The 48 Laws of Power Paperback – September 1, 2000

This is a great book. I've been reading it for myself and to my kid. He isn't necessarily old enough to worry about leading an army, seducing a French noble girl, or pleasing the Emperor of China, but the lessons in this book are worth learning. I fear this book probably gets a bad rap as a cynical, Machiavellian practical manual for being a bad guy, but the lessons in this book do apply to nearly all aspects of your life, even if you find some of the approaches and reasoning objectionable. It's better to learn these rules from others' experiences, rather than your own blunders. One thing I love about this book is the historical examples used to justify the rules. The author pulls from all over the world's cultures to show you how politicians, business men, military commanders, politicians, and royals played the game of power. It helps bring history to life and makes historical figures more approachable. The sections on P.T. Barnum, for instance, made me laugh at his audacious showmanship. The sections on Louis the XIV brought him to life as more than just some old French guy with a cane and a blue cape lined with ermine (the Hyacinthe Rigaud portrait). The proverbs and anecdotes and quotes sprinkled throughout the margins also add another layer of context to the book. I like seeing how these rules are essentially universal to the human experience and they're found in Aesop and African proverbs and Chinese anecdotes and Shakespeare, etc.I believe everyone ought to read this book, even if you don't personally like the lessons it contains. Additionally, I recommend getting the hardcover version. For me, this book is one I'll be proudly adding to my library for re-reading and I like the larger format the hardcover version offers.

Before reading The 48 Laws of Power, my approach to navigating the social and professional world was... let's call it "optimistically naive." I figured being nice and hoping for the best was a solid strategy. Then this book landed on my desk, and my brain did a complete 180.Robert Greene doesn't pull any punches. This isn't a feel-good guide to making friends; it's a deep, unflinching look at the dynamics of power throughout history. Distilling centuries of human interaction, strategy, and occasional backstabbing into 48 concise "laws," the book is like getting a crash course in the less-talked-about aspects of human nature.It's filled with fascinating historical anecdotes, from cunning courtiers to ruthless emperors, illustrating each law with vivid examples. While some of the laws might seem Machiavellian at first glance, the value isn't in becoming a villain, but in understanding the game so you can navigate it more effectively and protect yourself.Reading this book felt like gaining a new superpower – the ability to recognize power plays and understand motivations that were previously invisible to me. It's incredibly insightful and, frankly, a little bit thrilling to read about the high-stakes games of the past.If you're ready to move beyond simple pleasantries and understand the deeper currents of influence and strategy, The 48 Laws of Power is an absolutely essential read. It's challenging, sometimes unsettling, but ultimately incredibly empowering. Just be prepared to see the world, and the people in it, a little differently. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to be a more strategic player in life.

Great book for leisurely read and nurturing empowerment. Kinda thick. Brought it to a 11hour flight and it took good amount of space in my bag. I recommend this book for women in corporate. It’s rough out there so tough up queens.

The media could not be loaded. The 48 Laws of Power is not just a book—it’s an education in human behavior, strategy, and the subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways power moves through the world. Whether you're in business, leadership, or just want to better understand social dynamics, this book is a must-read.Each law is packed with historical examples, sharp analysis, and real-world relevance. I found myself highlighting entire sections and reflecting on how these principles show up in everyday life. Some laws may feel controversial or even ruthless, but that’s the point—Greene doesn’t sugarcoat the reality of power.It’s not a book you read once and forget. It’s something you return to over time as your experiences deepen. The writing is compelling, the layout is well-organized, and it really challenges the way you think about influence, relationships, and ambition.Whether you're looking to gain an edge in your career or simply want to sharpen your understanding of how power works—this book delivers. Highly recommend!