Robert Greene on Reading, The Laws of Power, and Detecting Lies | Knowledge Project Podcast Archive

TL;DR

Robert Greene attributes the longevity of “The 48 Laws of Power” to its timeless historical scope and unsparing account of how power actually operates. Published in 1998, the book spread among rappers, Wall Street readers, and other cultural circles, eventually approaching 2 million copies sold. Greene also explains how its success transformed his life and exposed him to powerful people across music, politics, and business. Read on for his fuller perspective.

Transcript

your first book the 48 Laws of Power was a slow burn if I understand that correctly I mean it didn't sell all that well initially but six or eight years later it suddenly began to take off and now it's sold over a million copies in the us alone what happened well um it actually was selling well at the very beginning uh came out in 1998 and we got a... Read More

Key Insights

• 🐢 "The 48 Laws of Power" experienced slow initial sales before gaining popularity and steadily selling for over 20 years.
• ✊ The book's longevity can be attributed to its timeless design and ability to uncover realistic truths about power.
• ✍️ Greene's writing process involves extensive research, taking notes, and organizing them into thematic categories.
• 🎵 Handwriting notes during the research process helps Greene think more deeply, while creating note cards allows for easy organization and review.
• 🏃 Greene engages in daily meditation, exercise, and rigorous back stretching, which contribute to his overall productivity.
• 😷 Asking thought-provoking questions and actively listening to others can help develop deeper relationships and gain a better understanding of them.
• 🤫 Silence and obscurity can be powerful tools, allowing others to fill in the gaps with their own assumptions and perceptions.
• 🤔 Planning for the future and thinking strategically can lead to more successful outcomes.
• 👞 Stepping into the shoes of someone who has achieved great success can be challenging, and it is important to find a unique approach rather than attempting to replicate their achievements.

Questions & Answers

Q: Why has “The 48 Laws of Power” remained popular for so long?

Greene designed the book to feel timeless by drawing from many cultures and periods of history. He also believes readers value its direct, practical treatment of manipulation and power rather than a sugarcoated account.

Q: How many copies of “The 48 Laws of Power” were sold in the United States?

The interviewer says the book sold more than 1 million copies in the United States. Greene adds that its sales were then approaching 2 million.

Q: When was “The 48 Laws of Power” published, and how did it initially sell?

The book was published in 1998. Greene corrects the idea that it initially sold poorly, explaining that early media attention helped it sell well from the beginning.

Q: How did “The 48 Laws of Power” spread among readers?

Greene says the initial press helped the book reach several parts of the culture. Rappers and people on Wall Street began reading it, while later articles and media attention periodically caused sales to spike.

Q: Why did sales of “The 48 Laws of Power” spike after Trump was elected?

Greene identifies Trump’s election as one occasion when the book’s sales suddenly increased. He does not give a specific explanation for that spike, instead presenting it as one of several events that periodically renewed attention while sales otherwise remained steady.

Q: What makes “The 48 Laws of Power” different from other books about power?

Greene felt that many books avoided the realities of manipulation and the hidden language of power in offices, politics, and everyday life. His book instead presents those dynamics as directly and practically as possible, without adding a comforting moral lesson to every chapter.

Q: Did Robert Greene base the book only on historical research?

No. Alongside his research across cultures and historical periods, Greene reflected on his own life, his experience in Hollywood, news events, and the many jobs he had held.

Q: How did writing “The 48 Laws of Power” change Robert Greene’s life?

The book brought Greene attention and success at age 39 after years without the success or happiness he wanted. It also led powerful people in music, politics, and business to seek his advice, allowing him to see his laws reflected in their demanding environments.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• "The 48 Laws of Power" initially had slow sales, but eventually gained popularity and has sold over a million copies in the US alone.

• The book's longevity is due to its timeless design and its ability to uncover the truths and realities of power in various settings.

• Greene aimed to fill a gap in literature by providing a practical and realistic view of power, which resonated with readers.