The 48 Laws of Power

by Robert Greene
The 48 Laws of Power cover
Good Books rating 2.5
Psychology and Human Behavior
Buy online
Waterstones
Paperback • £19.99
Amazon
Format/Price Check
Technical
  • ID: 4688
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9781101042458
  • Publisher: Penguin
  • Published: 2000-09-01
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

The 48 Laws of Power is a provocative and instructive manual that distills three thousand years of wisdom on power dynamics. Authored by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers, this New York Times bestseller explores laws derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures like Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. Each law offers a unique insight into gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control, ranging from prudence to boldness and self-preservation. The book is presented in a striking two-color package, making it an ideal read for those seeking to understand the rules of power, whether for conquest, self-defense, or simply to navigate the complexities of human interaction. This book is not just about power; it's about the psychology and strategies that have shaped history. From the need to never outshine the master to the importance of entering action with boldness, each law is a lesson in the art of domination. Whether you're looking to enhance your personal power or simply fascinated by the dynamics of influence, The 48 Laws of Power provides a comprehensive and intriguing exploration of the subject.

Reviews
Northeast Bylines · 2025-02-10
insightful 4.50

The book is a captivating blend of history and psychology, offering timeless lessons on strategy and human nature. It is praised for its insightful and thought-provoking content.

This review highlights how 'The 48 Laws of Power' masterfully combines historical anecdotes with psychological insights to provide a comprehensive guide on power dynamics. The reviewer appreciates the book's depth and the timeless lessons it offers, making it a valuable read for anyone interested in strategy and human behavior. They also note that the book's blend of history and psychology makes it both engaging and educational, offering a unique perspective on how power operates in various contexts.

Quick quotes

    Robert Greene's '48 Laws of Power' is a captivating blend of history and psychology, offering timeless lessons on strategy and human nature.

    The book's insights are both profound and practical, making it a must-read for anyone looking to understand the dynamics of power.

    Greene's ability to weave historical anecdotes with psychological principles is what makes this book so compelling.

Stephan Joppich Blog · 2022-02-26
toxic 1.00

The reviewer advises against reading the book, describing it as toxic and full of contradictions. They find the book's approach to personal development deeply flawed.

This review strongly discourages readers from picking up 'The 48 Laws of Power', labeling it as toxic and full of contradictions. The reviewer finds the book's approach to personal development deeply flawed, arguing that it promotes unhealthy and unrealistic strategies for gaining power. They believe that the book's content is not only unhelpful but also potentially harmful, making it a poor choice for anyone looking to improve their personal development skills. The reviewer's overall sentiment is one of caution, advising readers to seek more constructive and positive resources for personal growth.

Quick quotes

    If you want an honest personal development book, you shouldn't read 'The 48 Laws of Power.'

    It's full of toxicity and contradictions.

    The book's approach to personal development is deeply flawed and potentially harmful.

Write Out Loud Blog · 2021-03-07
critical 2.00

The reviewer finds Greene's historical interpretations flawed and believes the book's view of history is overly cynical. They criticize the book's portrayal of historical events as tortured and misleading.

This review takes a critical stance on 'The 48 Laws of Power', particularly focusing on what the reviewer sees as Greene's flawed interpretation of historical events. They argue that the book's portrayal of history is overly cynical and that Greene's view of historical events is so tortured that even history students would easily spot the faults. The reviewer finds the book's approach to power dynamics problematic, suggesting that it presents a skewed and unrealistic view of human behavior and strategy.

Quick quotes

    Greene's tortured view of historical events is so bad that my History students would easily see the faults.

    The book's portrayal of history is overly cynical and misleading.

    The 48 Laws of Power presents a skewed and unrealistic view of human behavior and strategy.

Appears in Lists