80 pages • 2 hours read
The 48 Laws Of Power
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Book Brief
463
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a guide on understanding and mastering power dynamics, distilled into 48 self-contained laws. Each law uses historical examples to illustrate strategies for gaining influence and evading pitfalls, often emphasizing manipulation, dissimulation, and strategic planning. The book underscores the importance of reading situations accurately and adapting tactics accordingly.
Informative
Mysterious
Dark
Challenging
Unnerving
Reviews & Readership
259,279 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power has garnered mixed reviews. Admirers laud its strategic insights and practical applications for achieving power. Critics, however, find its advice ethically questionable and overly Machiavellian. Despite divisive opinions, the book remains a compelling read for those intrigued by power dynamics.
Who Should Read The 48 Laws Of Power?
A reader who enjoys The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is likely intrigued by strategic thinking, historical anecdotes, and self-empowerment. Comparable to fans of Sun Tzu's The Art of War and Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, they appreciate practical advice on influence, leadership, and navigating complex social dynamics.
259,279 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Niccolò Machiavelli
Niccolò Machiavelli
An Italian diplomat and philosopher whose work, The Prince, provides foundational ideas on pragmatic and often ruthless power tactics, widely referenced by Greene.
Baldassare Castiglione
Baldassare Castiglione
An Italian courtier and author known for his treatise, The Book of the Courtier, which emphasizes the importance of effortless grace and charm in social and power dynamics.
Louis XIV of France
Louis XIV of France
A French monarch, known as the Sun King, who exemplifies how to magnify power and navigate the dynamics of ruling through strategic decisions and grand presentations.
Elizabeth I of England
Elizabeth I of England
A queen who maintained her power and agency in a patriarchal system by using strategic ambiguity in her personal and political alliances, highlighting a flexible style of leadership.
463
Book • Nonfiction
1990s
1998
Adult
18+ years
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