The Best Robert Greene Books (& Which One to Start With?)
Robert Greene is one of the most impressive podcasting and self-help voices you'll ever come across. He was the inspiration for several best-selling authors with heavyweights like Mark Manson (The Subtle Art of not giving a F*** - now on Netflix) and Ryan Holiday (The Daily Stoick, The Obstacle is the Way).
If you're just starting to look into Robert Greene, then you'll notice that he has several best sellers and an overwhelming array of potentially fascinating topics. All in all, where to start?
So, because we have read each of the books, we wanted to take some time to write about the best Robert Greene books and also which ones are the best to start with. If you want to take the leap, then this bundle is the best value.
So, Let's get into it:
The Best Robert Green Books
- The Laws of Human Nature (2018)
- 48 Laws of Power (1998)
- Mastery (2012)
- 33 Strategies of War (2006)
- The Art of Seduction (2001)
The Laws of Human Nature (2018)
Robert's work over the years is mainly about human phycology and the societies we create. His research focuses on using thousands of years of literary masterpieces and memoirs from the most successful and influential humans of all time. The Laws of Human Nature seem to be a culmination of all the years of writing and knowledge.
This book is one of Robert Greene's Best. Why? Well, because it's subject is extremely well developed, well written and will open your eyes to a world of understanding yourself, others and the human animal in general.
The book is huge and covers 5 select topics - each chapter a law to understand human nature. The first objective is observing the world with a stoic calmness, mastering the interpretation of people's behaviour, the empower yourself over toxic people, influencing and motivating and finally altering your own negative patterns.
48 Laws of power may be Greene's most popular book, but this is Robert Greene's Best book. You can pick up the book in the 'self-help' section from Waterstones or on Amazon.co.uk (free if you sign up with Audible)
48 Laws of Power (1998)
Of all the Robert Greene Books to start with, it is best to start at the beginning with 48 Laws of Power. It is the book that projected Robert from a travelling struggling writer to an established name.
The book's subject is Power. It distils thousands of years of philosophy and literary work to understand what power is, how to achieve it and to arm themselves against it. It is a powerful book that unlocks an understanding of how the world works.
The book is exceptional and opens a gateway into the way Robert Greene writes and articulates himself. It is also one of the most interesting (generally) of the topics he writes about. The only issue with Power is that it is quite dry, and analytical. It is often sold as the 'most controversial business book of all time' but the reality is very different.
You can get the book for free on Audible if you sign up or get it physically on Amazon.
The Art of Seduction (2001)
The second book Greene published is 'The Art of Seduction' and it still holds up as one of his best books.
I was a little worried about reading this one on the tube to work, simply because it seems as though you're only reading it to trick, con and seduce your way into the pants of everybody you can. While you can certainly read into the book this way, it is a fascinating deconstruction of the characteristics which make us seductive to the opposite sex.
To me, it gave me a great understanding of myself and what it is about myself that others may find appealing. It gave me more confidence and enabled me to identify where I could be more persuasive or lean heavier in the art of love at certain points in my life. Whether that be at work or play.
It also makes clear that seduction is more than love, it plays a role in marketing, advertising, politics and building plutonic relationships.
I couldn't find this book in any high-street Waterstones so I purchased mine from Amazon.co.uk (it's free on Audible too)
Mastery (2012)
Still, while Mastery is a bit far down on Robert Greene's best books, it is still within the top 10 of my favourite books of all time - and cited as one of the most important books written by other writers and creatives - like Ryan Holiday.
This book is an instruction manual for mastering the world around you. Whether it be delivering some secrets for self-motivation, teaching you to turn the mirror on yourself, or developing your social intelligence or emotions. There is so much in this book to talk about that it is really hard to pin down the essence of the book.
The book draws from examples from the most successful and masterful people of all time. From the conqueror Alexander the Great to the great conservationist Jane Goodall.
With all instructional books and books that are trying to convey theory, it can get dry sometimes. Often, I found myself skipping passages which explained ideas that I found I already understood. Regardless, still fascinating.
You can find it again, on Amazon with the other books.
The 33 Strategies of War (2006)
'As in war, so in life'
This quote is much more famous than the book it came from. The essence of The 33 Strategies of War looks at every day as a fight. A war if you will. Whether that be a war at work, or with your family and friends. Or a war against your greatest temptations and procrastinations, this book is about understanding it all.
This is one of the best business books on earth, but also a great one for life in general.
Like most of Robert Greene's work, the book articulates thousands of years of warfare strategy and learnings from war that can be applied to your everyday life.
I personally enjoyed this book, but I feel that it is more suited to an audience that is ambitious at work or wishes to develop their business acumen. Personally, I prefer love over war.
You can find it again, on Amazon with the other books.
Hopefully, this post has been a great introduction to Robert Greene and some of his best books. I personally believe that Robert is one of the most important authors of our time, and his influence can been seen in some of the most successful and influential people of our day.
If you loved Robert Greene's books as much as we have, then leave a comment below.