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  • 48 Laws of Power

  • Written by: Robert Greene
  • Narrated by: Richard Poe
  • Length: 23 hrs and 6 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (1,239 ratings)

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48 Laws of Power

Written by: Robert Greene
Narrated by: Richard Poe
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Publisher's Summary

Amoral, cunning, ruthless, and instructive, this piercing work distills 3,000 years of the history of power into 48 well-explicated laws. This bold volume outlines the laws of power in their unvarnished essence, synthesizing the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Carl von Clausewitz, and other infamous strategists. The 48 Laws of Power will fascinate any listener interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control.

©2000 Robert Greene and Joost Elffers (P)2015 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

What the critics say

It's The Rules for suits.... Machiavelli has a new rival. And Sun-tzu better watch his back." ( New York Magazine)

Editorial Review

Less a self-help book and more an analysis of how people’s self-interest has gained them powerful positions, 48 Laws of Power will open your eyes to the steps it takes to gain ultimate power.

Robert Greene breaks down the main mantras, rules, and ideas behind gaining - and holding - power in his audiobook 48 Laws of Power. This inspiring and powerful listen will teach you all you need to know about how figures in history created power roles for themselves, from meeting people’s needs to offering selective honesty and how to exact the best revenge.

Considered by many to be a ‘cult classic,’ this New York Times and Los Angeles Times best seller has sold over a million copies. Learn how to understand the minds of others, cultivate and meet people’s fantasies, make people dependent on your leadership, and go all the way to the top of the power pyramid. Learn about laws like ‘never reform too much,’ ‘the art of seduction,’ or how to ‘act like a king,‘ as well as old-world thoughts on the laws of human nature, and how to use them to your advantage.

48 Laws of Power not only offers insight into powerful people and the power game at large but looks at the history - both informative and often twisted - that was the basis for so many of these laws. Often ruthless and very much ‘of the times,’ these laws must be viewed within their historical context. However, by analyzing them, we can see patterns and movements that can be applied today (with some adjustments); or critique those less-than-ideal laws used to oppress and keep others down. From Law 1: Never outshine the master, through to Law 15: crush your enemy totally and beyond, the 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is an impressive breakdown of power politics throughout history.

What listeners say about 48 Laws of Power

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Good advice

The advice given in the book Is super useful and can be applied to every day life easily if you think about it. The book is very organized and is designed to be able to be flipped through. The examples are all from the far past though.

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just wow must read . i tell u ohhhhh

loved it. a lot to learn . eye opeing i tell u my brother and sister

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Best book that I have ever read

It really helps you understand how people work. This book has definitely changed my life and help me made aware more of the social situations!

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Really good book filled with timeless advice

I had heard about this book and had been recommended the book many times, leading me to buy the e-book version. I'm not a very fast reader so I invested in the audiobook. A truly great listen. Long, yes, but absolutely captivating and enthralling.

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love it

great ideas, starting from scratch. inspirational and motivational to brilliant. now to spread the message

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Phenomenally fascinating

An excellent book and an eye opener for things that happen on daily basis that many of us don’t notice. However, I think author’s tendency to heavily rely on historical precedents that aren’t as applicable to today’s day and age, aren’t always the most pertinent examples. Excellent read, nevertheless!

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Great listen during workouts

started listening to this instead of music during my workouts and i love it! I am learning so much and the narrator is great!
#Audible1

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Recommended

A disgusting book written by a disgusting human being. Unfortunately, this is the kind of person who holds power in our world.

Filled with every useful information for self protection and advancement in a hostile world. Study it well, teach the principles to your children.

It does have a few moments that clearly try to persuade you to chase power above all else. But they are few and far between. So it can easily be read by those who wish to learn how to navigate the playing field without seeking to harm others.

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Holy power moves

This is an amazing book it took concepts from all over history and put them together to illustrate how to use and get results in the realm of power. Definitely listening to it a few more times this year

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Most definitely reading again

Amazing. Only wish that he related more of the examples to modern situations rather than leaving it to our interpretation of how to apply these history lessons to our lives

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