The 48 Laws of Power Paperback – International Edition, November 20, 2000

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.

Before reading The 48 Laws of Power, my approach to navigating the social and professional world was... let's call it "optimistically naive." I figured being nice and hoping for the best was a solid strategy. Then this book landed on my desk, and my brain did a complete 180.Robert Greene doesn't pull any punches. This isn't a feel-good guide to making friends; it's a deep, unflinching look at the dynamics of power throughout history. Distilling centuries of human interaction, strategy, and occasional backstabbing into 48 concise "laws," the book is like getting a crash course in the less-talked-about aspects of human nature.It's filled with fascinating historical anecdotes, from cunning courtiers to ruthless emperors, illustrating each law with vivid examples. While some of the laws might seem Machiavellian at first glance, the value isn't in becoming a villain, but in understanding the game so you can navigate it more effectively and protect yourself.Reading this book felt like gaining a new superpower – the ability to recognize power plays and understand motivations that were previously invisible to me. It's incredibly insightful and, frankly, a little bit thrilling to read about the high-stakes games of the past.If you're ready to move beyond simple pleasantries and understand the deeper currents of influence and strategy, The 48 Laws of Power is an absolutely essential read. It's challenging, sometimes unsettling, but ultimately incredibly empowering. Just be prepared to see the world, and the people in it, a little differently. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be a more strategic player in life.

The book is in perfect condition. I’m looking forward to reading it. It came up in my algorithm and I bought it. I’ll update it after reading!

I used to be a chump. I was tired of living under a rock being underestimated by everyone including my wack job of a parrot. I found this book and gave it a shot and boy oh boy! The knowledge kicked in like a 12 gauge slug that penetrated my frontal lobe. Almost rewriting my whole being and purpose on this land we call “Earth”. I went from being the manipulated—to being the manipulator! My aura went through the roof! L rizz to Best Rizz Master of the yea—CENTURY. I messed with their mental so much I convinced them. I used to be maidenless sleeping alone in the dark regretting life decisions thinking about why the girls would always leave me on read or simply ghost me for no good reason but now, I got a whole ROSTER tryna grip this pipe. Now the roles are reversed! These broads are now the clods of misery. You can utilize these laws for anything I mean ANYTHING. This book is too powerful and needs to require a background check and purchased at your nearest gun store. Trust me…if you use the 48 laws just right. The pick up line “Ditch the wimp and get with a pimp” will work every time. Need a raise?-This’ll help with that. Need a promotion?-well with this piece of literature, you can convince your Boss that he’s just a sack of rubbish garbage and is a one trick pony. You’ll make him believe his new “given” reality is true and he’ll resign on the spot. Thanks Robert Greene…now I can finally fulfill my life to it’s ultimate potential. It’s like—I’m using cheat codes but I’m not, I’m not because now… I’m the one who knocks. I’m…I’m Him.—CHZ🥕19:53 Wednesday January 15 2025