Fully aware of the stereotype of a "finance guy reading the Art of War", I nevertheless have to say that the 48 Laws of Power is an intellectual tour de force and a valuable read. This is a book I wish I had read years ago – and re-read several times since.
It's a darker and more comprehensive version of How to Win Friends and Influence People, with extra emphasis on control and manipulation, but free of Carnegie's optimism. Greene drops bangers like "Law 7: get others to do the work for you but always take the credit" and "Law 10: avoid the unhappy and unlucky", making no attempt to soften or apologise for the message.
But far from being a banal Machiavellian how-to guide, the 48 Laws can be seen as a delightful "applied history" course. Each chapter draws on several historical case studies, illustrating both observances and transgressions of the law in a structured and accessible manner. Granted, the fact that people like Cesare Borgia and Henry Kissinger are cited as role models may be a red flag to some, but it's important and interesting to learn about their methods even if you disagree with their actions and objectives.
Power itself is neither good nor bad. As the author explains, you can use the 48 Laws as an offensive guide to manipulate people and gain power, or as a defensive playbook to identify situations in which your good nature is being exploited by the less scrupulous. Greene shares deep wisdom about the way people tick and provides excellent advice on how to carry yourself in a diverse range of situations. Corporate things like "don't embarrass your boss"; practical social things like "have a sharp wit but never criticise taste/appearance"; general prescriptions like "turn people down respectfully, even if you think their offer is ridiculous".
The 48 Laws shouldn't be read in one go. Chip away at it, mull over the content, and reflect on its relevance to your life. Once you are aware of the Laws, you start to see them at play everywhere.