Summary of The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene

“The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene is a bestselling book that explores the strategies and tactics used by powerful individuals throughout history to gain and maintain power. The book is divided into 48 chapters, each of which focuses on a specific law. Here is a brief summary of each of the laws:

1. Never outshine the master
2. Never put too much trust in friends, and learn how to use enemies
3. Conceal your intentions
4. Always say less than necessary
5. So much depends on reputation — guard it with your life
6. Court attention at all costs
7. Get others to do the work for you, but always take credit for it
8. Make other people come to you — use bait if necessary
9. Win through your actions, never through argument
10. Infection: avoid stepping into a great man’s shoes
11. Learn to keep people dependent on you
12. Do not build fortresses to protect yourself — isolation is dangerous
13. Play to people’s fantasies
14. Pose as a friend, work as a spy
15. Crush your enemy totally
16. Use absence to increase respect and honor
17. Keep others in suspended terror: cultivate an air of unpredictability
18. Do not build extensions of yourself