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Title: The 48 Laws of Power
Author: Robert Greene

Rating: 11/10 (It is that good!)

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I rated this book an 11/10 because it was more than your average fictional or nonfictional piece of work. Each chapter begins with a detailed judgment of each law. Next, a historical "Observance of the Law" and "Interpretation" depict the best scenario where the law was used. After each interpretation, the "Keys to Power" describe the best way to utilize and use the law of power. Finally, each chapter ends with a "Reversal" of the law that describes scenarios where the law could backfire. By reading this book, it has expanded my concept of basic human psychology and the ways to power.

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"So much depends on reputation- guard it with your life."
A young P.T. Barnum tried to establish a reputation as an entertainer and performed, but he failed against his bigger name rival- Peale. While Barnum was new and had little to back his claims as an entertainer, Peale was widely known for his curiosities. However, when Barnum began to use parodies of Peale's stunts, Barnum became the name that withstood the test of time while Peale faded into nameless history. Barnum attacked Peale's reputation and destroyed him without saying a word.

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The central issue of "The 48 Laws of Power" is defending/gaining any amount of power. First, any reader must realize that without power, nothing is possible. One must have control of the situation as all times to set the pace or crush the enemies. Secondly, to gain power, one must be willing to apply each law in the right situations. By following the philosophies of Machiavelli, Carl von Clausewitz, or Kautilya, the reader will learn to wield and take power from those in charge. One of the most important umbrella concepts in the book is "Power is only transferred, taken, or given; it is never made." In other words, to control and defend the illusion of power, one must be vicious and compassionate at the same time.

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"Play a sucker to catch a sucker- seem dumber than your mark."
The Prussian Councillor, Otto van Bismarck, wanted Austria to sign a deal that would only empower Prussia. The Austrian negotiator, Count Blome, and Bismarck played a friendly card game, but Bismarck acted like a fool and an idiot. When Blome was signing the document, he thought Bismarck was the fool, but in the long run, Bismarck came out on top. Bismarck played dumber than he really was to hide his intentions and plans.

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The last law of power is "Assume Formlessness." The concept behind the law is that to protect power, one must be as fluid and formless as water. The ending law wraps up the book with a powerful last image- Everything changes. When following the rest of the laws, one must always keep in mind that stability of power is never guaranteed or everlasting, but it changes with the each new era. In the many books I have read, this conclusion is one of the most powerful and fascinating endings. The idea that a person who wields power must be adaptable to each situation is everlasting, and he/she will become unstoppable.

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"Despise the free lunch."
During the 16th Century, Spain led thousands of expeditions to find the city made of gold, El Dorado. The Spaniards killed thousands of Natives to find the fictional empire, but it became their downfall. The country began to spend more on luxury goods than agriculture and productivity. The prospect of "free gold/wealth" played with the logic of the Spanish. The delusion of greed blinded the Spaniards from saying "no." Leave El Dorado to the fools and suckers .

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1. The essence of the book may be considered harsh and cynical, but the ideas are everlasting. If you think the author, Robert Greene, is a snake, read https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/dec/03/robert-greene-48-laws-of-power for a full interview.

2. If you need a refresher for the 48 Laws of Power, visit http://48laws-of-power.blogspot.com/ for a quick overview and description of each law.

3. After you read the book, you must learn to put the laws into practice. Look at http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/worklife/03/15/48.laws.of.power/ to practice the powers that will make you come out on top.

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http://www.swap-bot.com/swap/show/179117
https://alchetron.com/Otto-von-Bismarck-1137916-W
https://forum.paradoxplaza.com/forum/index.php?threads/the-road-to-el-dorado-a-muisca-aar.973153/