Introduction
Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power has become a modern bible for those obsessed with influence and dominance. But not every law is practical (or ethical) in real life.
Let’s break down which laws actually work — and which ones are pure fiction or even counterproductive today.
What Works
Law 1: Never Outshine the Master
Still highly relevant. If you make your boss or mentor feel insecure, you will almost always be punished. Subtlety and strategic humility keep you safe.
Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions
In competitive environments, being too open about your plans makes you vulnerable. Strategic discretion allows you to move without interference.
Law 6: Court Attention at All Costs
Visibility is power. In crowded marketplaces (online and offline), fading into the background is equivalent to death.
Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally
While it sounds extreme, this law is about decisive action. If you leave an opponent half-defeated, they can regroup. In business, this might mean fully cornering a market rather than making half-hearted moves.
Law 33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew
Understanding what motivates or terrifies someone gives you huge leverage in negotiations or relationships. However, this law should be used ethically to avoid manipulation.
What’s Pure Fiction (Or Risky)
Law 7: Get Others to Do the Work for You, But Always Take the Credit
In modern collaborative environments, stealing credit destroys trust and can backfire spectacularly.
Law 12: Use Selective Honesty to Disarm Your Victim
While partial honesty can be strategic, overuse turns you into a manipulative figure that no one trusts.
Law 34: Be Royal in Your Own Fashion
Overdoing this law can lead to arrogance and disconnection from reality. Authenticity beats arrogance every time today.
Law 40: Despise the Free Lunch
While this sounds strong, sometimes accepting generosity or collaborating can build alliances. Complete independence isn’t always wise.
Conclusion
The 48 Laws of Power contain timeless wisdom, but some laws work better as metaphors than literal strategies. Use them as tools, not dogma — and always consider ethics and context.