48 LAWS OF POWER: BOOK REVIEW
Like it or not, we live our lives in a constant dynamic of power. As humans are political beings, we inherently understand that acting in a certain way can be either detrimental to our success or beneficial to it.
Fascinated by history and psychology, what makes this book so interesting is that the author gives light to a law while also diving into our psyche and making past references either to figures or events that can explain it.
In this article, I will give light to 5 laws that stood out to me while giving you 3 reasons why you should read this book.
Side note:
The 5 laws that I will give you in this article is for the objective of getting better as a person inside and outside the gym. While there are many laws that can be seen as malicious or manipulative, I chose to stick to those that are aligned with the values of the gym.
If you are interested in knowing more about these laws, I recommend you sending me an email or reading the book.
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Law 4: Always say less than necessary
Our mouth can be seen as something that can propel us to new heights, but can also make us drop to the piths of hell. Use it wisely and always make sure you do not overdue it.
“When you are trying to impress people with words, the more you say, the more common you appear and the less in control. Even if you are saying something banal, it will seem original if you make it vague, open-ended, and sphinx like. Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish”
Law 10: Infection- Avoid the unhappy and unlucky
Like a rotten fruit spreading its infection, unhappy or unlucky individuals can affect the happiness and hopes of those around him or her. Avoid these people at all costs.
“You can die from someone else’s misery-emotional states are as infectious as diseases. You may feel you are helping the drowning man but you are only precipitating your own disaster. The unfortunate sometimes draw misfortune on themselves; they will also draw it on you. Associate with happy and fortunate instead.”
Law 16: Use absence to increase respect and power
When you don’t feel respected and listened to, you must stop talking and create absence to create self worth and importance in the eyes of others.
“Too much circulation makes the price go down; the more you are seen and heard from, the more common you appear. If you are already established in a group, temporary withdrawal from it will make you more talked about, even more admired. You must learn when to leave. Create value through scarcity.”
Law 25: Re-create yourself
For good or bad, we are constantly evolving day to day, month to month and year to year. While many people from your past days might label you as a particular identity, the capacity for us to change is real and you shouldn’t be afraid to evolve positively if you feel the need to.
“Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. Re-create yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image rather than letting others define it for you. Incorporate dramatic devices into your pubic gestures and actions- your power will be enhanced and your character will see larger than life.”
Law 48: Assume formlessness
When we are rigid in our thoughts and ideals, a single little change can come and halt our reality thus making us susceptible to weakness and fragility. Understand that by making yourself more fluid and adaptable to change, you are the one in the driver’s seat and not the other way around.
“By taking a shape, by having a visible plan, you open yourself to attack. Instead of taking a form for your enemy to grasp, keep yourself adaptable and on the move. Accept the fact that nothing is certain and no law is fixed. The best way to protect yourself is to be as fluid and formless as water; never bet on stability or lasting order. Everything changes”
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While there are many reasons to read this book, I will give you my top 3 reasons and why I recommend it as a must read.
(1) Understand power dynamics, understand life
Like I mentioned before, as humans we are constantly dealing and acting in a world of power. To understand its laws and psychology, we can better understand life and better our chances of success.
(2) Understand the past, so you can deal with present
The past is always relevant, and to believe it is not, is to make a huge mistake. Our psyche as human beings has not evolved so much so since the beginning of the great empires. Learning from the leaders and conquerers of the past can lead to victory today.
(3) Power is earned and not given
Reading this book made me realize that true power cannot be bought nor given, it must be earned. When individuals acquire power by merit, it is often conserved and long lasting. To understand that power is ultimately respect by your peers and others, will make you that much more likely of succeeding.
All in all, on a 10, this book is a 9 for its excellent read, insight and uniqueness.
Love and peace
Bryan