Are you looking to improve the quality of your life in general? If yes, Robert Greene books are for you!
Life, in general, comprises many aspects that many of us know but cannot accurately articulate. But books are one way to help us. We all need vital qualities and understanding to help ourselves live to the best of our potential and with others.
Who is author Robert Greene?
Robert Greene is an American author and speaker known for his books on strategy, leadership and power.
Greene was born in Los Angeles, California on May 14th, 1959. He attended the University of California, Berkeley where he studied history before dropping out to pursue a career in writing. Greene began his career as a journalist and screenwriter in Hollywood. He has also worked as a editor at Esquire magazine and as a freelance writer for Vibe and Rolling Stone magazines.
In 1998, Greene published his first book, The 48 Laws of Power. The book was an instant bestseller and has sold over 1.2 million copies worldwide.
Robert Green Links
- Website
I got a more profound understanding of the psychology of how we live and act since I started reading Robert Greene books. I have curated a list of the author’s must-reads books below.
The list features books with insights on leadership, relationships, power, performing/winning, understanding motivation, and intention. Without further ado, let’s indulge.
(Check also Robert Greene’s upcoming books)
What Are The Must Read Robert Greene Books?
01 The 48 Laws of Power (1998)
The 48 Laws of Power broadened my mind to determine what power is and what it is about, most importantly, how it can be used against us daily. This book is not about the principles or laws that people use to gain power for manipulation. It is a book that will help you discover being aware of how people can use manipulative tactics or games to gain control over you.
As a child, you may have been taught that everyone is a lovely person and that you need to treat others as you would like to be treated. But the harsh reality is that the world is ready and waiting to use you for its gains and even hurt you.
The laws in this book will help you see that ignorance can lead you to be manipulated, taken advantage of, feel helpless, and miss out on opportunities and rewards you deserve.
I recommend this book if you want to become aware of identifying your predators, defending yourself, and gaining confidence to deal with others.
02 Mastery (2012)
What did Charles Darwin do to become a renowned naturalist? What similar choices did Caesar Rodriguez, the last ace fighter pilot of the U.S Air Force, and Mozart make?
This book contains biographies of some of the most significant historical figures to give you clues on how to gain control over your life and destiny. It picks up from where The 48 Laws of Power left, blending psychological insight, historical anecdotes, and superb pointers/lessons by the world’s masters- Martha Graham, Temple Grandin, Buckminster Fuller, and Henry Ford.
Robert maintains that our minds already have the secret to mastery and that we are wired for supremacy and achievement.
Mastery will help you become less focused on achieving quick results and teach you to focus on spending time to do the necessary and gain a profound understanding of your craft. Robert has also weaved the challenges we face on the quest for experience and gives a thorough roadmap of what we must implement as we go through the phases.
03 The Art of Seduction (2004)
If you really want to know someone, be keen on their actions, not words. Have you ever wondered why people act in specific ways? If so, this is your read.
What kind of seducer are you? Are you a siren, comedian, start, saint, charismatic, or cold coquette? Get to know from this book. Some of the gifts a seducer possesses are charm, the creation of illusions, and persuasion; that is how they also get to manipulate, mislead, and provide pleasure. This book discusses the psychology of seduction in different areas of life, not just intimacy, so that you can understand human behavior.
I love how it guides us into understanding human nature and Robert’s insights into how we can protect ourselves. You will understand things differently based on the historical illustrations and references Robert has highlighted.
His language will invite you to look deeply at the dark recess of your unconscious state for you to explore your deepest shadow.
04 The Laws of Human Nature (2019)
In this book, Robert continues his craft to turn to one of the essential subjects of life- understanding people’s motivations and drives, consciously and unconsciously.
We are generally social beings, and our lives are contingent on our relationships. The most important tool we can have is understanding why people do what they do. Without this understanding, our other talents and abilities can only take us so far. Robert has clearly and excellently brought that out in The Laws of Human Nature.
He draws his ideas and examples from legendary figures like Martin Luther King Jr, Queen Elizabeth I, and others.
Robert teaches us that detaching ourselves from our emotions and mastering self-control is how we can develop the empathy that creates insight, resist conformity to having a sense of purpose, and see behind the masks of others. All these pointers will be helpful for our relationships, at the workplace, and as we shape our world.
I recommend this book if you seek additional guidance toward success, self-defense, and self-improvement.
05 The 33 Strategies of War (2007)
Every day we are constantly at war with ourselves and those around us. It might not be the literal war of battle scars and shedding blood, but the war we are in causes us to feel profound emotions.
This book will guide you into understanding the psychology of starting or being involved in the wars in our businesses, at home, in relationships, when handling negotiations, or dealing with difficult people. It will help you identify the strategies used against you to turn things around in your favor.
The 33 Strategies of War has insights into navigating the tough times we encounter. You will appreciate how Robert has used research and military principles to compile his ideas and to provide actionable steps for immediate life application. This book is a handy tool to help you understand the social game with historical examples, samurai sworders, and movie moguls you will love.
06 The 50th Law (2013)
In The 50th Law, Robert Greene joins forces with Curtis Jackson- 50 Cent. The book gives insights into what appears to be like a “bible” for gaining success in life. As they say, there is only one principle, and it is simple; Fear Nothing.
You might know 50 Cent from his music, but in this book, he has given inspirational stories about his life in the streets and being in boardrooms. You will discover how he rose to fame after releasing the album ‘Get Rich or Die Tryin’. The book also contains examples of other people who have beat adversity after understanding and using the 50th Law in their lives.
I consider this book a perfect inspiration if you are an entrepreneur or interested in 50 Cent’s life. It echoes the message that we can start small with what we have or a good at and propel ourselves to creating something excellent and remarkable for ourselves and others. However small, we must defend our power.
07 Interviews with the Masters (2013)
This book is a companion to Robert’s book Mastery. Robert details educational interviews to reveal the participants’ best insights and paths to greatness. They all talk about the strategies they used to learn and think and how they put all that together to come up with creations.
You will learn about Paul Graham’s hacker mentality to develop a billion-dollar portfolio and a programming language, how Santiago Calatrava fused architecture, art, and engineering to come up with revolutionary structures, and Yoky Matsuoka’s “neurorobotics” creation.
You also get insights into how Daniel Everett resolved the Piraha language mystery, Cesar Rodriguez’s journey to becoming the “Last American Ace,” how Temple Grandin overcame autism and became an animal science leader, VS Ramachandran’s discoveries for neurological syndromes, and Teresita Fernandez’s alchemy fascination that birthed her artistic side.
The transcripts in this book bring out the personalities of these masters, and you will also appreciate Robert’s excellent interviewing technique and ability to create an engaging compilation. This book is packed with wisdom and inspiration and is highly informative.
(free on Amazon)
08 The Daily Laws (2021)
The Daily Laws is a daily devotional to guide you towards seizing your destiny. The book has insights from some of Robert’s books on this list, but he has also featured new ideas. Each page in this book is excellently refined and packed with concise wisdom. I love that it features some of the most celebrated days on the calendar.
The lessons are easy to digest, and you will not have to work so hard to absorb each one. Alongside every daily law is a prescription that you cannot ignore as you live and fight the battles of life.
Robert centers every month around a primary theme. You will find themes on persuasion, seduction, adversity, leadership, creativity, psychology, meditation, mastery, self-control, toxicity, and human nature.
I consider this the epitome of what Robert’s books are about yet. You will reward yourself by reading and rereading this book daily.
Final Thoughts on Robert Greene Books
Robert Greene is simply a master of his craft. The way he addresses different issues that are part of life is commendable. It is something that takes great skill and talent, and he wins. If you are unfamiliar with his works, it is time you did with the titles in this list.
If you like Robert Greene books, check also some of the best leadership books.