
The 48 Laws of Power
by Robert Greene (1998)
The 48 Laws of Power distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 essential laws. Robert Greene draws on the thinking of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl von Clausewitz to create an amoral, cunning guide to power.
Key Ideas from The 48 Laws of Power
Never Outshine the Master
Always make those above you feel superior. Insecurity breeds resentment. Make your bosses appear more brilliant than they are.
Conceal Your Intentions
Keep people off-balance by never revealing the purpose behind your actions. Without knowing your end game, they cannot prepare a defense.
Win Through Actions, Never Argument
Words are slippery. Demonstrate through action. The truth is generally seen, rarely heard.
Use Selective Honesty
One sincere move can cover dozens of dishonest ones. Selective honesty is the best way to disarm a wary mark.
Crush Your Enemy Totally
A half-defeated enemy will regroup and seek revenge. Leave no room for recovery. Annihilate their ability to oppose you.
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