Those who read “The 48 Laws of Power”
In the book "The 48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene, the writer is mostly quoting form history about different techniques people used to get more power and influence.
I am wondering if these laws are still applicable in today's context especially in tech industry. Those who read this book, have you ever applied any law which you learned from the book and found it to be really working.
What's your favorite law? Any suggestions to get most out of tech industry using these laws?
I'd say it's worth reading to get a better understanding of how the mind of an asshole operates
I feel like a lot of people in the comments have not read the book itself, only summaries and reviews.
The book does not strike me as ruthless and manipulative. It's a history book. It gives you Pattern A, what others have done in response to Pattern A, and a reversal in which this pattern/solution may go wrong. It's probably the least pragmatic of Greene's books. If you're looking for office politics, try 33 Strategies of War.
48 Laws of Power is more suited for highlighting reasons why people might be envious of you, and ways to look humble. It's suited for stress management and realizing things are not as out of control as you think. You'll not get this from any infographics though.
Be careful reading that book OP. Use those techniques defensively, NOT offensively (if that makes any sense). Following all of those rules literally and religiously requires very little empathy, and viewing other humans as “chess pieces” can affect you down the road.
I remembered I enjoyed reading it, and also that you get as much from the historical examples as anything else. Yes, worth it.
Is it the best in current corporate world? shrug define best. Not the most recent, definitely. Take Gervais Principle for example.
But you can't learn something big from just one book, and yes, I think it still has a place.
A lot of them are still very applicable, such as "never outshine the master" and "concentrate your forces". Not all will be applicable at all times.
The word “law” is very misleading.
It gives you an illusion of control. That’s why these kind of “secret of success” books are popular, but worth nothing.
In reality there are now “laws” everyone obey, or even rules that gives you stable predictable results.
People are dynamic chaotic systems, they’re not computers.
That book is like reading about dark UX patterns. Maybe they get you ahead, but do you want to be that kind of person?
dumb rappers in my home country love this book, and honestly treating this book as a Bible make them look even dumber. Read Kant instead.
I like the preface part of the book.
Law 27: Play on People's Need to Believe to Create a Cult like Following
It explain a few things for me.
For those read the book this podcast goes into more detail from the author's perspective.
https://fs.blog/knowledge-project/robert-greene/
I am wondering why the writer got so famous after publishing this book. He was invited by google at "Talks at Google" as well as Oxford union to give talks and share some experiences
I haven't read the book, but definitely talked to at least two people who read it and felt that they have fallen victims to some of the methods described in the book.