The 48 Laws of Power

• Genre: Nonfiction; self-improvement
• Originally Published: 1998
• Reading Level/Interest: College/Adult
• Structure/Length: 48 chapters (laws) and preface; approximately 463 pages; approximately 23 hours, 6 minutes on audio
• Central Concern: The book synthesizes the teachings of various thinkers in history, from Machiavelli to Sun Tzu, to outline 48 laws that guide individuals in achieving and maintaining personal power. Each law includes historical examples to illustrate the principles.
• Potential Sensitivity Issues: Ethical considerations; manipulative and cynical views of human behavior; discussions of historical violence and deceit; positive portrayal of psychological warfare; depictions of cult leaders; descriptions of people as superior or inferior

Robert Greene, Author

• Bio: Born 1959; pursued classical studies at the University of California; background in journalism; known for his works on power dynamics, strategy, and human behavior; blends history, psychology, and philosophy in his writings
• Other Works: The Art of Seduction (2001); The 33 Strategies of War (2006); Mastery (2012); The Laws of Human Nature (2018)

CENTRAL THEMES connected and noted throughout this Teaching Guide:

• Power as an Amoral Game
• The Contradictory Road to Power
• The Relationships Between Hardship and Power

STUDY OBJECTIVES: In accomplishing the components of this Teaching Guide, students will:

• Develop an understanding of the social and cultural contexts regarding power dynamics that impact social interaction.