The 48 Laws Of Power By Robert Greene

This book report will be reviewing “The 48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene, focusing mainly on the laws that emphasis military strategy. These laws are the fifth, eleventh, twenty second, forty second, and forty eighth law. While going through these laws, this report will analysis the author’s premise as well as the purpose of these laws.
The fifth law states “so much depends on reputation; guard it with your life.” The most important factor to power is reputation. With reputation alone, one can form the situation to fit their needs. But just like a great boulder with a crack, if the reputation is tarnished it will crumble, leaving the person vulnerable. One should strengthen then secure one reputation while destroying the enemies’ reputation.
The Melians lived in Melos, an island in the Aegean Sea. Compared to the Athenians, they were minuscule. When prompted to surrender and pay a tribute of fifteen talents of silver, which is roughly 390 kg, from the Athenians, they declined. The Melians made the assumption that if the Athenians attacked, the Spartans would aid them. This assumption was based on two factors. The Melians were of the same ethnic background as the Spartans. Also previously before, the Melians supported the Spartan war effort. In the end, the Spartans remained neutral causing the Melians men were slaughtered then the women and children were enslaved. When in an unfavorable position choose to fight another day. The battle will be lost, but the war may
These individuals, when given enough time to operate, will seduce others by their influence increasing their power. Conscientious leadership with great willpower and vision have been able to master control over whole empires. These leaders, that have consolidated most of the power, once removed, will lead to the crumbling of their empire. Often, the glue that sticks everything together consists of a few key people. These people will usually be at the top of the hierarchy that constructs an empire. Hitler grew in rank by consolidating power, moving from head of a political party, to chancellor under President Hindenburg, to dictator. Stalin, through the Russian Civil War and the Polish-Soviet War, gain power showing his indispensable value to Vladimir Lenin, the Chairman of the Soviet Union. Both of these individuals became a focal point for power and their fall led to the crumbling of their empire. A society without its leaders would crumble.
The forty eighth law states “assume formlessness.” Being rigid and unchanging, causes for one’s plans to be predictable therefore sanctions vulnerabilities. Adapting for the environment allows for an individual to grow furthermore avoid being anticipated. Nothing ever stays the same so people, as a whole, should not