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The 48 Laws of Power

Debate Information

Robert Greene, a Psychologist and Author, published a now famous/infamous book titled "The 48 Laws of Power" in the year 2000.  "

48 Laws of Power is a riveting narrative on the politics of power from bestselling writer Robert Greene. The book focuses on three main aspects of power. The first is observing power in others, while the second thread involves gaining power for oneself. The third element the narrative concerns itself with is defending oneself from the power plays of others. Some critics have pointed to the fact that the book seemingly glorifies unethical ways of advancing oneself in the workplace, or in life. Even if readers do not intend to obtain power, however, Greene’s book is effective in helping readers combat the abuses of power, and other ills, both in everyday life and in the workplace.


Some critics have also taken issue with the apparent ruthlessness of the laws, placing Greene in a similar role to Machiavelli with his realistic take on people and politics in Italy. As noted above, though a law like Law 15 might appear ruthless in its simple statement of “crushing one’s enemy totally,” the aim of these laws is to allow readers to not only think about the laws’ place in power politics but to apply them as necessary. This means that people who are seeking to understand bosses or coworkers can see in Law 15 how or why they are being treated a certain way. As such, these laws are powerful tools for observation and understanding. They provide the necessary steps for those seeking to understand power and why (or how) it is used for good and/or ill.


Though the 48 laws deal with the undeniable way one can dominate a political situation completely with the right tools, Greene’s assessment of power over the course of the centuries also sheds an interesting light on relationships, morality, truth and love. The laws bear witness to what man has achieved or attempted to achieve over the centuries, and how these attempts and successes often stem from the knowledge, or lack thereof, of how to effectively wield power. Regardless of one’s intentions, 48 Laws of Power is a delightful, insightful read."   -supersummary.com


Link to the 48 Laws of Power listed out:  http://www.elffers.com/low/start/index2.html


Articles and Videos: 


A.  https://www.theguardian.com/books/2012/dec/03/robert-greene-48-laws-of-power

B.  https://www.newyorker.com/magazine/2006/11/06/fresh-prince-3

C.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=670ZGMBjrPI

D.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96a-fk3a_vA

E.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfiIj31vQ6A

F.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SJE3w04zdwk


Do you agree with Robert Greene's Laws of Power?  Do you think it is wise to apply these Laws of Power in one's life?  Is it unethical to use these Laws of Power to manipulate others and situations to your advantage?

  1. Live Poll

    Do you agree with Robert Greene's Laws of Power?

    2 votes
    1. Yes
      50.00%
    2. No
      50.00%
  2. Live Poll

    Do you think it is wise to apply these Laws of Power in one's life?

    2 votes
    1. Yes
      50.00%
    2. No
      50.00%
  3. Live Poll

    Is it unethical to use these Laws of Power to manipulate others and situations to your advantage?

    2 votes
    1. Yes
      50.00%
    2. No
      50.00%



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  • VaulkVaulk 813 Pts   -   edited December 2017
    All 48 laws of power have been observed and practiced in one way, shape or form since the beginning of time...the book itself is a testament to that.  What Greene did in his book was simply provide an analysis of what Humans already do while providing his personal view on why and how.  The preface contains all sorts of statements indicating that he's not necessarily advocating the practice of his laws but the way the book is written...one cannot help but pick up a sense of "Offering" and "Praise" of the laws from the author.

    If one were to practice these laws in the same context they were given as in the book...they'd most certainly be unethical by today's standards but in other contexts they're hardly worthy of an eyebrow muscle and are constantly applied today by our politicians.  Also "The Art of Seduction" is a decent read by Greene if you're interested but not nearly as fascinating as 48 laws.
    xMathFanx
    "If there's no such thing as a question then what kind of questions do people ask"?

    "There's going to be a special place in Hell for people who spread lies through the veil of logical fallacies disguised as rational argument".

    "Oh, you don't like my sarcasm?  Well I don't much appreciate your stup!d".


  • It is immoral!
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