Today’s featured book under our Book Pages Series is The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene, a recently recommended reading by a very good friend. This bestselling book is for those who want to become more empowered or want to arm themselves against power. The author lists and describes 48 essential laws of power that will leave you nodding your head in agreement, or wondering if these laws are too cunning and ruthless. Regardless, there is something very practical and logical about these laws — making this book a good read.
Here are some of our favorite laws:
Law 10 page 76
INFECTION: AVOID THE UNHAPPY AND THE UNLUCKY
You can die from someone else’s misery –emotional states are as infectious as diseases. You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster. The unfortunate sometimes draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on you. Associate with the happy and the fortunate instead.
Law 16 page 115
USE ABSENCE TO INCREASE RESPECT AND HONOR
Too much circulation makes the price go down: The more you are seen and hear from, the more common you appear. If you are already established in a group, temporary withdrawal from it will make you more talked about, even more admired. You must learn when to leave. Create value through scarcity.
Law 40 page 76
DESPISE THE FREE LUNCH
What is offered for free is dangerous — it usually involves either a trick or a hidden obligation. What has worth is worth paying for. By paying your own way you stay clear of gratitude, guilt, and deceit. It is also often wise to pay the full price — there is no cutting corners with excellence. Be lavish with your money and keep it circulating, for generosity is a sign and a magnet for power.
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He’s been around for awhile. First heard of this book in connection w/the hip-hop community. He has also written “The 33 Strategies of War, “The Art of Seduction,” and, most recently w/50 Cent “The 50th Law.”
His books are not for everybody but still worth reading-at least to understand the minds of people that may not have your best interests at heart.
Jose, thanks for sharing the author’s other books. I had no idea this book was so popular. It might not be for everyone, but I do find it quite interesting. I think that if we read it with an open-mind, it really makes a ton of sense. You can pick and choose what feels right to you — don’t you think?
Thanks for your comment, Jose.
I picked up this book last year, and compared it to Thich Nhat Hanh – The Art of Power.
Each book has a different approach to “power” but more importantly each has their own definition of Power.
If these two authors would meet they would have hours of conversation or would disagree and walk away from one another.
My recommendation: For business Robert Greene; for your daily life then Thich (that is if you can keep your sanity separating the two).
Louis, I wrote this on the FB fan page, but I’ll mention it again here. The person who recommended this book also recommended the Art of Power at the same time. Are these two books usually read or recommended together? I can’t wait to read the other one now! Thanks for joining the conversation here on New Latina!
I came across one by chance…it’d be interesting to see how your friend came across the same – maybe Amazon suggestions?