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.
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Popular Highlights in this book
Never take your position for granted and never let any favors you receive go to your head.Highlighted by 31,707 Kindle readers- Never waste valuable time, or mental peace of mind, on the affairs of others—that is too high a price to pay.Highlighted by 25,820 Kindle readers
- When it comes to power, outshining the master is perhaps the worst mistake of all.Highlighted by 24,200 Kindle readers
- Impatience, on the other hand, only makes you look weak. It is a principal impediment to power.Highlighted by 21,524 Kindle readers
From the Publisher
Mastery
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The 48 Laws of Power (Special Power Edition
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Solid Book!
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!
Top reviews from the United States
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- Reviewed in the United States on April 11, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2025
- Reviewed in the United States on May 16, 2025
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!
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Top reviews from other countries
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- Augusto AssalinReviewed in Brazil on May 15, 2025
Cool, but the cover could be better
Augusto AssalinCool, but the cover could be better
Reviewed in Brazil on May 15, 2025
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- Sudhakar kadiyalaReviewed in India on February 24, 2025
A book to be read multiple times.
Every one of us secretly desire to hold Power.As human beings we always wish to have our way and expect other’s to follow us and holding power is the best means in having our way.It instills fear or awe in others,making most of the job easier, and the great feeling of wow! — as nothing can be more stronger or powerful .The 48 laws of Power by Robert Greene is all aboutSudhakar kadiyalaA book to be read multiple times.
Reviewed in India on February 24, 2025
gaining Power by various means and enjoying its fruits .The laws are defined by taking key points from the ancient past to that of the modern day world, where the laws mentioned are followed by various references to the people who attained power through different means viz fighting wars,ruling ruthlessly,conning successfully,leaving a mark of their own through painting,writing and so on.These references help to understand the laws of gaining power in different ways as well as act as a tip to the readers in guarding against falling prey to scams and tricks.The laws while dwelling deep in to the human nature,brings out various aspects of manipulation,selfishness,deceit,treachery,back stabbing,masking the real intent ,conning,tricking and many more things.These laws act as a tool in understanding the mind games being played in different situations at different places by different people.On hindsight when I look into my past,I personally felt the laws giving me the clarity,much to my satisfaction and perhaps may aid in my future decisions.The stories like that of Arnold and Slack (P158,L21) or Sheriff Richard’s and Lustig (the conman (P74,L9))are not only informative but much fun to read.and laugh.
A book that increases your knowledge of power,subtle actions of the people around and their nuanced meaning behind it.Ultimately though the laws reflect individuals personal benefit and even show the ‘basic instincts’ , of humans in seeking power but also enrich the readers with knowledge of power I.e the power to see through the masked faces of others and act .A book that fills the reader’s with admiration and respect for the writer for the enormous amount of information and the profound meaning behind each law. A ‘must-read’, book to be read multiple times to understand the Power. and finally,quoting one of my favourite quote mentioned in the book (L19,pg-138) — “When you meet a swordsman.draw your sword.Do not recite poetry to one who is not a poet.
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- I actually received a different book to the one I ordered. I did make the decision to keep it rather than go through the process of returning itReviewed in Australia on April 12, 2025
Great insightful read
