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Every few hundred years a book is written of this nature.
Machiavelli's Prince, Sun Tzu's art of war-- The 48 Laws of Power explores
the relationship between our actions and the acquisition of power (or loss
thereof). Distilled to 48 memorable and poignant rules such as 'Never
outshine the master', 'Never appear too perfect', 'Always say less than
necessary', 'Win through action, never through argument', and cold
calculating tenants such as 'Get others to do the work for you but always
take the credit'. The game of power is just that, a game. It is neither
amoral or moral, but given power, you may choose to do whatever you
want with it. You can refuse to play the game, but to what ends? If
not you, then whom? No, it is far better to exert as much control as
you can. For good or for evil, the powerful shape the world around
them.
When reading through the book, the laws are presented in a common format.
Firstly the law is presented and explained, then it is further backed up
with historical accounts of instances where the law has been successfully
applied along with a tale of tragedy when the law has been ignored. If
nothing else, it's an excellent book simply for the historical aspects,
which are both interesting and memorable. Finally, each law wraps up
with a counterexample. No law is absolute or perfect, and it's equally
important to recognize situations where a law does not apply.
Although many laws seem medieval in nature, an observant reader will
notice an equal number of opportunities applicable in modern context,
especially in office politics, negotiating with others, and dealing with
partners. For example, 'Create compelling spectacles' is just as
applicable today as it was to P.T. Barnum and his traveling circus. Play on
people's desire for fantasy and create a cult-like following.
Like all good theories, as you read each law, it clicks, like something
that has been so obvious and under your nose all this time. Finally
someone has given concrete form to the social interplays that we all
experience in daily life!
Actually, you shouldn't read this book. Forget I mentioned it, and if you
do read it, don't mention it to anyone else (Shhh! our little secret)
Rating 10/10 stars
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