#839 - Robert Greene - 12 Raw Truths About Gaining Power & Respect

At a Glance

• Understanding Animal Consciousness - ‘I wrote a lot about how spiders think… spiders are intelligent.’ This point is significant as it challenges common perceptions about the cognitive abilities of non-mammalian creatures, expanding our understanding of intelligence across different species.

• The Importance of Skill Acquisition - ‘Knowledge and skills are like gold, a currency you will transform into something more valuable than you can imagine.’ This highlights the value of continuous learning and skill development, emphasizing that they are crucial for personal and professional growth.

• The Impact of Reputation - ‘Never let anybody else define it for you… if you’re a very Machiavellian person, poke holes in your enemy’s reputation and you will destroy them.’ This discussion underscores the power of reputation in personal and professional circles and how it can be manipulated for or against someone.

• Creativity and Individuality - ‘Your oddness, what makes you weird, that little strange quirk… that is who you are.’ This quote celebrates individual uniqueness and encourages embracing one’s quirks as a source of strength and differentiation.

• The Role of Pressure in Success - ‘Pressure is a privilege in that way.’ This point reflects on how challenges and opposition can serve as catalysts for growth and excellence, using Muhammad Ali’s rivalry with Joe Frazier as an example.

• The Dangers of Certainty - ‘People who are certain of things are very stupid and when they have power, they’re very, very dangerous.’ This statement warns against the arrogance of believing one has all the answers, which can lead to significant mistakes and misjudgments.

• The Sublime and Human Experience - ‘The sublime is an unusual thing because it’s a combination of pain and pleasure, of awe and terror.’ This explores the complex nature of human emotions and experiences, providing a deep philosophical insight into how we perceive and react to the world around us.

• Humor in Serious Discussion - ‘Your breath stinks… It’s completely unfalsifiable.’ This humorous anecdote from a nightclub scenario lightens the mood of the conversation while illustrating a practical, albeit cheeky, way to handle confrontations.

These highlights capture the essence of the conversation, ranging from deep philosophical insights to practical advice and humorous anecdotes, reflecting the dynamic and multifaceted nature of the discussion.

What to Do

• ‘Adapt to changing circumstances’ - Emphasizes the importance of flexibility and the ability to evolve with changing times, which is crucial for sustained success and relevance.

• ‘Embrace your innate qualities’ - Highlights the value of recognizing and utilizing one’s inherent strengths and characteristics, rather than trying to conform to external expectations.

• ‘Maintain a sense of wonder and curiosity’ - Encourages a continuous pursuit of knowledge and understanding, which can lead to greater intelligence and happiness.

• ‘Avoid cynicism’ - Warns against a cynical outlook, which can cloud judgment and prevent one from experiencing the full richness and beauty of life.

• ‘Value play and enthusiasm’ - Suggests that reintroducing play into one’s life can enhance creativity and psychological health, fostering a more fulfilling and balanced existence.

• ‘Recognize the dangers of certainty’ - Advises caution against being overly certain, as this can lead to narrow-mindedness and potentially dangerous decisions.

• ‘Appreciate the strengths in your nature’ - Encourages acceptance and appreciation of one’s natural tendencies and characteristics, using them as strengths rather than viewing them as weaknesses.

What to Get

• Homo Ludens: A Study of the Play-Element in Culture by Johan Huizinga - Amazon - Discussed in the context of understanding the concept of play and its historical and psychological significance.

• The Possibility Principle: How Quantum Physics Can Improve the Way You Think, Live, and Love by Mel Schwartz -Amazon - Mentioned as a book that applies physics ideas to daily life and psychology, though not described as perfect.

• Chess, Backgammon, Sports, Poker - Used as examples of games that the speaker enjoys, highlighting the psychological elements and strategic thinking involved in gameplay.

• The Prince by Niccolò Machiavelli - Amazon - Referenced in the context of understanding power dynamics and the importance of adaptability in leadership.

• History of the Peloponnesian War by Thucydides - Amazon - Used to illustrate the consequences of leaders’ certainty and poor decision-making in historical context.

• The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene - Amazon - Created by the speaker to encapsulate strategies of power and influence, derived from historical figures and philosophies.

• Mastery by Robert Greene - Amazon - Mentioned in relation to understanding one’s unique traits and the biological basis of individuality.

• The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene - Amazon

• The Art of Seduction: An Indispensible Primer on the Ultimate Form of Power by Robert Greene - Amazon

Summary

In this podcast episode, the conversation delves into the journey and experiences of a writer who has navigated various career paths before finding success. The speaker shares his initial foray into journalism after college, driven by the necessity to support himself despite not enjoying the field. He expresses a desire for his work to be enduring, hoping for it to be read thousands of years into the future, which journalism did not satisfy due to its fleeting nature.

The speaker then recounts his attempts at writing a novel while traveling across Europe, living in cities like London, Paris, and teaching English in Spain. However, he struggled with discipline and eventually faced depression, prompting a return to Los Angeles. There, he ventured into the glamorous yet unsatisfying world of Hollywood, where he felt stifled by the lack of creative control and the need to compromise, which clashed with his personality.

A significant turning point came when he met Joost Delfers in Italy, who asked him about book ideas, leading to the improvisation of “The 48 Laws of Power.” This opportunity allowed him to utilize the diverse skills he had honed over the years, including writing under pressure, creating dramatic and engaging content, and conducting thorough research. These experiences across different fields slowly built up his capabilities, culminating in the ability to write a successful book.

The discussion also touches on the concept of rewiring the brain through skill development and serious writing, as emphasized by neuroscience findings. The speaker reflects on the transformative power of developing skills and changing one’s brain, which can lead to significant opportunities and personal growth.

Overall, the episode explores themes of perseverance, the importance of adaptability, the impact of personal growth on professional success, and the profound influence of accumulating diverse experiences. The speaker’s journey underscores the value of resilience and the continuous pursuit of one’s passions, despite initial setbacks and challenges.