I just finished reading
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. It is an alright read. Each of the laws is described and divided in different sections: those that observed the laws, those that broke the laws, the essence of the law and if there was any way that the opposite of the law would be true.
I especially enjoyed the observances and transgressions because they were all illustrations from history. The keys or descriptions of the laws themselves were a little more tedious. I would have to say that I was a bit surprised with some of the choices the author used to illustrate the laws. I guess I would have thought to have seen Hitler show up at least once or twice, examples of observing or transgressing laws.
My knowledge of eastern, Chinese history is not very good. My knowledge of ancient history, Persians, etc. is also not very good. So reading this book gave brief glimpses into those histories. Now, I want to learn more about the Japanese tea rituals that were mentioned over and over. I also would not mind reading more about Chinese history. It sounds like it was pretty eventful. I did recently pick up a book on Western Civilization, maybe I will have to find a counterpart for Easter Civilizations.
The laws themselves seemed all pretty commonsense, though sometimes I felt that the laws were more concerned with deception. I realize that sometimes power relies on deception, but maybe the book should have been titled, The 48 Laws of Deception. However, I did find some laws to be applicable in everyday life and even as a teacher. Not that I want to dominate or accrue power, but sometimes, I need to be in control to do my job.
Law 42, Strike the Shepherd and the Sheep will Scatter, seems relevant to a teacher, not to mention cults, politics, etc. It seems that quite often a smooth running class can be derailed by one student or that a class that is a struggle is has a good day when a particular student is absent.
Law 43, Work On the Hearts and Minds of Others, also obviously is relevant in many situations. I thought a few quotes were interesting.
"In all your encounters, take a step back -- take the time to calculate and attune ourself to your target's emotional makeup and psychological weaknesses. Force will only strengthen their resistance. With most people the heart is the key: They are like children, ruled by their emotions. To soften them up, alternate harshness and mercy. Play on their basic fears, and also their loves -- freedom, family, etc. Once you break them down, you will have a lifelong friend and fiercely loyal ally.
In the game of power, you are surrounded by people who have absolutely no reason to help you unless it is in their interests to do so. And if you have nothing to offer their self-interest, you are likely to make them hostile, for they will see in you just one more competitor, one more waster of their time."
Finally, I really enjoyed the recounting of Ivan the Terrible's abdications to force the aristocrats to stop subverting him in Law 44, Disarm and Infuriate with the Mirror Effect. The author then goes into explaining the situation and even connects it to the classroom setting. I think that I have even asked classes before if they would have me or a student teach. Eventually, the more serious students win out since the joker's realize they only look like idiots at the head of the class pretending to teach.