A few of my friends have recently gotten really into this whole “self improvement” phase and a lot of it seems to revolve around Andrew Tate videos and this book called The 48 Laws of Power. They keep telling me I need to read it because it will “change me for the better” and “teach me how the world really works”. Every time we hang out they bring it up and talk about how it’s completely shifted their mindset. I’m honestly skeptical. I’ve heard mixed things about the book some people say it’s a must read and full of useful lessons about human behavior and power dynamics while others say it’s just manipulative nonsense that encourages you to treat life like a game of control. My friends are acting like it’s the ultimate guide to success but I can’t tell if they’re actually getting something valuable out of it or just hyping each other up. Has anyone here read The 48 Laws of Power and did it genuinely help you in life or is it one of those things that sounds deep on the surface but doesn’t really hold up and would you recommend it to someone unsure about this whole “power mindset” stuff?
by Old_Psychology1068
5 Comments
Buddy, if anything associated with Andrew Tate (or any other “self-help” gurus) sounds worthwhile to you… Can I tell you about this bridge I own that would be an absolute steal at the price I’m willing to charge?
I read it in 2015. It’s predatory, manipulative and reductive. So is Andrew Tate btw.
I highly recommend the episode of the podcast ‘If Books Could Kill’ that covers this… book.
Read ‘7 habits of highly successful people , by covey, much more useful and positive. 48 laws of power is about manipulation, coveys about cooperation, preparation and planning
I read it to help craft power-hungry, Machiavellian characters in a story I was writing. It was interesting with that end in sight and had some good examples drawn from history.
Beyond character work, it didn’t help me at all in life. It wasn’t particularly compelling or convincing as a driver to actual action. But then, if you’re a power-hungry sociopath your mileage may vary.
Honestly though, if Machiavellian is your jam just go read *The Prince*. It’s shorter.