The 48 Laws of Power is a book I’ve always wanted to read but never had the chance. One of the few positive aspects of being in prison is the time it provides for reading. The 48 Laws of Power isn’t a novel or philosophy book; it’s more of a self-help guide outlining what it considers the 48 fundamental rules for acquiring power.
The book is substantial, clocking in at 430 pages of small print. However, the structure of the content makes it a relatively fast read.
The first few pages list the 48 laws, each with a brief 1-2 sentence description. Upon finishing these pages, I jokingly told my cellmate, “Why do I need to read more? It just gave me all the notes!” Nevertheless, I continued. The book is organized so that each law has its own section, usually only a few pages long, contributing to the brisk reading pace.
Each section follows a consistent format:
- The Law: The specific rule is stated.
- Judgment: The short description from the book’s introduction is repeated.
- Transgression and Observation:
- These are short historical anecdotes demonstrating how violating (“transgressing”) or adhering to (“observing”) the law impacted individuals. For example, regarding the first law (“Never Outshine the Master”), there’s a story about Galileo attributing his patrons’ discoveries to them, ensuring continued patronage.
These short stories form the core of the book, spanning various historical periods from ancient kingdoms around 600 BC to the Nixon administration. They are both informative and entertaining.
- Interpretation: This section connects the story to the law, reinforcing its message.
- Following one or more “Transgression” and “Observation” stories, there’s a “Keys to Power” section that synthesizes the points.
- Reversal: This section plays devil’s advocate, explaining situations where the law might not apply. Some reversals simply state, “There is no reversal to this law. It will always apply.”
When I began reading, I was skeptical of the book’s premise, which is emphasized throughout: that people are inherently calculating, devious, and power-seeking. I’ve always wanted to believe that most humans are genuinely empathetic. However, reading this book and reflecting on my past experiences, I’ve come to realize that this isn’t always true. I recognized many of the laws in my own life, regretting not adhering to some during my more prosperous times. Some of my favorite laws, which I should have heeded, include:
- “Never put too much trust in friends, learn how to use enemies.”
- “Plan all the way to the end.”
- “Re-create yourself.”
I learned a great deal from this book, primarily things I wish I had known when I had power (and money). It gives me hope for the future. I hope to regain my power and use it more wisely this time. I will keep this book handy for reference.
5 stars.
0 Comments