The 48 Laws of Power
by Robert Greene |
Book Summary by Paul
Minors
1
,INTRODUCTION
Who is this book for?
Don’t let the title put you off, this book isn’t just for people who are power-hungry.
Many of Robert Greene’s 48 Laws are applicable in many different areas of life and
there’s something in here for everyone. The 48 Laws of Power examines 48 key steps
to understanding how to use and enforce your power. These fundamental “laws” are
a combination of actions, thoughts, and tactics that you can employ in order to ‘play
the power game’. Greene understands and clearly outlines how power can be
effective in furthering your business potential.
About the author
American author Robert Greene is the author of 5 international best-sellers. The 48
Laws of Power was his first book and was a pivotal moment for his writing career.
Greene has faced some controversy due to the nature of his books, some perceive
them as problematic and manipulative. But Greene stands by his ideas and has
continued to hold a strong following of fans in the business sector. Fellow author
Ryan Holiday creates a lot of his work and success to Greene’s writing. He enjoys
swimming and biking and lives with his girlfriend in Los Angeles.
In this summary
This summary will briefly discuss each of Greene’s 48 Laws, ranging from concealing
your intentions, asking for help, crushing enemies and mastering the art of timing
there really is something in here for everyone. This summary will be a little bit
different as we have 48 laws to get through, each description will be short and sweet
but will deliver the overall message.
2
,BOOK SUMMARY
”In the world today, however, it is dangerous to seem too power hungry, to be
overt with your power moves. We have to seem fair and decent. So we need
to be subtle—congenial yet cunning, democratic yet devious. Learning the
game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of
perspective.”
3
, LAW 1: NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER
Greene’s first law emphasises the importance of ensuring that anyone above you in
the hierarchy, whether it be in business, work or an organisation, should always be
made to feel like they are the superior. It’s important to remember that you are
below them, and remind them of that. It’s easy to want to show off your talents and
skills, but don’t go too far and make your superior feel insecure or inadequate.
Green believes that by making your superior feel like they are even better than they
are and better than you, will help you on your road to power. If you make them
doubt their role and power, this will only discredit you and set you back.
4
by Robert Greene |
Book Summary by Paul
Minors
1
,INTRODUCTION
Who is this book for?
Don’t let the title put you off, this book isn’t just for people who are power-hungry.
Many of Robert Greene’s 48 Laws are applicable in many different areas of life and
there’s something in here for everyone. The 48 Laws of Power examines 48 key steps
to understanding how to use and enforce your power. These fundamental “laws” are
a combination of actions, thoughts, and tactics that you can employ in order to ‘play
the power game’. Greene understands and clearly outlines how power can be
effective in furthering your business potential.
About the author
American author Robert Greene is the author of 5 international best-sellers. The 48
Laws of Power was his first book and was a pivotal moment for his writing career.
Greene has faced some controversy due to the nature of his books, some perceive
them as problematic and manipulative. But Greene stands by his ideas and has
continued to hold a strong following of fans in the business sector. Fellow author
Ryan Holiday creates a lot of his work and success to Greene’s writing. He enjoys
swimming and biking and lives with his girlfriend in Los Angeles.
In this summary
This summary will briefly discuss each of Greene’s 48 Laws, ranging from concealing
your intentions, asking for help, crushing enemies and mastering the art of timing
there really is something in here for everyone. This summary will be a little bit
different as we have 48 laws to get through, each description will be short and sweet
but will deliver the overall message.
2
,BOOK SUMMARY
”In the world today, however, it is dangerous to seem too power hungry, to be
overt with your power moves. We have to seem fair and decent. So we need
to be subtle—congenial yet cunning, democratic yet devious. Learning the
game of power requires a certain way of looking at the world, a shifting of
perspective.”
3
, LAW 1: NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER
Greene’s first law emphasises the importance of ensuring that anyone above you in
the hierarchy, whether it be in business, work or an organisation, should always be
made to feel like they are the superior. It’s important to remember that you are
below them, and remind them of that. It’s easy to want to show off your talents and
skills, but don’t go too far and make your superior feel insecure or inadequate.
Green believes that by making your superior feel like they are even better than they
are and better than you, will help you on your road to power. If you make them
doubt their role and power, this will only discredit you and set you back.
4
