The 48 Laws Of Power

Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1998

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Summary

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Preface and Laws 1-16

Laws 17-32

Laws 33-48

Key Figures

Themes

Index of Terms

Important Quotes

Essay Topics

What role does deception play in gaining and maintaining power? Using at least three examples from the book, explain why deception is a more important tool than honesty for those who wish to maintain their grasp on power.

How and why does Greene show that the road to power is full of contradictions? Do the contradictions reinforce or diminish his argument?

Greene’s book has been dubbed the “psychopath’s bible.” Is this label warranted?

Discuss Greene’s treatment of the relationship between power and morality. To what extent do you agree that power is entirely amoral?

How does Greene portray the relationship between hardship and power? To what extent is a position of relative weakness the best grounds for gaining power?

Discuss Greene’s portrayal of how women have ascended to power. Referring to at least two examples in your answer, how have women in patriarchal societies managed to gain influence?

To what extent does a person’s power depend on their ability to understand and get along with others? You should refer to at least two examples in your answer.

How does Greene’s approach to empowerment compare with other self-help trends you are aware of? Which parts of his book have aged the worst?

How does Greene show that power dynamics have remained unchanged since the time of Machiavelli? To what extent do you agree with him?

10.

Compare and contrast two characters who appear in Greene’s book. To what extent can you trace a common strategy in their accession to power?