
bigger person? Garbage, right? After all, you know the types that get promoted are just obsequious backstabbers, right? You are right. Power
is a game, and they are playing it, while you sit there hoping the world will get right with your "morality", the same morality, by the way, which we often hear from the lips of the disenfranchised? Coincidence? No. It's because when people refuse to play the power game, they will only be isolated and victimized by it. If you're relying on your friends, others' good will and your sense of justice and morality to get by in life, then you had best buy this book, because it will teach you the errors of your ways. Even if you don't want to be "powerful" but simply wish to protect yourself, you need to read this. Otherwise, you'll be wondering (like I did) how come the world is not recognizing my achievements, my due merits, or why do bad things happen to good people?
This book is THE modern Machiavelli primer on power. Read it and understand how the world really works.

This book distills the essence of power and also gives the reader concrete ways to augment their presence in a world hungry for power.

Nutshell review - a long winded book about how to (purportedly) gain power over others (and hence how they may gain power over you). All the laws could have been described in a few pages but are stretched over almost 500 pages with examples taken from history (nice if you like lots of stories). Negative view of people based on the assumption that all anyone wants is power.

It's just too dark. He should have titled it "48 despicable ways of gaining power". I mean, there are all kinds of virtuous or morally neutral ways of gaining power, but Greene relishes the ruthless and cutthroat. It's for this reason alone that the book doesn't deliver on its promise: If you lived these laws like a master, you'd lose all your friends, and gain so many enemies you'd die young and have people cheering and dancing on your grave. That's not a path to long-term power.

However, the book is really interesting to read. I loved reading all the historical examples of power-plays. The only flaw with this is that his source-material for history is pretty limited. It's like he studied just five different historical subjects and draws all his laws just from those five. Still, all these examples were very interesting and instructive. Although I liked it, I think it made me irreparably more cynical. That's good in some senses, but has been bad in others.

Robert Greene is great at giving examples and historical stories on his topics great book.

From "Never Outshine the Master" to "Formlessness",
48 chapters or rules of group dynamics, relationships dynamics,
or sometimes called politics.

Ideally, use the Bible as your guidebook for living. When,
and not 'if', that's not possible, you might want to use this
book. It teaches you to face reality.

Lessons learnt (including inspirations from the book):
1. Never have overly radical changes too suddenly. Cloak
it and make it appear the same. Even if you are right, people
can't take it psychologically.
2. Have a respect for the old system.
3. Don't depend on luck or momentum. Depend on wisdom
and strategy. It's better to have bad luck. It makes you not
depend on it.
4. There're few absolute truths.
5. Look at the results. Who's the beneficiary? Person is likely
the culprit.
6. Isolation is the worst form of powerlessness.
7. Don't cast pearls before swines.
8. Try to be all things to all people.
9.In rome, do as the Romans do. Don't try to stand out
too early. Conceal your real unorthodox 'truths' or ideas.
10. Don't say too much.
11. Honesty is a fool's game.
12. Truth is ugly. People don't like to hear it.
13. Learn to use indirection.
14. It's ot just about what you reveal. It's also about what
you conceal. Concealment give aura.

From "Never Outshine the Master" to "Formlessness",
chapters or rules of group dynamics, relationships dynamics,
or sometimes called politics.

Ideally, use the Bible as your guidebook for living. When,
and not 'if', that's not possible, you might want to use this
book. It teaches you to face reality.

From the Author of: One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel


This book has many great historical oddities that relate to everyday life. Who did what, when and more importantly, why. It's a book of wisdom, but I must say, I really hated the red ink on some of the stories - that part (on every page) made it tedious reading.

This is a fantastic reference, a book you'll want to turn to many times over the years. Worth reading through once just to get a feel for the many examples and analyses, then you can grab it as necessary when facing a problem or issue that might be resolved by changing the power dynamic between you and others.

I won't say I agree with every single specific law and application. I will say that this is an excellent work worthy of your time and study.

One Day She'll Darken: The Mysterious Beginnings of Fauna Hodel


This book has many great historical oddities that relate to everyday life. Who did what, when and more importantly, why. It's a book of wisdom, but I must say, I really hated the red ink on some of the stories - that part (on every page) made it tedious reading.

When I were in high scool I used too alwayse get picked on buy other kids and I new that one day I would be powerfull. People made fun of me working at McDonalds at first but then something happended. I found this AWESOME book! now i have the last laff. One kid even bumped into me the other day and asked me for some money and I said your not powerful and spit in his face. i got beat up but felt better later on that week. my mom didnt buy me a GI Joe aircraft carrier when I was yong so I slashed all her tires and disconnekted the ocygen bottle just to show her who has the power now! I even make my cowworkers look really bad at work by doing small things to make them mess up and makes me look better. Thanks to the athor of this book. Finally a book that i can understand AND it makes sense to me also! I feel like i am the powerfullest man in the world and I no that I am everyday when i put on my brown uniform and look into the mirrer and tell myself that i am better than god and that he kooldnt ever sweep the floors at mcdonals like better than I can sweep the floors!

This book is being used by all the wrong people.this is like a bible for some gangs in prison.They are using it to get over on staff, and there own family.most people dont know what hit them untill its to late.The 48 Laws of Power

This book is a must-read for anyone who wants to live an independent life. You will encounter the challenges Greene writes about, and this book offers useful strategies for overcoming them.

I know Greene's thinking is sound because I've tested it. With no business or technical education, I managed to increase my income 400% in just a few years. With my own money and leverage, I bought a house in the most expensive city [housing-wise] in America.

Maybe your ambitions are different. Whatever you want, you won't get it without planning. All along the way, you must deal with people. You must get around or through them. This book is a great help. It is a masterpiece. I can't recommend it too strongly. I've read it through twice, listened to it on CDs and dipped deeply into Greene's bibliography. Read this book, you will never regret it.

Just what is power? I believe that through the amoral approach demonstrated in the 48 Laws of Power, Greene has gotten much closer to this answer and at the same time, gotten around many of the issues that plague discussions of power. This does not mean that ethics is not important when handling power, but rather, that power is morally neutral and is a tool that one can utilize within their own ethical systems. Everybody from the subjectivist to the altruistic individual can make use of power as it is defined in this text.

While some may become disgusted at the ammorality and the examples that often show a "low brow" use of power, this does not take away from the value of this book, and in fact probably adds to it by showing how power can be used to harm others; someone could probably even apply Law 7 (which in part refers to using the wisdom of others) in order to create examples that show positive uses of power.

Overall, I would recommend this book for anybody, but especially those studying Leadership and/or Politics.

I am an attorney in a large law firm in a large metropolitan area. I bought the book in 1999 and have returned to it often. I was very skeptical of its ideas at first. However, as my career has progressed, I have witnessed that ALL of the 'laws' contained in the book are practiced regularly by my superiors and peers. Does that mean that they are all reading and using the book? No. It just means that Greene has keenly distilled human nature as it relates to the practice of 'power.' I can't say that I've used the book in a proactive way. But I have used the book with great effect in a DEFENSIVE way. Familiarity with the laws have given me a 'third eye' with which to blunt and repel ill-actions in the workplace. That in itself is a GREAT reason to own and read and consult this book. And it is also a moral reason to do so. Power is power. It is practiced at all levels of society. It is human nature. Decry the methods, if you will--but ignore the reality of their existence at your peril. Get the book. Read it. Then use it as a shield in your climb up the ladder.

Also recommended: Thick Face, Black Heart, by Chin Ning Chu

One of those those "Infamous" books.Robert Greene has challenged the world
with this.The so called good people may pretend they dont like it.

But this is a must read for everyone in these modern days to get things done and to protect themselves from getting cheated.

The timespan this book scans and the works the author has gone through are unbelievable.From Arthashatra to bible , from B.C to A.C ......

If you dont have time to read this big volume ,at least DO read the concise edition of the same .

This book is past tense. People who still think like this are making the news everyday, and not as "the good guys." I didn't want to give it any star at all ... maybe the sign of the cross.

This everyday guide to survival instantly became my hands-down favorite book of all time!! Pushing"The Unseen Hand"out of the top spot(that it held for over five years)as my prime reading delicacy!!I've personally used(to great effect)a few of these laws,on my former job(which greatly resembled the courtier conditions oft-discussed in this book!! "Never Outshine the Master"was,THE most important Law to implement in the Firehouse!!Law 2(Never put too much trust in Friends,Learn how to use Enemies)is one of my favorite Laws as well as one of the truest.The little passages written in red on the fringes of the pages are great!!The passage about about picking up a bee out of kindness,and the LIMITATIONS of kindness,presents a priceless lesson,to those with a decent amount of understanding,and the African folktale of"The Snake The Farmer and The Heron"rings so very true to me when I consider the MULTITUDE of favors,I did(when I was able)for the very same leeching"friends"who wont lift a finger,to assist me in MY need!! As a frequent target of envy and jealousy,Law 46:("Never Appear Too Perfect")is the most interesting chapter,as far as my life experiences go...This chapter contains a lot of PROFOUND snippets concerning the bane of my very existence:ENVY Envy is(profoundly)defined by one philosopher as:"unhappy ADMIRATION" and this great quote:"Envy is the"tax"which all(people of)distinction must pay" "Envy creates"SILENT"enemies" "Of all the disorders of the soul,envy is the ONLY one no one confesses to" "Lord protect me from my(envious)friends,I can handle my enemies" I can now clearly see,where I transgressed Law 46 resulting in rancorous feelings towards me,from friends,older brothers etc..Had I discovered this book a couple of decades earlier,I would've been spared a lot of ill-will from those who I(foolishly)believed had my best interest in mind!! This is a wonderful book,that can help(intelligent)individuals through this("cut-throat")world we currently live in!!EVERYBODY,should own a copy of this book..Even if a(corpulent)jealous-hearted sibling steals it from you,do like I did,and purchase another one!!

This everyday guide to survival instantly became my hands-down favorite book of all time!! Pushing"The Unseen Hand"out of the top spot that it held for over five years!!I've personally used(to great effect)a few of these laws,on my former job(which greatly resembled the courtier conditions oft-discussed in this book!! "Never Outshine the Master"was,THE most important Law to implement in the Firehouse!!Law 2(Never put too much trust in Friends,Learn how to use Enemies)is one of my favorite Laws as well as one of the truest.The little passages written in red on the fringes of the pages are great!!The passage about about picking up a bee out of kindness,and the LIMITATIONS of kindness,presents a priceless lesson,to those with a decent amount of understanding,and the African folktale of"The Snake The Farmer and The Heron"rings so very true to me when I consider the MULTITUDE of favors,I did(when I was able)for the very same leeching"friends"who wont lift a finger,to assist me in MY need!! As a frequent target of envy and jealousy,Law 46:("Never Appear Too Perfect")is the most interesting chapter,as far as my life experiences go...This chapter contains a lot of PROFOUND snippets concerning the bane of my very existence:ENVY "Envy is(profoundly)defined by one philosopher as:"unhappy ADMIRATION" and this great quote:"Envy is the"tax"which all(people of)distinction must pay" "Envy creates"SILENT"enemies" "Of all the disorders of the soul,envy is the ONLY one no one confesses to" "Lord protect me from my(envious)friends,I can handle my enemies" I can now clearly see,where I transgressed Law 46 resulting in rancorous feelings towards me,from friends,older brothers etc..Had I discovered this book a couple of decades earlier,I would've been spared a lot of ill-will from those who I(foolishly)believed had my best interest in mind!! This is a wonderful book,that can help(intelligent)individuals through this("cut-throat")world we currently live in!!EVERYBODY,should own a copy of this book..Even if a(corpulent)jealous-hearted sibling steals it from you,do like I did,and purchase another one!!

This everyday guide to survival instantly became my hands-down favorite book of all time!! Pushing"The Unseen Hand"out of the top spot that it held for over five years!!I've personally used(to great effect)a few of these laws,on my former job(which greatly resembled the courtier conditions oft-discussed in this book!! "Never Outshine the Master"was,THE most important Law to implement in the Firehouse!!As a frequent target of envy and jealousy,the chapter:"Never Appear Too Perfect"is the most interesting chapter,as far as my life experiences go...This chapter contains a lot of PROFOUND snippets concerning the bane of my existence:ENVY "Envy is(profoundly)defined by one philosopher as:"unhappy ADMIRATION" and this great quote:"Envy is the"tax"which all(people of)distinction must pay" "Envy creates"SILENT"enemies" "Of all the disorders of the soul,envy is the ONLY one no one confesses to" "Lord protect me from my(envious)friends,I can handle my enemies" I can now clearly see,where I transgressed the law that resulted in rancorous feelings towards me,from friends,older brothers etc..Had I discovered this book a couple of decades earlier,I would've been spared a lot of ill-will from those who I(foolishly)believed had my best interest in mind!! This is a wonderful book,that can help(intelligent)individuals through this("cut-throat")world we currently live in!!EVERYBODY,should own a copy of this book!!

Very Powerful Book!!! if your not open-minded, part of a religious group that doesn't allow you to think INDEPENDETLY. DON'T TOUCH THIS BOOK! the content in it is Rated R, when put into practice. once you start reading it, the book becomes a dangerous family member!! beware!!

This book is a comprehensive guide to interpersonal relations. There isn't anything available that will more completely prepare young people for the adult world. it's a cold cruel world and forewarned is forearmed.

most parents want to shield their precious from the dark side. do your children a big favor and recommend this so they're prepared.

its a great read
sent in excellent condition
and arrived very quickly

I picked this book up for $1, proof that there is no correlation between cost and value.

This would be the book that Machievelli would have written, had he courted the Aristocracy of his times, rather than attempting to ingratiate the Prince.

The author gives a hint to his motivations for this composition when he states in his acknowledgments:

"Finally, to those people in my life who have so skillfully used the game of power to manipulate, torture and cause me pain over the years, I bear you no grudges and I thank you for supplying me with the inspiration for the 48 Laws of Power."

This book is cathartic. But before diving deeper, a reader should be prepared to entertain the following ideas:

1. A Human being is no more than a sophisticated animal with self-interest as the primary motivator
2. Everyone wants more power, not less
3. Be true to yourself first and foremost, don't be a sucker
4. Power is a game and the better you play, the better your life will be
5. Power is essentially amoral and one of the most important skills to acquire is the ability to see circumstances rather than good or evil
6. To triumph, it is necessary alternate between being both cunning and formless
7. Beyond linear dualities of good and evil, there is a third dimension, the strategists' mind
8. The indirect path, that of influence is more effective and the use of it is an art

If you can live with the above, the 48 laws of power serves as a handbook on the arts of indirection.

This book argues that by mastering ones emotions, understanding the people involved and the fundamental dynamics of interrelationships within society determine the extent of ones accomplishments. Power is ultimately an artificial construct, given legitimacy by the people who participate in the game.

We need power to survive in a competitive world that is constantly seeking to recruit us into the ambitions of others. We can drain our lives in the fulfillment of others, or best use our given life, energy and talents at our own discretion. Implicit to this design is the belief that society defaults a role to you, whether or not that role reflects your beliefs and understanding about yourself. A choice then has to be made on your part to accept such a role or to resist whether in an active or passive way. In the latter sense, one will turn upon themselves. It is better then to assert some degree of control by exercising influence and demonstrating an identity that is consistent with the person whom we feel ourselves to be, in other words, to actualize ones' self. Although this end state transcends any particular identification, characterization or ego, the path to it requires a struggle and this book is about the methods and devices used by successful participants. The good news is, the struggle can be worthwhile, rewarding and the unexpected consequences enlightening.

The perfect archetypical master of the laws of power is the Courtier, who possesses more than anything, a talent to influence. Cognizant of how he is perceived at all times in a socially competitive world, the Courtier is ever vigilant to monitor his own effect, ever mindful of the elusiveness of power. I believe that this is what the author means by the Courtiers mirror.

The core realization is that more than anything, human beings are the most social of animals, so it goes without saying that the most socially adapted animal attains the best that life has to offer. Human beings also possess Consciousness to such a heightened degree, that they can deliberately break and follow a path in defiance to their instincts and conditioned or learned behaviors, unlike animals.

In a paradoxical way, learning to play the game of power teaches virtues of mindfulness, patience and mastering ones ego. In this sense, the book permits another legitimate path to the completion of ones life without blindly accepting a given religion.

Well written, argued and referenced, it is abundantly clear how the author reaches his conclusions. It is highly accessible and well digested for the reader. There is a great deal of truth to the idea that a book serves as a mirror for the reader and I am hard pressed to argue against the wisdom contained in this manual. There is great peace of mind to be had from accepting fundamental truths.

Some would read this book and walk away with the impression that this is a "how to" on manipulation. Beware of such people, as their delusions make them a danger to themselves and anyone who places trust in them. You need not become a con artist to derive benefit from what is contained here. The laws of cause and effect and the aphorism of "Know thyself" are embedded as living proof, ignore them to your peril.

I find the subject matter that Mr. Greene writes about to be interesting, but I found it also to be more "highbrow" than necessary at times. His strategies are solid (they're basic manipulation techniques), but I think more modern references outside of the European courts of the 17th and 18th century might make the book a bit more digestable for most. However, I must give the author credit for not dumbing down the subject matter so much that ANYONE could understand it.

Needless to say though, with a little bit of interest in history this book is an easy read. Wouldn't use it as a guide for living, but at least you can spot these strategies in others when they arise.

This book is really good. On top of all the business/power learnings it brings great tales and historical facts, which makes the reading pleasant and interesting.
If you follow all the laws in this book, you will be a really powerful person, but forget about having friends. The laws are though to follow and come with a price.

This is a philosophy and a truth that most people have lost or do not even consider important.

Thank you, Robert Greene.

This book is really good. On top of all the business/power learnings it brings great tales and historical facts, which makes the reading pleasant and interesting.
If you follow all the laws in this book, you will be a really powerful person, but forget about having friends. The laws are though to follow and come with a price.

With all the distractions available today, time has become an increasingly valuable commodity. How many of us that might be inclined to study the classics find that after work, school, family & social obligations, a dusty copy of Aeschylus composed in ancient prose is simply not a very pleasant way to relax? Hey, it takes 4 years of intensive, full time study to get through the 100 great books on the St. Johns College reading list. Which would you rather do, go see a ball game, or get started on 1500 pages of Tolstoy? Does that mean the layman is not deserving of, entitled to, or could not benefit from the collective wisdom of the human species? Of course not.

What we've got here is a concentration, and condensation of the principles for success. Predicated on the fact that we must live in an organized society, and that the rules for social interaction can be studied, documented and learned, much of our success will be based on the ability to interact with others. And that's exactly what this book is all about.

Most of the best philosophy in its original composition is (almost) impenetrably inaccessible. Pick up a copy of "Beyond Good and Evil" and it's easy to understand why ole' Freddie had a reputation for being a miserable prick. It's pompous, haughty, deliberately verbose and self-consciously ostentatious. However, his work was radically revolutionary, and something everyone should be exposed to. He might have had some good stuff to say, but if 90% of the time is spent showing off (my my Freddie, aren't you so erudite and articulate), people will get annoyed, stop reading, and that's counter-productive.

There is nothing original about the content of 48 Laws, what is original is the delivery. Robert Greene has applied his study of the classics, and repackaged it in a form palatable to the modern reader. Anybody can go out in the field, thresh, harvest, mill and then eat your oats raw, or you can pull this one off the shelf, and unwrap a granola bar.

Strongly recommended to everyone EXCEPT pretentious philosophy/classics majors.

Do you think that you are not getting the credit for your work? Did you ever feel left out in discussions or meetings? Do you find it hard to create dependency? Were you curious how some of your colleagues move up in the ladder fast? Well, this book is just for you.

The author clearly defines the "48 laws" that can help you in gaining power. The author not only talks about situations where you can apply these 'techniques' but also warns you of situations where you shouldn't. The references from history was kind of too much and was going above my head.

These techniques will serve as an armor, if your work environment expects you to play politics. If you don't play them right, some of these ploys may also bring you down from power.

This material is a good source of techniques to be aware of. It will help especially when people try to play these tricks on you.

Book is built on anecdotes, that is the best part. Tons of stories about people and their mistakes in life and successes. Enjoyable read. The psychological background of the author comes through.

This book was interesting, but alot of the concepts in this book, I already practice. Much of this information is common sense, some is quite shady, but it's a good book for someone who is vulnerable, or naive to how others may try to manipulate them.

"48 Rules of Power" is supposed to teach you to be the most successful person you can be, but even with the book's bestseller status, I doubt it's influenced many truly successful people. Do you think Bill Gates read this? Do you think most people in actual positions of power are there because they took Greene's advice to heart? I doubt it. Google "Look at my Striped Shirt!" THAT guy thinks this is reality. You know that one manager nobody likes, the guy who has his remaining hair spiked up, drives a four year old Lexus and takes himself way too seriously? He probably owns a substantially dog-eared copy of this book.


What upsets me most about this book isn't its detatched, inhuman outlook on life. This brand of sociopathic sage advice has been around forever. What I found most abhorrent was how petty and often unscrupulous a lot of these behaviours are-- audacious in their blinding cowardice.

Law 26: "Maintain such a spotless appearance by using others as scapegoats"
Law 14: "Pose as a Friend, Work as a Spy"
Law 22: "When you are weaker, never fight for honor's sake; choose surrender instead. Surrender gives you time to recover, time to torment and irritate your conqueror, time to wait for his power to wane."

"Well, it's not pretty but it's life." It's not, though!-- a lot of people think that if something they hear or read ispires a total loss of faith in mankind, it must be true. It doesn't have to be.

The kind of people who take advice like this are the kind of people who think that the ability to occasionally fail is some kind of genetic disorder, or it means something's wrong with them. They might want to believe that they are "blessed," or that they're meant to have great things in life simply by virture of their own awesomeness. They have the most vile opinions of the human race, and are terrified of being just another one of the "losers." A person like this consistently sets unrealistic goals for himself, even if it means living in a constant state of desperation in order to meet them. The kind of man who follows these "laws" (only men are like this) has been "gifted" with an endless capacity for fear and probably a perpetual oedipus complex. What a life it must be!

Speaking of wierd unresolved family things, I made particular note of this charming little tidbit from law 41: "Slay the overbearing father, disparage his legacy..." He writes "slay the overbearing father" like it's some old expression, like all fathers are overbearing and must be "slain." This is just one example of the book being more revealing of the mindset it represents not in the laws, but the way they're described. Under Law 47, "In Victory, Learn when to Stop": "by going too far, you make more enemies than you defeat." Victory ALWAYS lies in defeating enemies. The definition of "Power," in Greene's mind, is not being respected or looked up to; "power" means making yourself feel better by winning every silly imaginary battle you possibly can. Or how about law 28, "Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid." What is this guy's definition of "admire?" When people stop talking to him, is that when he thinks he's admired?

Here's the thing. Anyone can be "powerful," I guess, if they follow the rules laid out in this book. In fact, most of us know this already, we know because we've had bosses or been in another suboordinate relationship with somebody on an absurd power trip, and we've simply chosen not to behave that way (John Lennon in "Working Class Hero": "there's room at the top, they're telling you still/but first you must learn how to smile as you kill"). This guy thinks that, given the opportunity, everyone would be exactly like him. Most of us are fine settling for what we have; we would rather do things like-- I don't know-- have friends, maybe occasionally feel loved. Most people who share Mr. Greene's outlook don't have any kind of human interaction unless it's with someone equally despicable, and their relationships will only serve to inspire more observations like the ones in this book.


Finally, if I may turn your attention to Rule 33: "Discover Each Man's Thumbscrew."

"Everyone has a weakness, a gap in the castle wall. That weakness is usually an insecurity, an uncontrollable emotion or need..."

I guess this one works. You bought the book, right? Congratulations, a-hole. You're Robert Greene's latest "victim."

This book is amazing. He illustrates power as it is machinated at the highest levels. Its not always pretty but would you not rather know the truth? Our own self interest distorts even the behavior of the saintly. And I felt I must know.

This book would be better titled "How To Spot a Manipulator" or "Understanding Creepy People" or possibly "How To Get Fired in a Hurry". The historical stories are interesting, but the author must have had a horrible childhood to have grown up to be this creepy. All I can say is, keep this guy away from children!

My advice to the potential buyer is to pick up a copy of Dale Carnegie's "How to Win Friends & Influence People" How to Win Friends & Influence People. That book will teach you how to get ahead in the business world and how to be a genuinely likeable person as well. From what I can tell so far, the only thing you're going get out of the power trip book is glimpse at the world through the eyes of a deeply disturbed individual. If you're a manager, like me, it might help you better understand the behavior of these types of people, but it's certainly not a guide to how to get ahead in the business world. It's exactly the opposite. If you try to manipulate people the way this author suggests, you're going to be hated and eventually you're going to be fired. It's that simple.

The audio edition is the one being reviewed here. If I'd had read this book just a week or two earlier I'd still have my job. Although I hated the job, and planed to move on in a couple of months when I was to start back to grad school. But I let this guy get to me and violated many of the Laws spoken of in the first few chapters of the book. Everyone in a work environment where there are other people to deal with, needs this book.

I just happened upon this book at a relative's house. Could not put it down once I started reading. Now I am excited to have my own copy! This book could have possibly saved me years of trouble, trying to figure certain people out (or avoid being their next victim). Reveals most things we don't normally notice about human nature, in a practical format. The theory is great, application would be a challenge, but great information to have nonetheless even if you are just a good observer. I am still letting it all sink in... This is a wonderful, eye-opening read that I am SO glad I found. You just don't typically learn this in a book, and the author has done a wonderful job. But please, only use your power for good things :)

A must have to understand the principles that can lead to greater achievements. I recommend this book to any one seeking a guide to success.

I must agree with the previous comments. Despite the very delicate cover and layout the book lacks substance.

The worst thing about this book is that it makes me sick after a while. I can hear the little voice inside me saying, that I don't want to be a part of the world it projects.

1) I don't think that people get happy by persuing power for it's own sake.

2) You CAN achieve your goals without hurting or taking advantage of others.

Eventually, these "laws" will make you a very sad and lonely person. You cannot deceive the world forever. Without being too religious: You might win the world for a while, but lose your soul very quickly.

Buy the audio book instead. This book is pure entertainment. I am speaking strictly on the audiobook version which is a verbatim reading of the text in the book. The narrator, Don Leslie, reads the text to the listener like you are a king and he is your advisor. The reading is highly dramatic and very theatric which leads to several outbursts of laughter. (Especially when chapter titles such as "CRUSH YOUR ENEMY TOTALLY" are read aloud).

Being a moral person i can't follow many of the laws listed in this book, but in the very least this book should be read casually and not seriously. I've noticed this book filed in the business bookshelves in several major book stores which is a scary thought. However, This is an admittedly hard book to classify and define. Part historical journey, part self improvement, part inadvertently hilarious book. Again, if you're gonna buy this, buy the audiobook version even if its more expensive. It has also made me a fan of the narrator of the audiobook. I've already ordered some other audiobooks that he has narrated for.

It's a bit sad that this book has been adopted by the 'hip hop' community as a sort of manifesto for rappers, it certainly explains why hip hop culture is rife with violence, backstabbing, and murder.

There is good advice in this book, be selective of which laws you choose to follow. I can't imagine the person who employs all the advice offered in this book. A fun read, just do not take it 100% seriously.

Buy the audio book instead. This book is pure entertainment. I am speaking strictly on the audiobook version which is a verbatim reading of the text in the book. The narrator, Don Leslie, reads the text like he is reading from the necronomicon. The reading is highly dramatic and very theatric which leads to several outbursts of laughter. (Especially when chapter titles such as "CRUSH YOUR ENEMY TOTALLY" are read outloud).

Being a moral person i can't follow many of the laws listed in this book, but in the very least this book should be read casually and not seriously. I've noticed this book filed in the business bookshelves in several major book stores which is a scary thought. However, This is an admittedly hard book to classify and define. Part historical journey, part self improvement, part inadvertently hilarious book. Again, if you're gonna buy this, buy the audiobook version even if its more expensive. It has also made me a fan of the narrator of the audiobook. I've already ordered some other audiobooks that he has narrated for.

It's a bit sad that this book has been adopted by the 'hip hop' community as a sort of manifesto for rappers, it certainly explains why hip hop culture is rife with violence, backstabbing, and murder.

There is good advice in this book, be selective of which laws you choose to follow. I can't imagine the person who employs all the advice offered in this book. A fun read, just do not take it 100% seriously.

We as people are fickle. The books gives laws backed up with stories to prove the point of the law. It's not always pretty but human nature has always been full of twisted plots and backstabbing greedy souls. This book is for the reader searching for power as well as the person wanting to know more about human behavior. Not all movies end with a happy ending and this book proves it otherwise. This is how life is.