Any capable leader should have the integrity to appreciate employees outperforming him. Honest career relationships build on trust. But advising to capitalize on people’s weaknesses is a whole new level of indecency. It’s one thing to assume your superior ruthlessly slaughtered his way to the top. The density of cynicism in this passage is uncanny. Do not be merciful - your master had no such scruples in his own cold-blooded climb to the top … If he is weak, discreetly hasten his downfall.” If your superior is a falling star, there is nothing to fear from outshining him. When I read the following passage - the reversal of the first Law - my frown imprinted permanent wrinkles on my forehead. Not my jam - but fair enough.Ī few pages later, however, the book completely lost me. Okay, that’s not too bad, right? Build a pretentious relationship with your superiors, make them feel special, and don’t reveal your entire potential. Law 1 reads, “Never outshine the master.”

Law 1: A Mild Beginning That Escalates Quickly Speaking of fluff - let’s look at some of the laws. This is deeply comical: The book is trying to appear powerful by presenting itself as heavy and valuable to cover up for the fluff inside. But when you actually slice and dice your way through the nearly 500 pages, you’ll be disappointed.

It feels like you’re holding the complete encyclopedia of humankind. If you hold a copy in your hand, you’ll notice its heftiness. Plus, there is some neat typesetting throughout the chapters.Īnd sadly, that’s about everything good I can say about this book. (This has its price as we’ll see shortly.)Įach chapter provides an overview of the law and then explores historical violations, applications, and reversals. In the book, you’ll read about 48 power dynamics you can use - and abuse - to get ahead in life. Defending The 48 Laws of Power Is Hopeless.Law 30: Make your accomplishments seem effortless.

Law 27: Play on people’s need to believe to create a cult-like following.Law 14: Pose as a friend, work as a spy.Law 7: Get others to do the work for you, but always take the credit.A Guide to Unhappiness: The 7 Most Bizarre Laws.Law 2–4: How to Build Toxic Relationships.Law 1: A Mild Beginning That Escalates Quickly.

The laws of power book