The Laws of Human Nature

Naturally, it was in Robert Greene’s nature to write this book. Accustomed as he has been to writing about human activity involving power relationships, Greene has produced yet another extraordinary book jam-packed with fascinating insights about how the mind of homo sapiens often works in dealing with other members of the species. As Greene describes in the introduction, this book is a codebook for deciphering people’s behavior, with each chapter telling the story of some iconic individual(s) who illustrates the law being covered, along with advice on how to operate successfully (if that’s possible) under this law. So what laws (all negative aspects or shortcomings, 18 to be exact, of human behavior) does Green focus on in this book? Irrationality, narcissism, role-playing, compulsive behavior, covetousness, shortsightedness, defensiveness, self-sabotage, repression, envy, grandiosity, gender rigidity, aimlessness, conformity, fickleness, aggression, generational myopia, and death denial. As usual with Greene’s not-inexpensive books, he gives one a lot of ideas and pages to chew on for the money, leaving one well satisfied with the investment. If I do have any criticisms, the main one relates to the stories he uses to highlight the laws. Quite often the characterizations are so extensively detailed and intriguing that one can easily forget the law being discussed. Also, there’s his possible hairsplitting of each of his 18 laws into numerous subcategories, reminding one of the mythical Eskimo vocabulary for the word “snow,” which can get one to question how useful the subcategories are depending upon one’s situation. In addition, some chapters kept me wondering, for example, the one on gender rigidity. Do those things really happen? This brings up a related general criticism: a selected bibliography, yes, but no supporting footnotes to back up a few especially dubious, IMHO, assertions. All in all, however, I believe you’ll find the book well-written, enjoyable, and educational as regards important strategies the less-than-honorable portion of the population uses and the strategies the more honorable can use to successfully counter. Of possible consideration for those interested in a book distilling five main life strategies from 87 of history’s master strategists: Strategic Advantage: How to Win in War, Business, and Life

I was choosing between the 48 Laws of Power and this book. But, I was more focused on how human nature works in the most precise way possible. Robert Greene has written how humanity goes about life along with how you can fully understand and adapt to life itself without being too afraid of the unknown throughout daily life in the world. His work includes how to master your own emotions and how you can make yourself better by taking these lessons from each chapter of the book. It is so amazing to have such a powerful book that can help you navigate and learn how humans function and how they fundamentally transform societies altogether.

At the time of this review, I'm only halfway through reading this book, but I love it SO much. I am going after it hardcore with a highlighter and sticky tabs. I have read over 300 pages (this is a BIG book btw) and have not read a single page that was not worthwhile. This book is easy to comprehend and apply. I recommend taking your time in digesting it, as the lessons are quite practical in daily life. It is truly helping me understand myself and others and why we all behave the way we do. Each "Law" is a different chapter and the author explains the law, how to recognize it in yourself and others, and how to address such. He also includes a story about a real person from history and an interesting anecdote that applies to the lesson. I have never been much of a history buff but these stories are fascinating and therefore I'm learning not only about psychology but history as well. I cannot wait to keep devouring this book. I would STRONGLY encourage any human being who wants to intentionally become more self-aware and tolerant to read this book. I will definitely be checking out more books from this author.

This book is a big eye opener it breaks down the different aspects of the nature of humans the good and the bad in ourselves and others, things we may have not noticed and things we may. I would recommend this book to everyone to read to either get an understanding of oneself or of people who make no sense in life.

It’s my second book from Robert Greene. Never fail to disappoint. It’s a book worth reading and studying. It’s detailed and engaging. It’s worth every cent.

This book deeply explores human nature, presenting real-life scenarios and examples that vividly illustrate its characteristics. Though lengthy, it provides valuable insights for understanding the complexities of human behavior

Stronglt advised

Reading it and loving it