JCJBergman's Reviews > The 48 Laws of Power

48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is, practically speaking, a manual on how to be a successful cutthroat ruler of men and state. It is a modern and more fleshed out version of Niccolò Machiavelli's The Prince, which is a favourite book of mine as it happens. 48 Laws, now that I have finished it, is an instant favourite of mine now too.

This book is concise and relatively easy to follow which is a rather refreshing trait of books these days since we now have Jordan Peterson's 12 Rules for Life and Beyond Order on the same public pedestal, somehow. Whilst reading this piece I couldn't help think how much better Peterson's books would have been if they cut out the religious tangents and long-winded writing style for Greene's to-the-point prose that is in his 48 Laws of Power. Peterson didn't even need to write two books covering 24 Rules when Greene can write one book covering 48 Laws, it's slightly embarrassing really.

This is a book that does take a while to get through if you are really trying to take in what it is trying to say, but it is completely and utterly worth it provided the execution of the laws serve our lives infinite advantage if applied appropriately, of course. 48 Laws of Power is savage at times but also approximate to what one must conduct in order to escape the troubles they may find themselves in, whether at their job or in a medieval battlefield - the same principles apply (more or less).

The format of using historical examples to illustrate the points or laws being stated within the piece is executed brilliantly and succinctly. It draws the reader in, not only intellectually but out of sheer curiosity concerning our historical ancestors and how they dealt with social feuds. Matched with said historical case studies, quotes from various rulers and philosophers, and Greene's insightful analyses, this is without a doubt a triumph of a book.

Indeed, some laws can seem to contradict one another but I see it as a case of context. In certain situations one law will take authority over another and it is in this way that the reader who applies such principles can discern when which law is applicable or not. It's a minor issue with the book and its structure, but not one that makes or breaks it like some other reviewers seem to imply it does.

Books like these are read by two kinds of people. Readers who read and do not bother to apply what they have learned, or readers who read a book like this and make the time they spent on it worth it by practising what they have picked up within the text. I, for one, do not plan to use most of the laws in here (as I'm not currently planning a bloodthirsty siege upon a castle or plotting a political revolution) but I am living in a world where people are cutthroat and out to get me, and that's where the laws come in handy. So, where I can (and within reason), I will do my best to utilise this book.

This book is worth revisiting again and again, and again. It is a reference piece, it ought to be studied and applied whenever applicable. Otherwise, how can we claim, let alone justify, why we read in the first place? Read to change, not to be idle. Do not bother reading it if you're not willing to respect yourself enough to manifest its fundamental lessons where they can possibly improve your life.