7 THINGS I LEARNT FROM READING THE 48 LAWS OF POWER
This week’s 7 List is looking at 7 things I learnt from the book The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. Beloved by politicians, sports coaches and gangsta rappers alike; it is a deep and intensive manuscript into the factors that help explain how those in power made it there, and how they stay there. While those who read the book may not be out for world domination, there are still hundreds of incredibly useful and actionable takeaways that can be taken from Greene’s work. Here are 7 that stood out for me…
1 – LAW ONE: NEVER OUTSHINE THE MASTER
Gaining power and success is a long term game, never rush it and certainly don’t make enemies at the top level. Always make those above you feel comfortably superior and be careful not to inspire insecurity in them. While you may want their job, you don’t want them to know how badly you want it or they will block your efforts. Make your masters appear more brilliantly than they are and you will eventually attain the heights of power.
2 – LAW FOUR: ALWAYS SAY LESS THAN NECESSARY
The more you say, the more “common” you appear and the less in control you truly are. In the historical examples that Greene provides in the book, powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. Listen more and talk less; the more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.
3 – LAW TEN: INFECTION; AVOID THE UNHAPPY AND UNLUCKY
Avoid negative people at all costs; in the words of Robert Greene, “you can die from someone else’s misery”. Emotional states are as infectious as diseases, so associate with the happy and fortunate instead. As motivational speaker Jim Rohn once said…
“You are the average of the five people you spend the most time with.”
4 – LAW SIXTEEN: USE ABSENCE TO INCREASE RESPECT AND HONOUR
One I found particularly interesting, “the more you are seen and heard from, the more common you appear”. If you are temporarily withdrawn from an established group, it will make you more talked about and even more admired. Learn when to leave and create value through scarcity.
5 – LAW TWENTY EIGHT: ENTER ACTION WITH BOLDNESS
If you unsure of a course of action, do not attempt it. Your doubts and hesitations will infect your execution. Timidity is dangerous: better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. Everyone admires the bold; no one honours the timid. Tackle problems with confidence and drive.
6 – LAW TWENTY NINE: PLAN ALL THE WAY TO THE END
The ending is everything. Plan all the way to it, taking into account all the possible consequences, obstacles and twists of fortune that might reverse your hard work and give the glory to others. By planning to the end you will not be overwhelmed by circumstances and you will know when to stop. Gently guide fortune and help determine the future by thinking far ahead.
7 – LAW FORTY ONE: AVOID STEPPING INTO A GREAT MAN’S SHOES
What happens first always appears better and more original than what comes after. So if you succeed a great man or have a famous parent, you will have to accomplish double their achievements to outshine them. Avoid this scenario where possible, it is a poisoned chalice (Think David Moyes succeeding Sir Alex Ferguson at Manchester United for a sporting analogy!). Do not get lost in their shadow or stuck in a past not of your making, establish your own name and identity by changing course. In the words of Greene, “Slay the overbearing father, disparage his legacy and gain power by shining in your own way.”
The 48 Laws of Power can be bought on Amazon here and the shortened concise version can be bought here.
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