You are doing a great job. Your reviews are saving me hours and hours of reading or listening to Audiobooks for books which I am somehow interested in knowing what they are all about. You actually got me started in a good habit, I watch your reviews videos, and if I like to know more about the book you are reviewing, I listen the full audiobook at 2x the speed while looking at the written text. And that's another good habit I learned from you. And by the way, I 41 years old and I am learning from a young man like you. Knowledge has no age barrier, once you find it, grab it, and apply it.
FightMediocrity I agree! I love the way you outline the laws and provide clear and concise examples. I've read some of this book but at times found the books examples tough to follow or relate with in practice. I also understand that learning is student > teacher. so thank you for these two parts, and really great videos overall. subscribed!
What's up everyone! :) I'm probably going to get some hate for this one, but remember knowledge isn't inherently good or bad, it's what you do with it that makes it good or bad. One of the biggest problems with people who get into personal development is thinking that everything in life is now good and positive. There is a difference between positive thinking and being a naive idiot. People who publicly talk about ethics 24/7 will walk all over you in a heartbeat because of your naivety. Just to give you an example, I'm going to put out a video soon that everyone's going to "like" because it makes people feel good. Well the author of that book (just like many other authors) writes through a corporation so that he can get tax benefits. The people who are going to "like" that video and talk about how much they love the author are going to be the exact same people who were enraged by the Rich Dad Poor Dad video. Seeing people so easily manipulated makes me kind of sad. Anyway, I hope you find the video useful! :)) Get the book: amzn.to/1PUbMXD
Thank you for making these. I really appreciate them, and I really appreciate your effort. I've been watching them for about three weeks now, and I feel great, and I've learned and read a lot as a result. Keep up the good work.
Rina Ljungquist Haha, thanks! :) And to answer your question, there were a few reasons (I phrased it pretty harshly, and that pissed of a lot of people too). But the people who were enraged by the idea of getting tax benefits must be really detached from what happens in reality.
Humility is a major key to a fulfilling life. I'm 52 and I get a lot from your videos. Once we think we know everything all learning and growth stops. I learn from everyone.
I'm a 22 year old from London trying to make it in life as a business man and your videos help me alot. Thanks for the upload and keep doing what your doing. Thanks
LOL. Another one of your videos in which I identify heavily with what you say. Since I was 22 I've been trying to force my way out apathy/depression as I said on another comment. I'm 24 now and as I'm finally stepping out from it, a lot of people are getting mad and hating at me because I feel confident and secure. EXACTLY the way you described it. But it took 2 years of heavy reading, meditating, reflecting, self-analysis, writing weird diary entries, drawing diagrams, even using mood tracking software and analysing my mood graphs to get to where I am now. People want to blame me for feeling great inside? And for revolting against anything that tells me to feel otherwise (like television, some religious people and leaders, advertisements, etc)? No way dude. I'm pushing my way out of this shit and I'm not going back! This all reminds me of the rule 30: "Make your accomplishments seem effortless". They think it's just daydreaming. They fail to understand. Thanks again. And yep, I must have left a comment for every video I watched, but that's a good sign for both of us, right? hahaha Forward!
Law 46 is exactly what I’m going through! My sister in laws both have issues with me because I don’t flaunt my problems the way they do with their spouses. I keep certain things to myself and my husband always tells me to be the bigger person and to not appear that I’m pretending to be perfect. I continuously tell him I’m not trying to be better then them or appear perfect, just that I’d rather keep my personal things to myself.
The last law is very true. I'm 26 but the first thing came up in my mind when I realized you're 22 was: "crap I thought I was quite enlighten for my age but this guy is better than me" and yes... a bit of envy came out. so very true law #46.
Hey Malkhaz, I absolutely love your channel. Your reviews are concise, on point and the best part is you always seem to relate the content back to your life. The 50th law by Robert is one of his best works. Even if you don't do a video on it, please read it because you'll understand how to be more fearless and bold. Cheers brother.
R Rahavan Thanks brother. Really appreciate your comment. And thanks for the recommendation. I actually just read it a couple of weeks ago, and I'll probably try to make a video about it at some point. Cheers.
22? It's actually inspiring.. I don't know if you are going to read this anytime.. But I wanted to thank you.. I already started reading and hearing books you recommend. I'm younger than you are and felt that had no f**ng idea what to do with my life.. I guessed starting to read was a good starting point. I'm looking forward seeing more content! Keep it up!
you are a genius, creative, talented and I am learning from you, jajaja, I am 52 yrs old woman, no kids, no currently on a relationship and feeling happy and so confortable on my body and mind like never before. I believe that the inspiration, information,the fresh ideas and the raw energy are all coming from young people like you that they have the guts to do what they want and find a way to make a living of it!. I am in great terms with my own core so I and moving forward like a young person. I am discovering my own powers. All my nieces and nephews will learn about you! thank you, P.S.: where are you from? you keep mention in your videos you are foreign...
I watch few book reviews in your channel and most of those books are in my list of reading.. you gave good insight.. good synopsis of books.. No matter how young or old are you... I really admire your work.. Truly great work.... Stay blessed..
You are doing a great job by showing people with rather simple (but very much real) examples that they need to read some books. Very well done, thanks for the time you invested for this. I like how you also show that all this knowledge about power can help us in every way. I remeber when I read "Ill Principe" for the first time just to find out it only made me have less respect for these kinds of power accumulation... Know your enemy! And never seem too perfect! Even if you are a damn smart kid at the age of 22 allready... keep on the good work!
Awesome video as always! I have a question though, it seems that "Make your accomplishments seem effortless" and "Never appear too perfect" are quite contradictory laws. How would you differentiate them? Thanks!
Too funny! And true. Keep up the good work! I am a life coach much older than you, but am trying to reach 18-35 year olds and LOVE your approach. Red Pat
Great content as always. Keep up the good work. You should also make an "About Me" video so that we know what your story is and relate better to your channel. Cheers
Great Job doing the animated book reviews. I had owned this book for 15 years and stopped reading it at that time because of work, school and life.. Anyways your reviews makes a lot of sense and it is easy to understand.
Hey man, just want to say keep up the good work! I really enjoy these videos and I will almost definitely be reading most of these books that you review/annotate :)
ive been reading audio books lately after your suggestions on reading more...48 Laws of Power though lol...great motivators bro, what do u do now? just youtube vids?
well must say your videos are way more useful and applicable than all the self-help books and audio books combined. Thank you so much for giving me a more practical perspective on people and their mentalities. I can now laugh at my bullies because they really are that bunch of poor mentality and naive idiots.
You have two separate videos on 48 Laws of Power. Could you please make it a combined single video? Anyway, I am a passionate follower of your channel. Great Job!!
Szoke Alexandru Hey! I actually stopped because everything takes time, and I would rather dedicate it to something that produces the most benefit (kind of like the 80/20 principle). Hope you understand and sorry for the inconvenience.
I got it, it is the principle when you try to make everybody happy with your own time and you gonna get busted eventually. I will expect more videos from you because they are so good that I have seen every video. It is the reality of your thoughts that makes your videos different from others so thank you again.
Have you done think and grow rich? Huh? Huh? Huh! Love the videos man, and if you have made one on Think and Grow Rich, point me in the direction I must go at once!
I can agree with Mr Nick Smith. Also I'm loving the tying in over government implications of power. Sounds like someone has been reading up on some AnCap literature.
You don't have to use these laws to gain power. You can also use them to understand social systems, how to become part of a social group, without offending the wrong people, how to recognise if someone is trying to manipulate you, and how to combat that, gain better social skills by understanding what you have been doing wrong, even ways to get your ideas heard, so that people will actually listen. Nothing is inherently good or bad, it is how you use it. These laws just describe how the social structures work within the animal kingdom (and thereby also society, since it is a product of the human animal). This is why it is so hard to work against them, it is instinctual/biological. So you can refuse to accept it, or you can work with it, and use it to your advantage (and others advantage). You can use it for self protection, you can use it in an ethic way, you can help a good cause, help someone else get power, if you know how to make people listen and relate... It is only bad, if you make it bad.
OMG! the part where you talk about the guy who talks down to you because you Mentioned that you were 22 EXACTLY HAPPENED TO ME! I hate that so much, I had mentioned I was 23 to someone I was supposed to be getting help from and he just ignored me and didn't answer any of my questions lol xD. He went on about how I was 23 and how I should simply just act like a 23 year old and that I am really not mature because in reality a person my age could never do this or that :P Tis okay though, learned this lesson ^^ .
After the video is over, make the "tree" fully visible and easy to read. I screenshot these and study them later to better myself. Other than that, I love the book reviews. Thank you.
Vladz The King Thanks, and I actually struggled with that myself (especially as a video creator). I don't necessarily know if I would recommend a book on it. I think I had to sit down and really internalize the idea that perfectionism is just absolutely ridiculous and it's hindering you from doing great things.
Awesome video dude! Keep doing this! Lemme give you an ideea, if you would put this on a poster and sell them for a small fee :) i'd buy it then frame it, for every video, the end drawing on a poster or .jpeg img , tell me what do you think :) or if you're doing ok give them for free, cause some people need constant reminders and tbh i'd really frame the end drawing :)
+FightMediocrity Yeah man do it! I took notes on each video and made bullet points and printed them out so I can refer to them each day. Having a picture would be great too! Keep up the good work.
+Al Red I second that for the posters. I would not hesitate to purchase it or for the logistics sake, if you don't mind selling the PDFs so that i can just print it for my team.
Explanation of some of the 48 Laws of Power and how/why/when to actually use them: 30. Make your accomplishments seem effortless - people will praise you as a genius or talented when they don't see the hours of hard work and sacrifice you put in 31. Control the options: get others to play with the cards you deal - create a win-win situation for yourself by giving people the illusion of choice even though it doesn't matter what they decide 32. Play to people's fantasies - use to easily manipulate those people who are ignorant and/or prefer a beautiful lie to the ugly truth 34. Be royal in your own fashion: act like a king to be treated like one - appearances matter, take yourself seriously if you want others to take you seriously as well 45. Preach the need for change but never reform too much at once - humans accept change best when that change is gradual and will resist change when it is too much too soon 46. Never appear too perfect - perfection creates jealousy, hatred, and resentment; ask for help (even if you don't need it) and make a few mistakes here and there to appear humble
Any thoughts or insight on this would be highly appreciated. Number 30 and 46 seemed to contradict. I know personally I always try emphasis that I work hard to gain my success to avoid appearing to prefect. how can these to points coincide? my only theory was that you want those around you, like classmates, to think your perfect so they raise you up, but you don't want those above you to think your perfect because they have the power to push you down but that doesn't sound right up me.
How can i control the options? It might seem like a dumb question but how can i set something up where i can give someone a choice but always get what i want?
Spade Folk Good question. I think the applications of this are endless, but let's say you have a kid and you have to feed him. If you have a healthy choice and an unhealthy choice at home and you ask the kid, which one do you want, probably not a good idea. If you only have two healthy choices and you ask which one do you want, he feels that he has that sense of choice but at the same time, no matter what he picks, you win because your child is eating something healthy.
Once again, great video FightMediocrity ! I just started reading 48 Laws of Power today, and my feelings toward it are mixed. I just got done reading How to make Friends and Influence People, and I really liked it. 48 Laws of Power though has some contradicting laws with Dale Carnegie and it seems a little morally wrong. Dale Carnegie says to be genuine/sincere and make people feel like something is their own idea, while Robert Greene instead shows this manipulation and to always take credit yourself. I don't really know what to think of 48 Laws of Power when it conflicts with the previous book I just read and liked. What do you think?
James Daye You should only take some of the ideas from every book. No book is going to be 100%. Even though knowing about how manipulation works is hugely advantageous, even if you're not going to use it on others.
Or you can be your authentic self allowing yourself to dictate your own life. Although there is nothing wrong with following these set of guidelines, it is exactly that, a set of guidelines, to live in what is supposed to be a free life of creation. Remember everything needs balance or your life will find a way to balance itself out in some way. So if anything, I would use these as tools, and not a way of life
+FightMediocrity Don't you think Law '30 and '46 contradict themselves? Pepole rather seem to become envious if someone appears to effortlessly accomplish something. And they get more inspired by people who worked hard for it cuz that gives them the hope they can achieve it too. Maybe you can make a video adressing the contradictions that some critics claim
There are other Laws that can seem "contradicting", like "Turn your enemies into allies" and "Destroy your enemy". Robert Greene was asked about this issue of contradiction in the book. His response was to use your own judgement about what law to use and what law to ignore. It's about recognizing the nuances of the situation and adjusting accordingly.
But then then I don't get why these laws are still mentioned because to me opposite laws or rules which are given the same weight are obsolete. He doesn';t say "Do most of the time this and sometimes the opposite!" It's rather "Do this and also do the opposite! And figure out yourself which one you do more!"
+Linda B Imagine this: You're a performer. You've spent years practicing your art and now you're showing off what you've learnt. The random person who just happens to pass by you and notices your performance only sees the grace and ease with which you perform, which greatly impresses him. He isn't envious of you, not in a serious way anyhow, he is entertained by you because you've made his day a bit more colorful by making him see something he doesn't see all the time. But he has no interest in all the hard work you put into perfecting your art. If he saw all that practicing, your performance would lose its magic. This is when you use law 30. Make your work seem effortless to impress people. Now, imagine this: You take your job very seriously and you put a lot of serious effort in it, and one day, your boss comes to tell you that you're promoted. You know what your former peers see? "Wow, this girl just got promoted out of nowhere for no reason! How unfair! I'm working my ass off here and she gets promoted?!" They seethe with envy because they never saw all the effort you made to get that promotion. They only see their own effort and view it as injustice that you got rewarded instead of them. This is when you have to make yourself seem equal to those envious co-workers of yours, so they don't feel inferior to you and their envy doesn't get the better of them, which would cause them to undermine you. As the book says, make it seem like you don't actually want the promotion, as if it was a burden to you, so no one would envy you. Or make them see the way to the position you got to, so they would know that it's possible for them to get there, too, and there was no injustice. These two are entirely different situations, but both are built on what other people see in you. In one situation, the people around you are your audience who you need to impress by making yourself seem perfect and above life. Keep in mind that this doesn't apply exclusively to performances. In the other situation, however, the people around you are your peers, who cannot stand feeling inferior to you because you are more talented than them, or just seem like you are. Then, you may have to show them the hard work that got you where you are, so they could see that they can achieve the same and will do you no harm. In short, as Skatinima said, you have to have the wisdom to see the difference between situations and know what law to apply to which one. There is a reason why most laws have reversals to them, too.
+Benedict Hamilton Thanx for taking the time to explain the difference and describe those two scenarios so detailed. I get what you are saying, in each type of scenario only one of the 2 opposite rules/laws would make sense to followed. Imo, most of the time, these two groups, your customer and your competitor, can't be seperated in terms of displaying two opposite things. If Im an entertainer, and do my best to entertain people and make it look effortless, all my "peer-entertainers" might get jealous and decide to use their influence to take me out of business or to at least "shun" me, because they think I dont deserve the success cuz I didnt work for it as they did. In that other situation, my boss might have promoted me for the very reason that he thinks Im just superhuman and can so effortlessly do the best. If he knew I worked thrice as hard as others and became only slightly better than them he'd probably not promoted me. (It's like a judge at a casting show for singers who has to rate 2 singers, one who's slightly better than the other, but had years of professional training vs. the other one who just started out and had no training at all.The first one is better but the latter one has more growing potential) To me, all situations in real life are far too complex to easily determine which rule/law/strategy to apply.
