Robert Greene
If the New York Times proclaims you a new rival to Machiavelli and Sun-Tzu, you must be doing something right.
Robert Greene is a well-known name, and Greene’s work and breakdown of the concepts of power, seduction, and strategy are praised by many authors, philosophers, and fellow readers.
Who is Robert Greene?
Born in 1959 in Los Angeles, California, Robert Greene was a curious child and an even more curious young adult.
This led him to pursue a BA in classical studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison to further understand the concept of power, which later became the cornerstone of his work.
Greene estimates that he held 60 to 65 jobs prior to becoming a published author, including those of a construction worker, translator, magazine editor, and Hollywood screenwriter.
The 48 Laws of Power, Greene’s debut book, is a manual for anyone seeking power, observing power, or seeking to arm themselves against it. It was first released in 1998 and changed Greene’s life forever.
Robert Greene’s most popular work
Did you know that Robert Greene’s books, such as The 48 Laws of Power and The 33 Strategies of War, have been banned from prisons as a security measure? This fact says a lot about the quality of his work and philosophical concepts.
Power is an archetype in philosophy and literature, but Greene never denied the previous theses on power – quite the contrary. He embraced the work of Niccolo Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and other important historical figures and gave us multiple outstanding bestsellers.
The 48 Laws of Power (1998)
Power is amoral, or neither good nor evil, according to Greene’s first book. The 48 Laws of Power emphasize how we think about power and, consequently, how we act in various hierarchical institutions.
Each law has its own chapter, and they are based on and derived from the lives of Niccolo Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, Haile Selassie I, Carl von Clausewitz, Queen Elizabeth I, Henry Kissinger, and P.T. Barnum.
In addition to being mentioned by 50 Cent, Jay-Z, other rappers, actors, and notable figures, The 48 Laws of Power has sold more than 1.2 million copies. The 48 Laws of Power has also been referenced in many songs by popular artists like Jay Z, Kanye West, and Drake.
The Art of Seduction (2001)
Published by Robert Greene and Joost Elffers, The Art of Seduction represents a revolutionary approach to the power of seduction, especially in politics. There are nine types of seducers, based on the examples of Cleopatra, Giacomo Casanova, Duke Ellington, and JFK.
This book which sold more than 500,000 copies, also reveals the dark side of seduction, along with its subtleties and concepts of attraction, storytelling, and negotiation.
The 50th Law (with 50 Cent) (2009)
2009 saw the release of Greene’s fourth book, The 50th Law, which he co-wrote with the rapper 50 Cent.
By adding lessons from various historical figures to anecdotes about 50 Cent’s rise as a hustler and a budding musician, the bestselling book combines talk of strategy and fearlessness.
Mastery (2012)
Da Vinci, Charles Darwin, Paul Graham, the Wright Brothers, Benjamin Franklin, and Mozart are just a few of the historical and contemporary figures whose lives are examined in the book Mastery, which distills the qualities and universal components that made masters.
The book is divided into six sections, each of which focuses on crucial knowledge and methods for achieving mastery.
The Laws of Human Nature (2018)
The Laws of Human Nature, Greene’s sixth book, was published in October 2018. The book looks at people’s drives, motivations, and cognitive biases – both conscious and unconscious.
Other note-worthy Robert Greene’s books are definitely The Daily Laws: 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature, published in 2021, The 33 Strategies of War, and The Dramatic and Poetical Works of Robert Greene and George Peele.
Robert Greene’s philosophy on power, mastery, and relationships
Robert Greene is a desired guest in many podcasts due to his expertise on power, seduction, strategy, mastery, and human relationships in general. He talked with Ryan Holiday and Jay Shetty about many profound topics, including what makes humans tick and his own life.
“The time that leads to mastery is dependent on the intensity of our focus” is one of Greene’s most famous quotes. You don’t become a master overnight, nor do you become a powerful leader simply because that’s your goal.
Greene is a supporter of the ancient Greek politician Pericles, who prioritized reason above all else and understood that emotion frequently impairs judgment. Emotions pull us inside rather than outside, he claims.
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FAQ
What is the last book written by Robert Greene?
The Daily Laws is the last published book by Robert Greene, and it contains 366 Meditations on Power, Seduction, Mastery, Strategy, and Human Nature.
Does Robert Greene believe in God?
Though he was born and raised in a Jewish family, Greene says he doesn’t believe in God in a ‘’traditional way’’ but doesn’t deem himself a ‘’hardcore atheist’’ either.
In what order should I read Robert Greene’s books?
While it’s good to start with Robert Greene’s first book (The 48 Laws of Power), there is no mandatory order in which you have to read his books.
