The 48 Laws of Power

Sqoop May 23, 2009
Book: The 48 Laws of Power
Author: Robert Greene
Publisher: Penguin Books
Available at: Leading Bookshops
Price: Shs35,000
Reviewer: Joshua Masinde
Politicians or leaders who have rooted themselves in power for long are known to be shrewd, charismatic or tyrannical. Ambitious up-coming leaders or politicians have, with wit, cleverness, manipulation and unwavering determination, managed to win over the masses, outshone political incumbents and attained the heights of power.
The endeavour to attain any such power is not a bed of roses. It is riddled with risks and menaces that would scare one to death. Retaining the same power is an uphill task. It’s not easy. But, there’s a precise remedy for those whose penchant for power is an abyss. The hooks and crooks come in handy in The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene.
The book is a decisive counsel for those who want power, watch power or want to arm themselves against power. It is a book, whose research has been dug out of works that have existed for as many as 3,000 years, is a precise case of how power has been used, manipulated to win over masses, defeat opposition, and or win over or suppress the enemy.
A peek into some of the laws will present an opportunity for you to “shine”, like most of the African leaders and politicians who have almost outlived their welcome in political dynasties. If you ever wish to attain considerable heights of power, “Never outshine your master,” so goes the first law of power. Make your master feel superior by avoiding situations which will make him feel insecure.
He also cautions anyone who wishes to use power effectively and to their advantage, not to put a lot of trust in their friends. “… They will betray you more quickly, for they are easily aroused to envy.” An enemy has more to prove than a friend, hence he is more loyal.
Greene dissects the laws astutely from the first to the last law, “Assume formlessness.” His research is based on the deep of the hierarchies of power in our society.
This understanding is pegged on more references to historical figures like Otto von Bismarck, King Louis XIV, Talleyrand and others as an illustration of the use of power in real life and time. Each law might seem familiar to anyone reading them.
However, there is more than meets the eye in their understanding and application. Greene argues that learning the craft and art of power, and how to use it at the opportune time is a timely defence mechanism in preventing people from manipulating you.
However weak you might be, mastering such critical laws of power and how best to use them will level you out as astute, charismatic, mischievous and a scheming leader who knows the Achilles heels of his opponents. And for any sort of success in life, the laws will help you attain it.
A graduate of classic studies, Greene gives a balanced diet of power play in different settings, drawn from his research at the art school of Fabrika in Italy in 1995, where he says in the preface, The 48 Laws of Power was born. It was at Fabrika that Greene came in contact with the writings of Niccolo Machiavelli.
He blended this with his readings of the Japanese and Chinese history. He used such literature and classic writings on power for the last 30 centuries from Ancient Asia to contemporary America. Some illustrations are also drawn from Africa, especially on former Ethiopian Emperor Haille Sellasie.