The 48 Laws of Power
48 Laws of Power is a riveting narrative on the politics of power from bestselling writer Robert Greene. The book focuses on three main aspects of power. The first is observing power in others, while the second thread involves gaining power for oneself. The third element the narrative concerns itself with is defending oneself from the power plays of others. Some critics have pointed to the fact that the book seemingly glorifies unethical ways of advancing oneself in the workplace, or in life. Even if readers do not intend to obtain power, however, Greene’s book is effective in helping readers combat the abuses of power, and other ills, both in everyday life and in the workplace.
Some critics have also taken issue with the apparent ruthlessness of the laws, placing Greene in a similar role to Machiavelli with his realistic take on people and politics in Italy. As noted above, though a law like Law 15 might appear ruthless in its simple statement of “crushing one’s enemy totally,” the aim of these laws is to allow readers to not only think about the laws’ place in power politics but to apply them as necessary. This means that people who are seeking to understand bosses or coworkers can see in Law 15 how or why they are being treated a certain way. As such, these laws are powerful tools for observation and understanding. They provide the necessary steps for those seeking to understand power and why (or how) it is used for good and/or ill.
Though the 48 laws deal with the undeniable way one can dominate a political situation completely with the right tools, Greene’s assessment of power over the course of the centuries also sheds an interesting light on relationships, morality, truth and love. The laws bear witness to what man has achieved or attempted to achieve over the centuries, and how these attempts and successes often stem from the knowledge, or lack thereof, of how to effectively wield power. Regardless of one’s intentions, 48 Laws of Power is a delightful, insightful read." -supersummary.com
Link to the 48 Laws of Power listed out: http://www.elffers.com/low/start/index2.html
Articles and Videos:
A. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/dec/03/robert-greene-48-laws-of-power
B. https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/11/06/fresh-prince-3
C. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=670ZGMBjrPI
D. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96a-fk3a_vA
E. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfiIj31vQ6A
F. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJE3w04zdwk
Do you agree with Robert Greene's Laws of Power? Do you think it is wise to apply these Laws of Power in one's life? Is it unethical to use these Laws of Power to manipulate others and situations to your advantage?
Wise to Apply these Laws
Side Score: 14
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Unethical to Use the Laws
Side Score: 15
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These laws are just one more tool for trying to understand the world. I'm not rejecting their relevance. What I reject is that they're actual "laws," meaning all conceivable power ties back to them, and also that there's exactly 48 of them. Back when I was a grad student and taught in college I got quite annoyed with textbook after textbook saying there are 3 of this, there are 5 steps for that, etc. It seems almost every author wants to number their thoughts and then claim they're exhaustive and exclusive. The truth is all it really takes for there to be 3 laws or 49 laws is for one writer to declare that's the case and then argue everything else is folded by definitions into their count. Side: Unethical to Use the Laws
@Grenache. Right, I agree that they are not "Laws" but rather principles that Greene (the author) is arguing for. These laws are just one more tool for trying to understand the world. Agreed. Now, do you think it is unethical to use them (since you came down on this side of the debate)? Side: Unethical to Use the Laws
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So the Winston account also belongs to you??? Jesus Christ, you're completely insane. Your insanity is exemplified by the very fact that you are a Jew who promotes political fascism through a variety of different usernames and accounts. How disgusting does a person need to be in order to promote an ideology which tortured and killed millions of his own people?? Please explain that one to me, because I just don't get it. How can you identify as Jewish, while at the same time you spit in the face of your own people? I have reached the conclusion that pieces of shit is all characters such as yourself can aspire to be. You will never be as smart, as talented or as witty as your peers, so all you can really do is spend your entire pathetic life trying to pull everybody else down who is better than you are. Side: Unethical to Use the Laws
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@Nomenclature. So the Winston account also belongs to you??? Jesus Christ, you're completely insane. Your insanity is exemplified by the very fact that you are a Jew who promotes political fascism through a variety of different usernames and accounts. How disgusting does a person need to be in order to promote an ideology which tortured and killed millions of his own people?? Where do you get this sh't from? You are either knowingly a troll or else a very troubled individual.. Side: Wise to Apply these Laws
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