This is the tome that Robert Greene is best known for and, as such, it’s also the one with the most polarized comments. I can generally learn the “moral axis” of someone based on their reactions to reading the titles of the 48 Laws. If you were to simply read the titles, and enact those in your life with no additional context, it would be fair to say that you would be behaving indistinguishably from a psychopath. Just remember, though, that the book isn’t the 48 Laws of Leading People to Love, Respect, and Want to be Your Friend, it’s the 48 Laws of Power. Many of the most powerful people in the history of our species were morally reprehensible.
Regardless of your feelings about these Laws, it is in your best interests to be aware of them, especially if you run in large circles of people because at least some of these are being used against you already. It’s also likely that you’re consciously or subconsciously using some of them as well. Being ignorant of Laws users’ tactics is a mistake. Remember that being fore-warned is being fore-armed.
Whenever you decide to dip into the Laws, no matter what medium you choose, don’t try to plow through the content. Consume two to four laws, walk away from the material, and let the ideas marinate. This is not the kind of material that you’ll want to binge. If you do, it’s likely that you won’t have successfully reflected on applying what you’ve learned to experiences in your own life.
Despite the terrific content of the book itself, it’s a bit of a slog. The audiobook is even worse. I would suggest watching this animated YouTube summary as your first exposure to the Laws. I have watched this video at least ten times in the last few years. I’ve even downloaded the video so that if the author takes it down, I’ll always have access to it.
These Laws of Power are neither good or evil themselves. Consider the laws as if they are simply tools, which can be used for offense, defense, or to gain a deeper understanding of the world around you. It’s you who chooses how to employ them. In the end, it’s up to you to decide how you will employ them. My litmus test is to hold myself accountable and then have my closest confidants hold me accountable when I employ the Laws to uncover if I’m using them for selfish purposes or for the greater good. It’s a bit too simple (for example, who gets to decide what’s the “greater good”?) on its own, but it’s an easy test to decide if I’m working toward that psychopath badge or if I’m being the kind of human I wold otherwise choose to be.
I recommend that everyone who is out of high school read The 48 Laws of Power and make some time to revisit them on a regular basis.
