Before setting up my independent business, I was unaware of the power and manipulation tactics employed by many ruthless professionals.
This definitely worked against me as I was unable to negotiate effectively and lost contracts due to my lack of assertiveness in key situations.
You are reading: Books like the 48 laws of power
Seeing these characters operate first hand, I began to explore the concept of power and its applications.
my first foray into this material was robert greene’s classic, the 48 laws of power, and his equally compelling war strategies.
For anyone else interested in the topic, here are some other suggestions to help you wield power more effectively, whether in personal or professional situations.
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books like the 48 laws of power
1. power: why some people have it and others don’t by jeffrey pfeffer
Jeffrey Pfeffer’s book explores the concept of power in the modern world.
pfeffer defines power as the ability to influence others and argues that it is a necessary tool for success in any field.
goes on to identify six key sources of power: legitimate authority, refined skills, social capital, wealth, charisma, and physical strength.
pfeffer provides detailed case studies of people who have used these sources of power to achieve success and offers advice on how readers can develop their own power base.
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Ultimately, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the dynamics of power in today’s world.
advantages
- pfeffer provides a clear and concise definition of power
- the book is packed with real-world examples of how power can be used to achieve success
- offers the author tips on how readers can develop their own power base
cons
- pfeffer’s focus on individual achievement may be off-putting to some readers.
- the book is somewhat us-centric in its approach, which may not be as relatable to international readers
2. make anyone do anything by david j. liebermann
david j. Lieberman’s writings explore the science of persuasion and how it can be used to influence others.
lieberman provides detailed explanations of how the human brain processes information and how this knowledge can be used to get people to do what you want them to do.
also delves into the ethical implications of using persuasive techniques and offers advice on when and how to use them responsibly.
Ultimately, Making Anyone Do Anything is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding how to increase their sphere of influence.
advantages
- provides clear explanations of how the human brain processes information
- offers information on the ethical implications of using persuasive techniques
- packed with helpful advice on when and how use persuasive techniques
cons
- some readers may find the focus on persuasion too manipulative
- the suggested methods may promise more than they deliver
3. the prince by niccolò machiavelli
Nicolas Machiavelli’s ‘The Prince’ is a classic political treatise that explores the concept of power and how it can be used to achieve success.
machiavelli argues that power is the key to success and that those who have it are able to shape the world to their liking.
provides numerous examples of how this has been done throughout history and offers advice on how rulers can acquire and maintain power.
The Prince is essential to anyone interested in understanding the machinations of power, and is sure to provoke thought and discussion.
advantages
- machiavelli’s treatise is a classic exploration of the concept of power.
- the book offers numerous examples of how power has been used throughout history.
- provides information on political mechanics. of power
cons
- some readers may find Machiavelli’s view of power too cynical
- the book is a product of its time, as it was written in the 16th century
4. sun tzu’s art of war
sun tzu’s art of war is an ancient chinese military treatise that has been used by generals and strategists throughout history.
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The book explores the principles of war and how they can be applied to achieve success in battle.
sun tzu argues that the key to victory is knowing your enemy and yourself and always maintaining the element of surprise.
The art of war is vital to anyone interested in understanding the fundamentals of strategy and tactics, and will certainly give pause to anyone looking to gain an advantage in any field.
advantages
- the book explores in depth the principles of warfare
- provides information on how to apply these principles to achieve success
- is packed with strategic advice that can be applied to any situation
cons
- some readers may find the book’s focus on warfare too narrow
- the book is quite old, having been written in the 6th century BC. c., and his advice may not be as relevant in today’s world
5. The Broker of Power: Robert Moses and the Fall of New York by Robert A. expensive
This is a classic work of non-fiction chronicling the rise and fall of one of the most powerful men in American history.
robert moses was a master builder who left an indelible mark on new york city, transforming it into the modern metropolis we know today.
But its success came at a great cost, as its unbridled power caused the displacement of thousands of people and the destruction of entire neighborhoods.
the power broker is essential reading for anyone interested in urban planning, politics, or history, but more importantly, it provides a real-world example of power in action.
advantages
- The book is a classic work of non-fiction chronicling the rise and fall of one of the most powerful men in United States history.
- Provides insight into the politics of the power and how some leaders use these techniques to their advantage
- the book is sure to provoke thought and discussion
cons
- The book is quite long, at over 1300 pages, and some readers may find it too dense
- This is not a manual or guide to harnessing power in your own life, but more well an interesting historical insight into power politics
summary
Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power is a controversial book that explores the concept of power and how it can be used to achieve success.
Although you may find the use of dark psychology in relationships depressing, understanding how these tactics are employed is essential, especially to protect yourself from persuasion and manipulation.
Hopefully, these recommendations are great additions to your library to broaden your understanding of the topic. happy reading!
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