In paragraph 2 of the introduction I briefly mentioned skills fundamental to the successful implementation of Machiavellianism. Where Greene’s desire was for his book to be utilised as a shield rather than a sword, I find it equally important to become acquainted with the weaponisation of Machiavellianism. The direction Greene chose not take is the direction I dedicate a large part of this blog to.
#REDDIT 48 LAWS OF POWER HOW TO#
It does not instruct how to master the art of strategy and apply it in one’s life, which is effectively the goal of most who seek power and prestige. It does not communicate through intellectualisation how to master what is essentially a learnable vocation.
#REDDIT 48 LAWS OF POWER SERIES#
By opting for a theoretical and passive analysis the book teaches you to understand Machiavellianism as a series of easily remembered nuggets of wisdom that are reinforced in their emphasis by the splendour of extravagant stories. The book raises awareness and elucidates by encouraging abstract theoretical analysis of Machiavellianism via storytelling. It was Greene himself who said “I’d rather the book be used for defence against natural psychopaths rather than be used to hurt people.” As well as “psychopaths don’t need this book, most of this stuff is innate for them” (to paraphrase him.) It is for this reason the book does not give you a step-by-step guide detailing how to specifically apply the laws in your everyday interactions. It is for this reason I have begun work on essays which elaborate on the ideas discussed within The 48 Laws of Power. A mere understanding of the mechanics of power however does not translate into a transferable skill which can be wielded for self-gain. Instead you get a list of psychological ingredients relevant to the pursuit of power that are illustrated by stories from history demonstrating how each ingredient manifests when stakes are high. For instance the book never states anything along the lines of: “in contemporary and relatable situation X, you could apply the law in question by doing Y.” You don’t get taught how to apply the laws based on a scenario that the average person will find themselves in. With Greene’s reticence to supply methodology there belies an absence of instruction and methodological example. It is in this sense that somebody alien to the purview of power, politics and manipulation is spectacularly introduced to an otherwise unfathomably unintelligible world. Consider The 48 Laws of Power to be a cookbook of manipulative devices, with the laws acting as the raw ingredients quintessential to the schemes of all great power games. Robert Greene gives you the ingredients necessary to achieve power, but he doesn’t giving you a working blue print (or to keep with the analogy, a recipe.) The book does not educate you on becoming Machiavellian instead, it matter-of-factly states how certain aspects of Machiavellianism work. There is much profound information to be found within the depths of The 48 Laws of Power but the book lacks methodology and application. Essentially, the scope of this article is to inform the wannabe Machiavellian of the skill sets necessary to successfully apply Machiavellian strategy on a day-to-day basis. Having knowledge of the skill sets needed to be a fully competent Machiavellian is vital. Should one wish to successfully implement the “laws of power” into the fabric of their social interactions, they will need to master said qualities. These are qualities which are necessary, not supplementary. The book does not teach the importance of qualities which aid in and are fundamental to the successful execution of Machiavellian devices. There are talents which need to be developed by the reader that are irrespective of the book. Certain skills must be learnt, methodologies must be developed and a deeper understanding must be obtained. If one is to derive maximum benefit from the book and see tangible improvements in their life, the book and its tenets alone are not enough to bring about the outcomes enjoyed by competent Machiavellians. It appears there is something of a disconnect between the reader’s interest in the book and their ability to utilise the lessons taught within it. The focus of this piece is on the application of Machiavellian ideas contained within “The 48 Laws of Power.” Numerous people have communicated to me how confounding they find Robert Greene’s best-selling book despite how indisputably excellent it serves as an introduction to the world of Machiavellianism. 2.) The Vocational Toolbox: Necessary Skill SetsĢd.) Emotional Intelligence & Infiltrationģ.) Concluding Statements: Misapplying The Laws
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