Highly Recommended: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

Finally had the chance to do this entry on The 48 Laws of Power! :-)

I have always been a fan of books like Sun Tzu's Art of War and the like, so I buy them whenever my budget allows it.

After reading the concise version from cover to cover, I just couldn't wait to get my hands on the full version. If you think the concise version of the book was loaded, wait 'til you get inside the "big one" >:-)

The book introduces "laws" which increase ones power -- in politics, business, entertainment industry, whatever tickles your fancy. The book cites the unspoken and (before now) unwritten laws which have been used by people for over the thousand years and ARE still being used TODAY. What, you don't believe me? Well then, you can check out the hip hop community here.

THE LAWS DISSECTED

Greene has designed a format that makes it easier to follow and understand each of the 48
laws. The presentation of each of law is organized in a catchy, easy to follow template. The main sections are:

* Transgression of the Law
* Observance of the Law
* Keys to Power
* Image & Authority
* Reversal

Transgression of the Law - accounts of famous figures in history are cited as examples that violate the law which eventually leads to their downfall.

Observance of the Law - same as above, except these ones abide by the law and, hence greatly benefited from it.

Keys to Power - an in-depth explanation of the law and its underlying concepts; the "core" of each law is fully explained in great detail.

Image and Authority - an object that represents the very essence of the law; here's an example "Image" taken from the first law: Never outshine the master.

Image:
The Stars in the
Sky. There can be only
one sun at a time. Never
obscure the sunlight, or
rival the sun's brilliance;
rather,fade into the sky and
find ways to heighten
the master star's
intensity.

It is immediately followed by Authority - a final word or advise regarding the law.

Reversal - describes the circumstances in which doing the direct opposite of the law is either useful or necessary.

Aside from the major sections above, there are side notes citing anecdotes, fables, and such in which the law is applicable. This book made me appreciate more the lessons behind the fables. I don't see them as just mere children's stories anymore.


THE CONCISE VERSION

I recommend buying the concise version only if you want to introduce the book to a friend. This is pretty much how I got hooked into this book.

Although the Key Concepts are largely unchanged, the concise version is severely lacking in examples, i.e. Transgressions and Observance of the Law.

However, what I consider the biggest drawback is the lack of the Reversal section. One has to know the ins and outs of an idea in order to master it -- you must know when it is appropriate to apply the law and when to do the opposite.


AMORALITY OF THE LAWS

Just a precaution: have an open mind. The contents are brutally ruthless! If you follow this book to the letter, you WILL be stepping on some people. Such is the price of power. Win some or lose some. It's up to you to assess whether what was lost and gained was worth the trade.

Anyway, people who are very particular about the acceptable norms and moral standards will have a hard time digesting this book. If you have had a difficult time reading the likes of The Da Vince Code and The Gospel of Judas, then you would experience the same difficulty with this one due to the ethical implications.

Personally, I consider this book as amoral, not bound by morality. I think of it as a tool, say, a knife, which can be used either for good or evil. It is the INTENTION of the hand holding the knife that should be judged as good or evil, not the knife itself.


NOT JUST FOR FOLLOWERS

Whether you follow the laws or not, it's up to you. However, I believe that regardless of how you view it, you should at least be aware of them. There are people out there who WILL use this knowledge regardless of whoever is standing in their way. How do you know if you are being used? Would you like to be used? To serve as a stepping stone for another person's climb to the top?

These laws have been used one way or another for a long time all over the world, long before these are written down on this book. We should be thankful that we are now made aware of these laws and are now compiled in a single near-900 page volume.

Personally, I suggest that you do not dwell on the ethical implications of the book. Treat it as it is -- a book of knowledge that you can use to your advantage and meet your own ends or to protect yourself from those who would take advantage of you. (Knowledg is Power, or so they say.)

However, you use it is up to you. Whether you use it or not is up to you. Just remember, ignorance of the law excuses no one!

Here is the official blog of Robert Greene:
http://www.powerseductionandwar.com/