Reading Non-Fiction Books
A point in my New year resolutions’ list dictates that I step into the world of non-fiction and see the world not through the coloured-lenses of fiction, but a stark reality.
As a part of that commitment to myself, I am 2 non-fiction books old now, the 2nd one being 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. While I am sure all of them have been tried and tested before including them in the book, and they happen to be superbly useful, below 3 jumped out and left a mark with me.
Law 7: Get Others To Do The Work For You, But Always Take The Credit
I do not agree with this. I might be living in a bubble of an ideal professional set up but I have been lucky enough to be in the company of great supervisors throughout my 17+ years of work experience. Through their great leadership, I have learnt that credit should be given where it is due.
Law 10: Infection: Avoid The Unhappy & Unlucky
I agree with this and try to follow it as much as possible. We should be able to understand that not only in the game of Power in the professional field but also in our personal and social setups too, it is crucial whom we associate ourselves with. They influence our mentality and actions too. There are people who attract happiness to themselves by their pleasant disposition, natural buoyancy and intelligence. They are a natural source of positivity and one should associate themselves with such happy people.
Law 40: Despite the Free-Lunch
It’s from personal experience that I can confirm that there is nothing called “a free lunch”, it’s always laced with a hidden agenda or an IOU. I am sure even men face this, however, it is imperative for women in the professional field. By not accepting a favour for “free”, we get to stay clear of redundant gratitude, deceit and guilt. It is wise to strive for excellence and work hard and smart to reach the desired goals and not by accepting “free-lunches” on the way.
Conclusion
48 Laws of Power made its debut in 1998 and has been the best selling novel. According to the author, it was published to “demystify the dirty tricks of the executives he encountered during a dispiriting period as a Hollywood screenwriter“. In an interview with The Guardian, while defending his book, Greene says, “I’m not evil – I’m a realist“.
I believe, that everyone, irrespective of the industry they specialize in, should give this book a try. You may not agree with some of the laws, and some of them might infuriate you as well, however, there is at least a few of them are bound to resonate with your ideology.