I’m working on a novel and one of the central themes is manipulation and control. What drives people to try and attain power over others. That sort of thing. I was looking for something along the lines of a modern version of The Prince to listen to and came across The 48 Laws of Power. It does not sound like something I’d enjoy recreationally but is it a good resource for gaining insight into this kind of mindset? And are the historical anecdotes at least interesting and insightful?
I guess what I’m wondering is whether there’s any substance to this book that has value or is it more just a bunch of trite sound bites that would appeal to some Wall Street or tech bro types? Did you feel like the author did his homework?
by ThatPancreatitisGuy
8 Comments
This book is pseudoscience
It’s decent and the way he uses history to bring out his points is interesting and makes you think. Liked Art of Seduction a bit more I think because it’s more insightful in understanding other people and the different ways we all attract each other.
Laws of Power does a good job in understanding qualities you or those around you might have or lack. It’s not really machiavellian least I thought. Think the Wall Street tech bros of the world would use it more for show than reading it.
If you’re writing to entertain, then 48 laws of power is worth the read. My best review of the book is that it will give you manipulation tools but not show you when and how to use them.
Green purposly cherry picks obscure segments in history and removes essential context to said stories to prove his points. That being said, the narratives he weaves are interesting in their own right and would make great inspiration for fictional characters or give said characters tactics a facade of realism.
It’s for psychopaths
The historical examples used are worth reading at the very least.
For your purposes, it’s worth reading. Practically required. A lot of very manipulative and controlling people swear by that book (which I find odious, but that’s neither here nor there, you’re writing a novel not trying to learn how to fuck people over).
It is a garbage book written by and for garbage human beings.
The 2nd worst executive I’ve ever worked for had this on his bookshelf. Rather than the dear leader he thought he was, his attitude was just immature and petty. He did believe in the dictum to let others do the work and take the credit. He left the job to run for office and lost.