Cultivate an inner citadel
ResilienceDevelop a quiet calm and emotional control that allows for withstanding hardships and bouncing back from failure without becoming hysterical.
Hall of Masters
Robert Greene
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Strategy and mental modelsBorn 1959
Author of The 48 Laws of Power and Mastery
749 records in all
- Principles 277
- Episodes 132
- Quotes 340
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Principles
42 basic records of 277
Principles are our summary of their public statements.
Recognize the Brain's Construction
MindsetUnderstand that the brain creates a seamless version of reality, including time and self, which are actually mental constructions.
Value Near-Death Insights
LearningExtreme experiences like near-death can strip away illusions and reveal a deeper reality that the functioning brain usually hides.
Avoid Emotional Seduction
MindsetDo not let the 'rosy scenario' of a potential success blind you to the lack of control and the devastating consequences of failure.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Avoid Emotional Defensiveness
LearningReacting to criticism as a personal attack prevents learning and growth. Maintain a realistic perspective to avoid becoming isolated and out of touch.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Invest in Long-Term Foundations
StrategyRecognize that certain essential investments, like education, may not show immediate private sector value but are necessary for long-term preeminence.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Prioritize Direct Observation
LearningAvoid making strategic decisions based on secondhand reports or media narratives; seek firsthand experience to understand the true reality of a situation.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Convert fears into power
LearningConfronting specific anxieties like loneliness or criticism builds essential skills like self-reliance and discipline.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Maintain Room to Maneuver
StrategyAvoid committing too tightly to a single, rigid position early on. Success requires the flexibility to react to changing circumstances and exploit new opportunities.
Supporting quotes
Taking positions that push you into corners might gain you some momentary success, as you come out fighting, but in the end, you have decreasing options
Source Robert Greene Barack v. Hillary: Maneuver Warfare - Robert Greene, 2008 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Anticipate Self-Interest in Teams
HiringEvery group granted authority will eventually prioritize its own agenda alongside the organization's goals.
Supporting quotes
When a group of people is given power, it forms a power center. This means, for instance, that a team of military leaders tends to think in two directions-how to promote the interests of the ruler, while also advancing its own agenda.
And finally, once power becomes diluted and divided this way, it tends to keep on dividing, like a split atom. More and more people must be brought in to keep the whole functioning.
Source Robert Greene The Descent Of Power: An Interpretation of the Global Economic Crisis Pt II - Robert Greene, 2010 (opens in a new tab)
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Channel Pain into Creativity
CreativityUse negative experiences and observations of workplace politics as raw material for creative projects and business ideas.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Embrace Your Existential Loneliness
MindsetOne must realize that support networks are often illusions and that true power comes from defining oneself independently of others' expectations.
Supporting quotes
The truth is, you are essentially alone in life. You were born alone and you are going to die alone.
to the extent that you bring out your uniqueness in life, that you become more of an individual, that you bring more of your individuality into play, the more power you are going to have.
You no longer can depend on anybody and any job or your boss protecting you. We are all dealing with a world that is so much more insecure, where we have to learn these self-reliant skills
Source Robert Greene Robert Greene's Speech at Yale - Robert Greene, 2010 (opens in a new tab)
Leverage Your Unique DNA
CareerSuccess comes from bringing out the specific individuality and experiences that no one else can replicate, rather than conforming to a group.
Supporting quotes
The truth is, you are essentially alone in life. You were born alone and you are going to die alone.
to the extent that you bring out your uniqueness in life, that you become more of an individual, that you bring more of your individuality into play, the more power you are going to have.
You no longer can depend on anybody and any job or your boss protecting you. We are all dealing with a world that is so much more insecure, where we have to learn these self-reliant skills
Source Robert Greene Robert Greene's Speech at Yale - Robert Greene, 2010 (opens in a new tab)
Prioritize Demand Over Expression
MarketingStart by analyzing the changing needs and trends of the public before creating a product or idea.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Confirm Self-Opinion to Persuade
NegotiationTo lower someone's defenses, make them feel that following your lead is an act of their own free will and confirms their goodness.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Audit Success for Luck
MindsetAnalyze every success to identify the role of luck and the contributions of others to prevent ego inflation and complacency.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Seek Historical Patterns in Turmoil
LearningEven in unprecedented times, studying history reveals patterns of how successful people navigate chaos.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Guard Against Success-Induced Isolation
MindsetSuccess can lead to a loss of touch with reality, so one must remain vigilant to stay connected to the ground level.
Supporting quotes
Second, you must unite this group around an idea, a reason for fighting or advancing, beyond money.
In conjunction with these principles, you must be continually vigilant that any kind of success does not slowly transform you into a Marie Antoinette.
Source Robert Greene The Descent Of Power: An Interpretation of the Global Economic Crisis Pt VI - Robert Greene, 2010 (opens in a new tab)
1 more supporting quote is in the member records.
Prioritize Mobility Over Fixed Goals
StrategyInstead of focusing solely on a linear goal, aim for positions that increase future options and freedom of movement. True power comes from having the ability to change direction as circumstances evolve.
3 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
Value Raw Competitive Edge
MindsetEmbrace aggressive impulses and pure competition as tools for excellence rather than softening them for the sake of politeness.
Supporting quotes
What excites me about sports, and I am a fanatic, is the pure competitive element. No bullshit, no politics, just proving yourself on the field.
Source Robert Greene From Rappers To Sports - Robert Greene, 2006 (opens in a new tab)
2 more supporting quotes are in the member records.
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