Post: #51

so i picked up "the 50th law" the other day and i think the book is a littler better than the 48 laws. "the 50th law" seems much more practical, and has actual "keys to fearlessness" that are much more useful than the "keys to power."

although i have to say that the anecdotes from the 48 laws are more detailed and well developed, it's almost like reading an awesome history book; whereas the 50th law the historic evidence is a lot more brief.

i'm about a quarter of the way through the 50th law and so far i feel a bit more satisfied than reading the 48 laws. not completely sure about it yet though.

Post: #52

(03-28-2012 09:57 PM)basil Wrote:  Sad to see things are getting a bit stale here. How is everyone going

I believe we need to read something with a little more kick to it. I tried with this one, but it's just not doing it for me.

Aloha!

Post: #53

"Honestly, it is a book that you want to read slowly so it sinks in."

I have the Concise 48 Laws of Power. It's quite short. My strategy is reading it often to better internalize the information.

I haven't yet read the full length version but I think it's time to do that in the next few days.

Post: #54

Well I'm reading one rule a day before getting into bed, think about it, how I can use it etc. until falling asleep and the day after. I'm to read the 13th law tonight. With the examples from past it's really a good read (considering I'm interested in history it has been really entertaining to read about Bismarck, Talleyrand and others)

Post: #55

(03-31-2012 03:22 PM)the chef Wrote:  so i picked up "the 50th law" the other day and i think the book is a littler better than the 48 laws. "the 50th law" seems much more practical, and has actual "keys to fearlessness" that are much more useful than the "keys to power."

although i have to say that the anecdotes from the 48 laws are more detailed and well developed, it's almost like reading an awesome history book; whereas the 50th law the historic evidence is a lot more brief.

i'm about a quarter of the way through the 50th law and so far i feel a bit more satisfied than reading the 48 laws. not completely sure about it yet though.

does anyone else think 50th Law is better?

Post: #56

Just my humble opinion on this.

Have all of Robert Greene's books in both paperback and ebook formats but must say that both 48 Laws and 50th law cater to different things.

48 Laws offers more insights from a people perspective while 50th law is more of what an individual needs to do to become better.
In 48 laws, it talks about the immoral and unethical tricks, manipulations and deceptions that some people use to work themselves into positions of influence and authority over others. Also, it is more confusing to read as there are laws that cross-out each other. For e.g. Law 2 and Law 18 are opposites of each other. It is quite a dense book to read but is an excellent guide to tell you exactly what to look for in others and so help you plan your defenses.

50th law is more for an individual to develop the hustler mentality and become one. I see a lot of people in this forum doing that and I think this book will apply more to them here than 48 laws. The book focus on an individual's fears and how to overcome them. It helps you to become bold and take actions that you always feared or were not supposed to. I guess you could say that you can use the 50th law to approach the hot chick that is walking towards you on the road.

One book isnt better than the other. What I would suggest is to read both and become the best. You become wary of the games other people play while working to improve yourself as an individual.

Read both.

(04-11-2012 04:53 PM)houston Wrote:  does anyone else think 50th Law is better?

Post: #57

(03-28-2012 09:57 PM)basil Wrote:  Sad to see things are getting a bit stale here. How is everyone going? Had a hectic few weeks, finally a day of leisure coming up to catch up with the reading, here is a down deposit:


Law 7 -Get Others To Do The Work For You - But Always Take The Credit

Personally I hate this law - it encourages parasites and backstabbers. I have no problem knifing people who coast and do not put in, though I could never screw over someone getting things done unless they were a prick to me (then gloves are off).

I've read this book. The laws are void of moral compass. You will and should hate many of them and their impact.

However, in this case I think you're wrong somewhere. I took this law to heart and put it in practice every single day at work. I am the leader of a medium sized company with about 50 employees.

I delegate a ton of crap to a ton of people. I'm like the chief delegator.

Lots and lots of people do great things.

I take all the credit when I report to my Board of Directors.

Does that make me a piece of shit?

Don't think so, but it has increased my power tremendously.

I have also used many of the other laws explicitly to my advantage. when we get to those I'll share some more details.

Post: #58

You should take credit, the work ultimately would not get done with it being delegated down. But dont forget where the real work is getting done. Thank the employees for their hard work, and every once in a while give them credit in the board room. Make sure the directors know that your are doing your job as the manager, but the employees are also doing a good job. Afterall that looks good on you as well.

Post: #59

I usually just use the vague "we"

as in, "we" were able to accomplish blahblahblah

and if we have a real super star, i'll call them out in particular.

i'm not inclined to be threatened by a super star, i'd rather find three more just like them which makes me look even better.

Post: #60

I just finished this book. Good read, but I'm going to have to review the laws and apply them to my real life situations. I have been noticing/using some of the laws and a lot of them relate to pickup in one way or another.

Post: #61

bump this.

re-reading my notes on this book.

thoughts on laws 17 and 18? one tells you to use absence in order to add value to your name, yet law 18 states that you need to constantly be mingling with crowds.

Post: #62

Finally finished the book. Not sure if I would recommend it - very tedious read and quite long for what it is. If there is a condensed version that would be more preferable in my eyes. Some good lessons in there though, can't argue with that. But 430 pages worth...not sure.

Post: #63

Bump. Haven't read the book but I would like the take of other forum members on this book because this thread isn't that extensive/big/long.

Post: #64

Must read for introverted guys for their protection. It is actually staggering to see how many people or other forces will try to manipulate you. Its an essential part to becoming a man, having to realise this.

Post: #65

(12-16-2015 10:52 AM)Constitution45 Wrote:  Must read for introverted guys for their protection. It is actually staggering to see how many people or other forces will try to manipulate you. Its an essential part to becoming a man, having to realise this.

You should at least add some references: 48 Laws of power

Post: #66

(06-13-2012 11:03 PM)slubu Wrote:  Finally finished the book. Not sure if I would recommend it - very tedious read and quite long for what it is. If there is a condensed version that would be more preferable in my eyes. Some good lessons in there though, can't argue with that. But 430 pages worth...not sure.

There is a concise version at 208 pages.

http://www.amazon.com/Concise-48-Laws-Po...861974043/

Post: #67

(12-16-2015 10:52 AM)Constitution45 Wrote:  Must read for introverted guys for their protection. It is actually staggering to see how many people or other forces will try to manipulate you. Its an essential part to becoming a man, having to realise this.

I'm rather introverted. Curiosity got the best out of me and I got the book today from the library, it's a translated version though.

Post: #68

48 is a good read but very historical, 3rd person like, and unless you are already a canny man it will be hard to apply the laws of this book. Say for ex, how the fuck do you "never outshine the master" and "court attention at all cost" at the same time?

Will need to read the 50th.

Post: #69

(12-16-2015 04:49 PM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  48 is a good read but very historical, 3rd person like, and unless you are already a canny man it will be hard to apply the laws of this book. Say for ex, how the fuck do you "never outshine the master" and "court attention at all cost" at the same time?

Will need to read the 50th.

I've read 48 laws, 50th law, mastery, and art of seduction.

I think in some ways Greene is really reaching, personally I thought art of seduction was kind of worthless, I don't recommend it. Actually 48 Laws was the only thing I though worth reading, 50th basically just says the more often you face your fear the more you can deal with it.

As far as outshining the master but also court attention, they don't have to contradict.

I think the value in the book is for helping make decisions. If you have the opportunity to outshine your boss, Greene makes a good case for not doing that, as well as providing some instances in which you should.

If you are thinking about being more gregarious at a social function or are wondering if you should develop an outgoing personality at a new job, Greene says you should always try to gain attention.

Obviously, it's up to the reader to make his own decisions based off the information. I've field tested a few of these and I think the laws are really better thought of as guidelines.

But that's just my take, I don't live in prison (where 48 laws is apparently the most requested book) and I don't work in a high-pressure political environment. I do like having these stories in my mind to reference if I'm trying to figure something out. I think that's the value to be found in it.

Post: #70

(12-16-2015 04:49 PM)Dalaran1991 Wrote:  Say for ex, how the fuck do you "never outshine the master" and "court attention at all cost" at the same time?

You need to add some context in it:

Law 1 Wrote:Always make those above you feel comfortably superior. In your desire to please or impress them, do not go too far in displaying your talents or you might accomplish the opposite – inspire fear and insecurity. Make your masters appear more brilliant than they are and you will attain the heights of power.

Law 6 Wrote:Be ostentatious and be seen. . . . What is not seen is as though it did not exist. ... It was light that first caused all creation to shine forth. Display fills up many blanks, covers up deficiencies, and gives everything a second life, especially when it is backed by genuine merit. (Baltasar Gracian, 1601-1658)