Mastery, Mindset, and Mistakes

James welcomes renowned author Robert Greene back on the show to discuss the intricacies of power, strategy, and human nature, as explored in Greene's bestselling book, "The 48 Laws of Power." The episode kicks off with James sharing his journey to reclaim his old chess ranking, a challenge that's not only about the game but also about rediscovering and harnessing personal strengths and strategies. This journey has inspired James to pen a book, and the conversation naturally flows into the writing process and the lessons learned from such endeavors.The spotlight then turns to the special 25th Anniversary edition of "The 48 Laws of Power." James and Robert discuss the significance of a book's packaging, emphasizing how the design and presentation of a book can frame the story within, creating an immersive experience for the reader. This new edition is not just a repackaging but a celebration of the book's timeless lessons. As they explore the content, Robert explains his unique approach to writing, focusing on the multitude of historical examples and stories that form the backbone of each chapter. He shares his reasoning for not including personal anecdotes in his books, preferring to draw from rich historical contexts.The discussion deepens as they delve into some of the most compelling examples from "The 48 Laws of Power." They explore how figures like Napoleon's chief diplomat, Charles Maurice de Talleyrand, navigated the treacherous waters of successive revolutions with astute power plays. The story of Victor Lustig's audacious con of Al Capone, and the tale of the advisor who cunningly manipulated Genghis Khan through his self-interest, are dissected to reveal the intricate workings of power and influence. Throughout, James and Robert unravel the fascinating question of how Robert, at 38 and without direct experience of power, managed to write such a compelling and enduringly popular book, offering listeners a rare glimpse into the mind of a master strategist.-----------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe  to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.