The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

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[FoundationsofFreedom]

I always get a kick out of people who think the point of this book is to teach people how to be manipulative. The point is a bit tongue-in-cheek and to make you aware of what powerful people do to attain their power. That being said, some of the laws are applicable in thwarting some of the toxic people we run into. I used stir up waters to catch fish and strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter to leave a narcissistic relationship, for example. Then laws like always say less than necessary are common sense. If you don’t like a law, or any of the laws for that matter, don’t use them, but at least be aware that the manipulators in the world are using these. Don’t be so naive, as I was myself

[joehanson]

Some of this is invaluable advice. Do not outshine the master. People will secretly become envious or begin to hate you if you make them feel insecure. Being too available makes people too comfortable with you and lose interest/respect

[yohaizilber]

No matter what you may think of this, understanding these laws will at least help you from becoming a victim of the ruthless world and of yourself.

[onceuponatime]

1. Never outshine the Master
2. Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies
3. Conceal your intentions
4. Always say less than necessary
5. So much depends on reputation- Guard it with your life
6. Court attention at all cost
7. Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit
8. Make other people come to you- use bait if necessary
9. Win through actions, never through argument
10. Infection: avoid the unhappy and unlucky
11. Learn to keep people dependent on you
12. Use selective honesty and generosity to disarm your victim
13. When asking for help; appeal to people’s self-interest, never to their mercy or gratitude
14. Pose as a friend, work as a spy
15. Crush your enemy totally
16. Use absence to increase respect and honor
17. Keep others in suspense: cultivate an air of unpredictability
18. Do not build fortresses to protect yourself-isolation is dangerous
19. Know who you’re dealing with-do not offend the wrong person
20. Do not commit to anyone
21. Play a sucker to catch a sucker- seem dumber than your mark
22. Use the surrender tactic: transform weakness into power
23. Concentrate your forces
24. Play the perfect courtier
25. Recreate yourself
26. Keep your hands clean
27. Play on people’s need to believe to create a cultlike following
28. Enter action with boldness
29. Plan all the way to the end
30. Make your accomplishments seem effortless
31. Control the options: get others to play with the cards you deal
32. Play to people’s fantasies
33. Discover each man’s thumbscrew
34. Be royal in your own fashion: act like a king to be treated like one
35. Master the art of timing
36. Disdain things you cannot have; ignoring them is the best revenge
37. Create compelling spectacles
38. Think as you like but behave like others
39. Stir up waters to catch fish
40. Despise the free lunch
41. Avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes
42. Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter
43. Work on the hearts and minds of others
44. Disarm and infuriate with the mirror effect
45. Preach the need for change, but never reform too much at once
46. Never appear too perfect
47. Do not go past the mark you aimed for: in victory, learn when to stop
48. Assume formlessness

disclaimer: majority of the rules are how to become sociopath and manipulative. do not take each rule literally, however some rules apply day to day such as rule #1#3#9#16 etc

[Tahj]

Regardless of what people say, this book is extremely helpful when navigating in a toxic work environment. You must educate yourself in not becoming a victim to human nature seen in your peers.

[tyleryoast]

I think this is something to understand but only with the intention of not falling prey to it. You don't want to end up with power but be alone, isolated, and cold within that power. There is nothing sadder than pursuing power for its own sake. Having a good life is all that matters, understanding power without letting it corrupt you is part of that.

[mrs.hollyalana]

I'm listening to this on my speaker while cleaning and my 4 going on 5 year old said "how many laws of power are there?" He's gonna be ahead of the game lol

[HR-]

Life should not be considered a battlefield. Satisfaction and happiness can only be felt when one does good deeds, forgives and helps others not just use them.

[mamabear]

the most powerful people are people that have God on their side.

[marieesler]

Everyone should read this book upon graduation from high school or college. I give a copy to everyone I think is too sweet, too good, too naive....like I used to be...

[pierredebug]

This is not about being happy, it is about power.
Depending on your character, you can follow these rules or simply be aware of them, so that people do not use them against you.

[jimmythegent]

“Stay strapped or get clapped.” -Robert Greene probably

[SocPro]

This right here, dear sir, is the greatest book on power ever written.

[vegaed]

Only the strong survive, remember these laws!

[kirkmatthews]

Treat every person the way you want to be treated. And you will be 😊 happy guaranteed.

[kckc]

Using the tricks in this book will make people hate you. Being unaware of them will make people take advantage of you.

[Junior-ufev]

Let people be people as I'm a person as well. Be true and do for one self with the best intentions of only I! No one else lives MY LIFE! Keep people guessing and never reveal all. Be patient! Life happens

[bahaanaldo]

"You can't reason a man out of something he reasoned himself into."

[ohtxb]

Just finished this book recently. Great job bringing it into a video list. Love the artwork, too.

[KevinThurman]

If you are forced to live in a toxic environment, then this is great and useful to survive. Just be aware you are encouraging and expanding the toxicity.