Replies (53)

Good book but a bit too devious. Life is short. Way too short. I suggest you look into the 3 jewels instead; Buddha, Dharma, Sangha.
Precisely. It's a book that will destroy your happiness and soul if you follow too closely and apply the mental sickness it suggests. And to what end? It can make one end up alone and miserable. Perhaps pursue something more meaningful @jack ?
I used this book to help understand how other people attempt to manipulate me. I read Influence in the same way.
Totally agree. It’s a nasty little book, best suited to the narcissistic class of people who don’t really understand how the world works. Avoid like the plague.
“There are no principles; there are only events. There is no good and bad, there are only circumstances.”
No one said you are supposed to do all the things in 48 laws of power. Even Greene himself says that would make you a bad person. You do need to know what weapons other people have to use against you if you want to defend yourself competently. You do need to understand these laws if you want to understand other interactions between manipulative people like politics. Choosing ignorance is choosing to be a less capable and informed person.
Good point. Indeed I've read it 3 times. I don't apply, just observe. But I suspect Jack does apply, as he clearly got his publicists to publish positive lies about himself. Like the whole stolen story about going vegan and turning Orange so he quit. Lies and more lies. Indeed there are many liars in this world, especially the elites and we must defend ourselves against their games. Use the book for good.
Interesting book, but also revolting. Greene is a great author, and, much like Machiavelli, doesn't advocate for the strategies he expounds. There's superior, more effective, and more admiral ways to conduct business and handle personal relations. In a few words: honestly, transparently, and authentically. I view this book as a "how to better understand and deal with snakes" guide, as opposed to something I'd implement in my business dealings and personal interactions. It's better to associate with trustworthy and authentic people than to move in circles where the principles expounded in this book are advisable.
I had to stop reading it in the middle & realign with the fact that I live a relatively low-stakes life. The abrasive dude at the local chamber of commerce meetings is not out to get me 😂
The most strategic move in a game of manipulation is Exiting the board entirely , and let the manipulator outmaneuver themselves while you build something real , that’s the only true power move
This is how I assume top tier politicians operate. -I try to understand the behaviors to better recognize them. -There are good takeaways from that book when you’re battling with someone. “All’s fair in love and war”
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Diyana 9 months ago
Law 21: Look Dumber. Be Smarter. 😆 Good morning, Jack. image
Great book, but each “rule” needs to be taken or applied separately. Some rules contradict other rules, but isn’t that how social structures work? Social “rules” are scenario and individual personality based. Some rules you would have to be a psychopath to consciously think about applying. But it’s a good dive into social order and psychopathy.
Was totally kidding. Do you know of Ryan Holiday, Daily Stoic? He has a funny story about this book when he was on Rogan. Excellent pod if you like Holiday’s work.
The author mentions your very accurate perspective in the preface. Even if you discard many of these ‘laws’ as immoral, at least knowing the tactics help prevent others from taking advantage of you…. I found it to be a fascinating read.
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Venus 9 months ago
I guess that’s only for the privileged 🙃
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DaubCraven 9 months ago
Can I say the UX on this app sucks dogshit
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BS 9 months ago
But good to be aware of how some people operate.
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debbieJ 9 months ago
Have you tried the Bible? It's living and timeless. Read Robert Green's books almost 15 years ago when it was the rave and did me no good like the living Bible. You seek wisdom, why not seek the one who is Wisdom Himself