I finally finished Robert Greene’s masterpiece The 48 Laws of Power. It is not only the best business books I have read, it could easily be classified as a psychology book, history book or a political theory book. Like the book itself, Robert Greene is a diverse man. He is a playwright that lives in L.A. but is also a business consultant, has a degree in classical studies from University of California, Berkley and is an editor for many magazines including Esquire. The book is structured with each chapter laying out the law and its’ definition, observance of the law, transgression of the law, keys to power and reversal of the law. Greene does a great job of displaying lessons from history that give the reader an example of the law being adhered to or broken then why the particular law applies to the reader’s professional life. As a young man in the business world, the book is a great reference to help enhance my operating tactics in the vast corporate landscape and understand those who hold the power. I plan on reading more works of Robert Greene. He has many other similar books like: Mastery, The 33 Strategies of War and The Art of Seduction.
I decided to cover a few of the 48 laws. One of my favorite laws is Law 5: So Much Depends On Reputation- Guard It With Your Life. He writes in regards to Law 5, “Reputation is the cornerstone of power. Through reputation alone you can intimidate and win; once it slips, however, you are vulnerable, and will be attacked on all sides. Make your reputation unassailable.” In the business world or life in general, guarding your reputation and honor is of the utmost importance. The public notices even if you think they don’t. The eyes of the crowd at events take note of those who show themselves irreverent, irresponsible and/or immature. When building up your career in a new field or new market, Greene writes, “Reputation is a treasure to be carefully collected and hoarded. Especially when you are first establishing it, you must protect it strictly, anticipating all attacks on it.” This is a very key law in the book and had an immediate impact on me.
Another law that I really enjoyed studying was Law 24: Play The Perfect Courtier. At first the name of the law threw me off but after reading it, there is lots of great advice in it. Greene defines it as, “The perfect courtier thrives in a world where everything revolves around power and political dexterity. He has mastered the art of indirection; he flatters, yields to superiors, and asserts power over others in the most oblique and graceful manner.” This law asserts to walk the tightrope in society and to be a master with your words in different settings. Throughout the chapter, Greene uses lessons from the courts of Alexander the Great, Han Dynasty and King Louis XIV. There are examples of those who adhered to his advice that became wildly successful and those who were met with the sword for their failures. Greene lays out various tips to aspiring expert courtiers: arrange to be noticed, never criticize those above you directly, be self-observant, never joke about appearances, be frugal with flattery and master your emotions. He concludes with this advice, “Make your master a gift of your talents and you will rise above other courtiers. Let him take credit if necessary, it will only be temporary: Use him as a stepping stone, a way of displaying your talent and eventually buying your freedom from enslavement.”
I found that Law 29: Plan All The Way To The End was very relevant to my professional experience. It is defined as, “The ending is everything. Plan all the way to it, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles, and twists of fortune that might reverse your hard work and give the glory to others…” A lot of times in professional and private life we aspire to be on the top but never visualize nor plan it through. Greene makes a strong point on that, “What good is it to have the greatest dream in the world if others reap the benefits and the glory? Never lose your head over a vague, open-ended dream- plan to the end.” There is power in plans although they can be thwarted the process of planning sharpens the planner. Great generals can win battles with less men is a principle I’ve reminded myself of early in my career.
I found The 48 Laws of Power to be very insightful and compelling. Although at times, Greene lays out some pretty ruthless strategies for business it at the very least helps you understand how others might operate as well. It is a staple business practice book that many have learned from. Greene uses his knowledge of history to further educate the reader from real world examples and how those before have applied the resources from the book. I would recommend a close reading of this book for anyone interested in sharpening and broadening their view of the business world.
Written by Michael McPhail
Brains and Brawn 