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Sales rank 10
Customers rating (based on 402 reviews)
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Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills three thousand years of the history of power in to forty-eight well explicated laws. As attention--grabbing in its design as it is in its content, this bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun-tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other great thinkers. Some laws teach the need for prudence ("Law 1: Never Outshine the Master"), the virtue of stealth ("Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions"), and many demand the total absence of mercy ("Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally"), but like it or not, all have applications in real life. Illustrated through the tactics of Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, P. T. Barnum, and other famous figures who have wielded--or been victimized by--power, these laws will fascinate any reader interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.
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| Publisher | Penguin (Non-Classics) | | Release date | 09/2000 | | Availability | Usually ships in 1 to 2 weeks | | Edition | Paperback |
| | List price | $20 | | Our price | $11 (you save 45.00%) | | Used price | from $13.02 |
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 Simply a must read
So many people misunderstand this book. Some view it as an antiethical abomination, others as some bag of tricks to cheat with.
In reality it's simply an explanation of the tools of power. What they are, how to use them (using historical examples and modern applications), and what the consequences are. Greene also explains the exceptions to, and consequences of violating the Laws of Power.
Most bad reviews of this book seem to fall into one of three categories.
1. "I (or a friend) tried to do everything in this book and now everyone hates me and won't talk to me"
A. Probably because you didn't follow the Laws very well, and B. No one said you had to go out and act like Atilla the Hun or Napoleon just to get a promotion at your company.
2. "This book is evil or immoral, I'm a good person and can suceed without such vile tactics"
Either A. You are more or less a failure in life or B. You use the laws without realizing it. This argument is akin to saying "I'm a good person, therefore I don't need air to breathe". The Laws simply are whether you use them or not.
3. "This book is too simplistic,dangerous, and poorly written, a much better explanation of power is [whatever] by [whoever] which scientifically studies the issue and delivers better advice."
Interesting how many of these people are professors pitching their own publication or someone who defends reason #2 by supporting some other book, which in actuality also teaches the laws of power, albeit in some watered down form.
Anyway get this book or not, and either use the Laws of Power or be used by them. Your choice.
A must read for any career minded professional.
Seconding the other positive reviews of this book, I would add that any person in the sales, marketing, negotiation, management, or legal fields should make this a must read. If you're not a natural Type A / High D personality this will help you understand the nuances of interacting with those who are. Plus, the book offers great history lessons that may be read in less than 10 minutes each.
One of my top 10 Books...and moving up!
I read an average of 3 to 4 books per month...every month...and of the thousands that I have read..this condensed blend of psychology, history, and order is a significant solution for depression! In the words of Yoda "Named must your fear be...before banish it you can!" This book helps you to define the game of power;to know when and how you will be,or are currently being manipulated, in the struggle for power. Many say that depression is a lack of empowerment...you might find it here. Some of the chapters are distubing...unsettling even, as the meaning remains like a pebble in your shoe, to motivate reflection and change. Well done. I received a new Kindle recently...this was the first book I purchased for it...and undoubtedly the best. I know that it's available on CD now...I'd like to see Amazon offer a combo price for download (Audio and Kindle book).
A great read...
The 48 Laws of Power is worth the money. If you want an edge in business and in life, I recommend this book. Use this book with, the book of five rings, the art of war and the 33 strategies of war. Never mind what others think about the books or about you reading them. They laugh because they don't have the knowledge to apply the reasoning/stragies these books provide. Employers from all works of life want leaders that can lead, not talk B.S. and take two (2) hour lunches. It won't happen overnight but, applied and practiced it will happen and you will get noticed. But, don't take my word for it, get it and see for yourself.
Great book
Excellent book to help assess the behaviors of others. Rereading chapters over the years has helped in many ways. If you enjoy history and are an industry leader or entrepreneur, this is a great book to have on hand.
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