This book by Robert Greene has come to my attention of late. It's called, if you haven't guessed it yet, the 48 Laws of Power. Basically, it's a self-help book with a twist: the writer takes an amoral stance.
No, not amoral as in punching babies and choking kittens. That's just wrong and sick! Why would you even think that? You're a sick, sick person! You'd do the world a whole lot of good by checking yourself into a mental institution. Sick, sick person!
Mr R. Greene takes the leave-good-and-evil-out-of-this stance. Like the quote by Honore de Balzac in this book, "There's no good and bad, only circumstances."
A Machiavellian approach, if you will.
Jot this down: referring to new facts you've come across on Wiki while researching for your subject makes you sound cool only if people can believe you know stuff about it. Like me, people know I read a lot. So, if I say words like Machiavellian and Homeresque, people would be impressed but at the same time feel a bit emasculated by the fact that they're not really sure what Machiavellian and Homeresque means.In other words, don't overdo it.
I've just read the introductions and the first two chapters but I must say I'm impressed. Don't get me wrong, the first opinion I voiced out when I read through the table of contents was this thing would get you far in life but kill your soul, maaaaaaaan.
I just realized that I haven't said anything about what type of self-help book this is. It's about attaining and maintaining Power in the societal sense i.e. getting ahead in your career, excelling in politics and so on.
Another thing that captivated me about this book is that the margins of this book is filled with quotes and snippets from various figures and fables. To present its ideas, the book uses momentous events in history, factual and, I suspect, mythological but what the hey, the point gets across.
The book's so good and/or I'm so naive that I feel like I must make notes about the points. Problem is Volgograd just doesn't have enough stationery shops. University town, my ass. Seriously, there's not even one stationery shop in walking distance from my alma mater. How is that even possible? I mean, if this was Malaysia, there'd be at least 3 shops around the university building besides the one inside the building, which my university lacks too.
So, since I haven't been writing a lot now, I'll jot the points down here. Not like there's anybody still reading this blog anyway.
Without further ado:
Preface
- Master your emotions. It's okay to feel anger or lust or affection but one must master the way one expresses them and never let them influence one's plans and strategies.
- Be the two-faced God of Gateways, Janus. Face the future with the motto, "No days unalert." Learn from the past without begrudging others' wrongdoings towards you. That might cloud your judgment.
- Masquerade and deception were the privilege of the Gods. Now, it should be your mightiest sword.
- Patience is the supreme virtue of the Gods, who have nothing but time. Let it be your shield.
- Always take the indirect route to power!
Law #1: Never Outshine the Master
- Kiss ass is not bad, indeed you should do it but beware how you do it. Discreet flattery is the weapon of choice.
- Make your Master seem more brilliant than you to others. Commit harmless mistakes and let the Master feel superior while helping you. Have a bright idea: attribute it to your Master.
- If the need arises to impress him, always show that you're limited in your means, that you're good but the Master is better. Let him be the Sun of radiance and brilliance.
- Never, ever, take your position for granted.
- If your superior is a falling star, though, do not be merciful. If he is weak, hasten his downfall discreetly. If he is very weak and ready to fall, let nature take its course, do not risk appearing cruel and spiteful.
Law #2: Never Put Too Much Trust in Friends, Learn How to Use Enemies
- You don't know your friends as much as you think since we all wear social masks in friendship. Putting your friends in a position of power destroys the friendship and breeds ingratitude and, eventually, betrayal.
- Bringing up worthy enemies have its benefits. Sense of gratefulness leads to loyalty and more often than not, your enemies will want to prove themselves to you. Now, you have a competent, loyal employee who will do his best in everything.
- Enemies sharpen our wits, keeping us focused and alert. If you have no enemies, create enemies.
- To advance, use your friends, preferably close but not too close ones: [1] to do your dirty work. [2] as a scapegoat.
Well, that's it for now. That's all I've read so far. I'll add more when I feel like it. Tata.
