I review the books I am reading, and the notes I am taking, and share them with no one that asked for them.
Reviewing: The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
I never understood the machinations of Machiavellianism, or the brutal winsome wisdom of Sun Tzu until I read this book. While trying to find a book on psychological motivation and neuroplasticity, I ran across this gem. There are cautionary tales about how this book can distort the reader's perspective, on par with being a 'textbook for sociopaths'. Of course, that intrigued me further (see Law 3 - cultivate an air of mystery)
Having read this, I feel assured I didn't turn into a psychopath overnight. But, I'm not sure I came out of this book the same way I went in. Mostly, I feel how naive I have been for most of my adult life. I'm kind of astounded by just how on point all of the Laws are and am only just now fully getting an understanding of how controlled we are as a society by the media, the government, and by those around us that would like to use us for their own gain.
This will be a review of each chapter of the book, additional real-world examples, and a bulletized list of lessons and take away items from the chapter.
Law #1: Never outshine the Master
Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please and impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite—inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power.
A cautionary tale from the book:
Nicholas Fouquet and his interaction with France's King Louis XIV of France, states that Fouquet made the error of "appearing much larger than the King." In a fit of pique, the King had Fouquet incarcerated for the remainder of his life and Fouquet died in prison in 1661.
Background:
Nicholas Fouquet, marquis de Belle-Île, vicomte de Melun et Vaux, was the Superintendent of Finance in France from 1653 until his incarceration in 1661. As the minister of the financial records of the country, he was in charge of the spending and accounting of the King's money. In an effort to impress the King, Fouquet arranged to host an amazing party for the people, hoping the King would notice all of Fouquet's many impressive political connections. However, the King was instead appalled, perceiving Fouquet was more popular than he.
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