The 48 laws of Power

A very interesting book to read. ‘The 48 Laws of Power’. Some of the suggested laws are so much intriguing that one feels that they are against the Indian ethos. But then, these laws are not for common people, they are for leaders who want power. Although written from a Western or European perspective of power with Machiavellian flavour, several of them can be seen in Kautilya’s teachings as well.

Some of the Laws that the book mentions are:

‘Do not accept the roles that society foists on you. Recreate yourself by forging a new identity, one that commands attention and never bores the audience. Be the master of your own image than letting others define it for you.’

‘Always say less than necessary. Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish.’

‘Never put too much trust in friends. Learn how to use enemies.’

‘Concentrate your forces. Conserve your forces and energy by keeping them concentrated at their strongest point.’

A big book that takes time to complete. But replete with so many historical anecdotes and mythological stories that make reading easy and engrossing.

Can be read just for lots of stories and anecdotes with moral lessons.