The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene Originally published in 1998, The 48 Laws of Power is a modern classic in the realm of strategy, influence, and human behavior. Drawing from 3,000 years of history, Greene distills the philosophies and tactics of powerful figures—from Machiavelli to Sun Tzu, Napoleon, and Queen Elizabeth I—into 48 concise “laws” designed to help readers understand, navigate, and master the dynamics of power.

Each law is accompanied by historical anecdotes and real-world examples, illustrating how the principles can be applied (or avoided) in both personal and professional life. Some of the most famous laws include:

• Law 1: Never Outshine the Master
• Law 3: Conceal Your Intentions
• Law 15: Crush Your Enemy Totally
• Law 33: Discover Each Man’s Thumbscrew

Controversial, bold, and unapologetically pragmatic, the book has been praised for its insight into power structures—and criticized for encouraging manipulation. Still, it remains a bestselling guide for those seeking to understand ambition, leadership, influence, and human psychology.