Regarding reading The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Green
How do I get past this obstacle? Any laws I should start with specifically to help?
To put it simply, I’ve been the victim of a lot of abuse, manipulation, absurd exploitation and deception and lost my dream career just as I was about to finish my doctorate because of selfish people with bruised egos. It makes it really hard not to read this and think, this is exactly what was used against me, which triggers all of my trauma and brings me right back to that miserable dark time in my life.
I’m still “recovering” from this major blow and am trying to build myself back up to be able to find a new career that I enjoy – which is why I feel so motivated to read this. However, when I get triggered it’s insanely difficult to even focus on the material and digest it in a way to where I can make it functional and actively apply it to my life.
Any advice is much appreciated, I’m sure some of you have been inspired to read this from similar circumstances so personal anecdotes are welcomed as well!
by KarmasComments
7 Comments
Hi OP! I’m not sure whether you’re referring to reading in general or a specific book, but I saw that you posted something about 48 Laws of Power.
Have you tried listening to it as an audiobook? I would really recommend that as a tool to help you digest the information if reading is an issue. If it’s regarding subject material, you can perhaps go read a summary of the book instead of the book itself?
Otherwise, it’s ok to set it down until you’ve had more time to heal. That is totally fine. There’s no timeline on healing from trauma, and if a book is causing more trouble then you can manage, then it’s not going to help you.
any book claiming that there are 48 laws of power can be safely skipped.
I’m sorry you experienced that, OP. I’m not surprised this book triggers you. I reach for Greene’s work when I’m doing research writing villains, it can be twisted stuff. If you’re determined to read it, could it help to expose yourself to it slowly? I know it’s anathema to suggest, but for this kind of book perhaps you could start with the spark notes, perhaps even just one or two of the laws a day if reading them at once is too much.
Is there a reason you need to read this book specifically? There are soooo many books out there, I personally don’t think it’s worth it to trigger yourself to read this one. I’m sure there are podcasts and YouTube videos summarizing anything worth reading in The 48 Laws of Power, considering its popularity.
I personally enjoyed the “If Books Could Kill” podcast episode on it, but it was mostly making fun of it, so that’s probably not what you are looking for.
Then stop reading it.
Just read ‘body keeps the score’ for trauma.
But more importantly get a therapist and/or start journalling
Hi OP! First of all I’m sorry you went through all of that. Thank you for bravely sharing your experience.
If it’s too triggering you can stop reading and revisit in a few months’ time. If you would like to continue reading, that’s okay too. Given, you have the support and right psychological tools to manage your trauma.
Sometimes, it’s not an entirely a bad thing for your trauma to resurface. It tells you that you’ve not completely healed from the experience and gives you an opportunity to heal. Those emotions need to be acknowledged, reframed and released. But I have to emphasize that if you’re choosing to heal, please make sure you have the right support around you and learn various tools to deal with them. You can also seek help from a trauma-informed therapist in your area. They will be helpful in guiding you through this journey.
I was with a narcissist for a long time. And often times when I read, the things that happened to me would resurface. I felt anxious and shameful at first. But as I started healing, what I felt was anger towards the unfair treatment I went through. This was good. Because my mind was finally letting go of the notion that it was all my fault and coming to a place of protecting me. Sometimes, if it was too much. I would just stop and allow myself the time to heal. I’ll journal and feel the full extent of my emotions amongst other things.
So yes, it’s up to you. Only you can determine your own threshold for these things.
Hope this helps!