Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power is relied upon by many people who are looking for ways to amass and increase their power base. Some people see the book as one of the best things ever written on the subject of power. Others see the book as a look at the worse side of the desire for the acquisition of power.
Power in and of itself is not an evil thing to be feared.
Power is a word that normally evokes an emotional response in those who hear it. At the same time, many people do not have a clear idea of the definition of power. One definition of power found in New Webster’s Collegiate Dictionary is the “ability or capacity to do something,” “control or dominion or a position of control, dominion or authority,” and “a person who exercises control, influence or authority.” These definitions, in and of themselves are not inherently negative, harmful or bad. This means that neither power itself or the exercise of power should be seen as negative or something to avoid or fear.
Some people, in fact many people, have a great affinity for The 48 Laws of Power. I am not one of those people. This article is the first in a series of articles where I will be sharing other ideas on power and its application in the world of business. Whether you agree with The 48 Rules of Power or don’t there will be plenty here for you to find interesting and worthy of discussion. It is my hope that this series will help you to:
1. Have a proper appreciation for power
2. Protect yourself from those who see and use power only in a negative way
3. Realize that power can be a good thing that should be used to bring people together in the workplace rather than drive them apart
Power, like many things, has a good side and a bad side so don’t let the bad side overwhelm you.
Many of The 48 Laws of Power seem good on the surface. The problem is that once you delve into them and start parsing the different sections a clear bias towards deception, lies and hurting others in order to obtain power emerges. I like power as much as the next person, but, I think you can obtain power without deceit, lies and destroying those that stand between you and the power you want. Many of the concepts found in The 48 Rules of Power are common ideas that are found in other places including The Bible, The Prince and The Art of War. These are concepts that are familiar to many people and ideas that do not make one uncomfortable on the surface.Here are the 48 Laws of Power in case you are unfamiliar with them.
Here are the 48 Laws of Power in case you are unfamiliar with them.
1 2
Power is something that can so easily be abused but when used properly can do so much good.
Sometimes power can really affect people badly. Those people need a reality check! lol
This is thought provoking. Power is critical but also something that carries value.
Very interesting! Usually you hear of power with a negative connotation, but I like the positive spin. Good is greater than evil!
While having power isn’t a bad thing, having too much can sometimes go to your head. I’ve worked with people who’ve had a little too much. You’ve got to know how to control it and yourself.
I’m gonna add this book to my list. I never heard of it, but it definitely sounds interesting.
This is a good reminder that being powerful and striving to find your personal power isn’t a negative thing. Power can be used for the greater good!
It’s definitely important not to take advantage of others with power. Hopefully more people learn this over time.
power is great… deception? no thanks. blah.
So powerful indeed. Power can be used for such good, especially if a leader inspires people.
Sounds like an enlightening book to read if one is struggling with this issue
Those are great suggestions. It is important to understand power so you can use it and protect yourself
Number 2 is spot on. We have a choice in who we are around and if someone is abusing their power we need to do something about it.
I think power can be a good and bad thing. Someone people let it get power hungry at times.
Have not heard of this. So true Power can be good.
I’ve heard of the 48 Laws of Power! Great Read ( listen ) The thing about Power is that the more of it people have .. the more of it they want and they usually use it for bad
I’ve never heard of the 48 Laws of Power! Thanks for sharing this. I will have to check this out.
I need to check this book out, the business nerd in me finds this so interesting.
This is interesting! I had no idea about the 48laws. I am going to have to check this out more!
I never know about this, but it’s a topic of interest for me. 48 laws! Used for so much. Thanks for writing about it!
Good article…and I agree that power is merely something can be used for good and bad. In fairness, we do need some power, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to achieve certain objectives or wouldn’t be able to grow.
Thanks for posting
Wow, so much to think about here! I need to look at The 48 Laws of Power. It sounds very interesting!