Book Review: 48 Laws of Power
This book was recommended to me but after reading the table of contents I was convinced it was useless as it was contradicting itself even in the names of the chapters.
Unfortunately from time to time my way of thinking and interacting with people gets me into trouble. I am not alone it this, read: Well, Actually. Of course review of "How to Win Friends and Influence People" helped but I wanted to read more about the interactions with people around me to keep thinking about it. I got back to The 48 Laws of Power not to learn those laws - I don't really believe in them but to gain more knowledge about people.
What I appreciate about the book are the stories that the author uses to convince you of his ideas. They are picked and sorted to match the laws so something that worked for one person dooms someone else later, but they are really good stories nonetheless. Unfortunately, I am not sure if there is anything I can use in real life. The advices and laws are really abstract and I don't think I have any idea how to apply them in real life. Fortunately, the book worked for me - it made me think more about other people and my interactions so it might work for you too.
If you like stories, history and have problems with people then read it.
One of the quotes really resonated with me:
"Call it lying if you like; but if you prefer to not play the game and to always be honest and upfront, to not complain when others call you obnoxious and arrogant."
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene; Joost Elffers
Rating: 6/10
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