Palm Springs Law

The 48 Laws of Power

Description

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills three thousand years of the history of power in to forty-eight well explicated laws. As attention--grabbing in its design as it is in its content, this bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other great thinkers. Some laws teach the need for prudence ("Law 1: Never Outshine the Master"), the virtue of stealth ("Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions"), and many demand the total absence of mercy ("Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally"), but like it or not, all have applications in real life. Illustrated through the tactics of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, P. T. Barnum, and other famous figures who have wielded--or been victimized by--power, these laws will fascinate any reader interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.

Reviews

Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-08-29
Summary: "Read 48 Laws for yourself and make an informed decision"

Many of this book's negative reviews seem to focus on its supposed immorality. Reading these reviews can be a bit misleading because they make it seem as if the only types of people who can use these laws are those wishing to deceive and manipulate others. Admittedly, this is somewhat true (you most likely aren't reading a book like this if you aren't looking for a way to influence other people more effectively) however the way a person chooses to apply these laws is really what determines their morality. Even some of the seemingly duplicitous laws are in fact fairly innocuous. Take for instance, taking the credit for other people's work. On the surface, this appears to be rather despicable. But if you've ever read a self-help book or attended a motivational seminar, and then applied the principles you learned, then you have used this law. This in fact, is one of the best aspects of The 48 Laws of Power; at no point does Greene try to tell the reader what's right and wrong...only what works.

Content aside, the book is laid out and reads well. As you would expect each law gets its own chapter. Chapters are broken down into a brief description of each law backed up by historical examples of transgressions and observances concluding with Green's personal thoughts. There are also anecdotal stories and poems in the margins. While the examples of transgressions and observances do a good job of illustrating the point, I found Greene's commentary to be extremely insightful as well. Most chapters can be read in thirty minutes or less which leads me to another positive aspect of this book; you can read a chapter right before you go to bed and literally begin applying it the very next day. Even if you don't apply them you will most certainly notice people following or (more often) breaking them.

As far as the laws' effectiveness I don't have personal experience with them all, though the ones I have applied work great. Many of them are situational. Others aren't always necessary (that is to say, following them will certainly help your cause but ignoring them won't necessarily be detrimental). Still others are indispensable and not following them will at a minimum limit your potential (particularly in the work place). 48 Laws is basically a human psychology book and how you use it is really up to you. In my opinion, if you change even one pattern of behavior as a result of reading it then it was worth the money. And even if you don't, it will at least give you new insight on human interaction.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-08-22
Summary: "The Dark Truth about Power."

This book is heavy on knowledge. In the wrong hands it could easily turn into a dangerous weapon of wisdom. While I admit that most of the authors views and opinions backed by facts initially come off as devious and sinister, I undoubtedly agree with the author. The good in me wants to believe he's wrong, but the human nature in me cannot deny the truth. The physical world we live in is all about opportunity and if you show any weakness in this land of opportunity there's always a snake in the grass close by ready to capitalize. The only sure way not to become prey to those types is to become sly predator yourself. This book provides you with the tools you need to gain power and adapt to almost any situation where there's something you would like to gain.

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-08-14
Summary: "ALWAYS OUTSHINE THE MASTER"

Intellectually stimulating book. As a result I started inscribing 48 laws of intellectual power on my blog.

Dmitry Vostokov
Founder of Management Bits and Tips blog
The author of Resume and CV: As a Book and Salary Figures: A Codebook of Expectations

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Rating: 5 / 5
Date: 2010-08-03
Summary: "This book helped me realize that I was unknowingly trapped in some high-level power games"

I'm lazy, so I'm going to keep this short.

Basically, this book helped me realize I was trapped in a high-level power game and allowed me to get out before I got too invested (more trapped). Definitely a huge wake up call and savior!

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Rating: 3 / 5
Date: 2010-07-24
Summary: "Interesting Book...might reccomend"

Not bad, not spectacular. Much is already simple wisdom from having lived life, or even through intuitive thinking. I like the book, but many who are not open to what is actually being stated, may find it to be harsh...it is not. Look deeper into the intent of the message, and you may find the wisdom helpful for you in business and social situations.