The Jordan B. Peterson Podcast 237. Your Dark Side and Control Over Your Life | Robert Greene
Robert Greene, bestselling author known for "The 48 Laws of Power," dives into the complexities of human nature and power dynamics. He discusses how ambition often breeds guilt and explores the darker traits like psychopathy and manipulation that emerge in competitive environments. Greene shares insights from his diverse career, revealing the harsh realities of the workplace and the exploitative tactics in the music industry. He emphasizes the need to integrate our shadow selves to foster personal growth and creativity.
01:43:05
Escape Toxic Workplaces
- Evaluate if your job rewards your virtues or punishes them.
- Leave a toxic work environment and find a place where you can thrive.
Agreeableness and Exploitation
- Agreeable people are vulnerable to exploitation by disagreeable types, like psychopaths.
- Even in agreeable groups, a small number of psychopaths can dominate.
Power Dynamics Across Industries
- Robert Greene's book resonated with people in various fields, including music, government, and nonprofits.
- Many people experience manipulative power dynamics in their workplaces, regardless of industry.
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Intro
00:00 • 3min
Power Dynamics and Perception
02:42 • 10min
Navigating Toxic Work Environments
12:35 • 19min
The Disillusionment of Entering the Workforce
31:46 • 2min
Navigating Envy and Resentment in Professional Landscapes
33:31 • 2min
Exploring Exploitation and Manipulation in the Music Industry
35:49 • 2min
Embracing Shadows: Realism in Literature and Life
37:50 • 5min
Embracing the Shadow Self
42:45 • 23min
Fearlessness: The Intersection of Identity and Music
01:05:47 • 18min
Exploring the Depths: The Transformative Power of Ancient Religions
01:24:16 • 3min
Channeling Anger for Artistic Growth
01:27:20 • 11min
Harnessing Historical Insights for Personal Transformation
01:38:21 • 6min
The 48 laws of power
Robert Greene
In 'The 48 Laws of Power', Robert Greene and Joost Elffers synthesize three thousand years of the history of power into 48 laws.
These laws are derived from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, as well as the lives of influential figures such as Henry Kissinger and P.T.
Barnum.
The book provides tactics, concepts, and lessons on how to achieve and maintain power, emphasizing prudence, confidence, and self-preservation.
Each law is illustrated with historical examples and is designed to help readers understand and navigate the dynamics of power in various aspects of life, including work, social hierarchies, and politics.
The 33 Strategies of War
Don Leslie
Robert Greene
This book is a contemporary companion to Sun-tzu's 'The Art of War'.
It synthesizes strategies from various political, philosophical, and religious texts across world civilizations and thousands of years of conflict.
Each chapter outlines an approach to help readers win their life's wars, using illustrative examples from history, such as Lyndon Johnson, Julius Caesar, and Margaret Thatcher.
The book provides psychological ammunition to overcome patterns of failure and gain the upper hand in various situations.
The Art of Seduction
Joost Elffers
Robert Greene
This book by Robert Greene is an indispensable primer of persuasion that reveals seduction as one of history's greatest weapons and the ultimate form of power.
It explores the art of seduction through twenty-four maneuvers and strategies, drawing examples from history, literature, and psychology.
Greene discusses how seduction can topple empires, win elections, and influence great minds.
The book is structured into phases that guide the reader through the process of seduction, from creating temptation and suspense to making bold moves and managing the aftermath.
It is a sophisticated guide that treats seduction as a dance or ritual, emphasizing the flow of power and desire between equals[2][4][5].
Mastery
Robert Greene
In 'Mastery', Robert Greene argues that mastery is not an innate talent but a skill that can be developed through a rigorous process.
The book outlines several key stages: finding your life's task, undergoing an ideal apprenticeship, finding the right mentor, acquiring social intelligence, and fusing intuitive with rational thinking.
Greene draws on the lives of historical and contemporary masters such as Mozart, Einstein, and Temple Grandin to illustrate his points.
He emphasizes the importance of deep practice, self-directed learning, and the ability to read and navigate social dynamics.
The book challenges the conventional notion of genius as a genetic gift and offers practical steps for anyone to achieve mastery in their chosen field.
The 50th law
50 Cent Staff
Cristina Pizarro Mato
Robert Greene
50 Cent
The 50th Law is a semi-autobiographical account of 50 Cent's life, combining his experiences as a young hustler and musician with lessons and anecdotes from historical figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Sun Tzu, and Malcolm X. The book focuses on the principle of fearlessness, illustrating how embracing and overcoming fear can lead to success in both personal and professional life.
It is divided into ten chapters, each exploring a different aspect of fearlessness and how it can be applied to achieve one's goals[1][2][4].
The Daily Laws
Robert Greene
This book by Robert Greene provides a daily dose of wisdom, drawing from his previous works and including new material.
Each day features a concise lesson and a 'Daily Law' that serves as a prescription for navigating life's challenges.
The book is organized monthly around themes such as power, seduction, persuasion, strategy, human nature, toxic people, self-control, mastery, psychology, leadership, adversity, and creativity.
Greene emphasizes the importance of reconnecting with one's early passions and maintaining a realistic and disciplined attitude towards life and work.
Nineteen Eighty-Four
George Orwell
Published in 1949, 'Nineteen Eighty-Four' is a cautionary tale set in a future where the world is divided into three totalitarian super-states: Oceania, Eurasia, and Eastasia.
The novel follows Winston Smith, a minor functionary in the Ministry of Truth in Oceania, who begins to question the all-pervasive authority of the Party and its leader, Big Brother.
Winston's rebellion, fueled by his forbidden love affair with Julia and his interest in the mysterious Brotherhood, ultimately leads to his capture and brutal reeducation by the Thought Police.
The novel explores themes of mass surveillance, censorship, and the manipulation of truth, serving as a powerful warning about the dangers of unaccountable governments and the erosion of individual freedom and dignity.
The will to power
Friedrich Nietzsche
The Will to Power is a compilation of Friedrich Nietzsche's notes and fragments, edited and published posthumously by his sister Elisabeth Förster-Nietzsche and others.
The book is based on Nietzsche's intention to write a comprehensive work titled 'The Will to Power, An Attempt at a Revaluation of All Values.
' It explores his central philosophical concept of the 'will to power,' which he believed was the fundamental driving force in all living beings.
The work delves into various aspects of human life, including morality, art, science, and metaphysics, and critiques traditional values and morality.
Despite not being a completed work by Nietzsche himself, it remains a key component of his philosophical legacy[3][5][4].
The Art of War
Sun Tzu
The Gulag Archipelago
An Experiment in Literary Investigation
Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
The Gulag Archipelago is a three-volume series written by Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn, exploring the Soviet labour camp system through a mix of historical narrative, personal accounts, and literary investigation.
The book traces the history of the Gulag from Vladimir Lenin's decrees to the era of Nikita Khrushchev, detailing the arrest, conviction, transport, and imprisonment of prisoners.
It includes Solzhenitsyn's own experiences as a Gulag prisoner and accounts from other inmates, highlighting the brutal conditions, forced labor, and the psychological and physical suffering of the prisoners.
The work is a testament to the human spirit's struggle against evil and serves as a comprehensive critique of the Soviet regime's use of terror against its population[2][5][3].
Maps of Meaning
The Architecture of Belief
Jordan B Peterson
In 'Maps of Meaning: The Architecture of Belief', Jordan Peterson synthesizes insights from neuropsychology, cognitive science, and Jungian approaches to mythology and narrative.
The book examines why people from different cultures and eras have formulated myths and stories with similar structures, and how these myths reflect fundamental aspects of human cognition and morality.
Peterson argues that the human mind categorizes the world into known and unknown territories, and that myths and religious stories represent the eternal struggle between order and chaos.
He also discusses the role of heroic figures in bridging these two realms and the importance of confronting the unknown to achieve personal and societal growth.
The book is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary work that aims to make the wisdom of myth accessible to the modern mind[3][4][5].
The Laws of Human Nature
Robert Greene
In 'The Laws of Human Nature,' Robert Greene delves into the complexities of human behavior, identifying 18 laws that govern our actions and motivations.
Drawing from historical figures such as Pericles, Queen Elizabeth I, and Martin Luther King Jr., Greene provides insights into how to detach from emotions, master self-control, develop empathy, and see beyond people's masks.
The book is designed to help readers become better judges of character, manage their thought patterns, and influence others more effectively.
It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and understanding one's own flaws to make better decisions in personal and professional life[2][3][4].
The Sublime
null
Robert Greene
No book found
Dov Charney
Dov Charney is a prominent figure in the fashion industry, having founded American Apparel and later Los Angeles Apparel.
However, there is no record of him publishing a book titled 'Dove Charney's Works'.
The Prince
Niccolo Machiavelli
Written in the early 16th century, 'The Prince' is a realistic instruction guide for new rulers.
Machiavelli argues that an effective leader must be skilled in the art of war, sometimes cruel, and willing to use deception and manipulation to achieve political goals.
The book is divided into chapters that discuss various types of principalities, how to acquire and maintain power, and the qualities a prince should possess.
Machiavelli uses historical examples, including the career of Cesare Borgia, to illustrate his points.
The treatise emphasizes the importance of maintaining the goodwill of the people and the stability of the state, even if it means deviating from traditional virtues.
'The Prince' remains a controversial but influential work in modern political philosophy.
An ABC of Childhood Tragedy
An ABC of Childhood Tragedy
null
Robert Greene
The Aristocracy of Talent
How Meritocracy Made the Modern World
Adrian Wooldridge
In 'The Aristocracy of Talent', Adrian Wooldridge delves into the history of meritocracy, tracing its evolution from ancient ideas to its current state.
He argues that meritocracy has been a driving force behind modern prosperity but is now facing challenges from both the left and the right.
Wooldridge advocates for the renewal of meritocracy rather than its abandonment.
The Essential Einstein: His Greatest Works
Albert Einstein
This book compiles Einstein's pivotal papers and writings on relativity, quantum mechanics, and other scientific topics.
It provides insights into his thought process and contributions to modern physics, including his famous mass-energy equivalence formula.
The book also touches on his political and spiritual views, offering a comprehensive look at his intellectual legacy.
The Concept of the Shadow Self in Carl Jung's Works
The Concept of the Shadow Self in Carl Jung's Works
Exploring the Unconscious Aspects of Personality
Carl Gustav Jung
Carl Jung's concept of the shadow self involves the parts of our personality that we reject or hide, often due to societal pressures or personal fears.
This concept is explored in various works by Jung, including discussions on the unconscious and the process of individuation.
While there isn't a single book titled 'The Shadow Self,' Jung's ideas on this topic are integral to his broader theories on psychology and personal development.
Oráculo Manual y Arte de Prudencia
Baltasar Gracián y Morales
This book is a seminal work of the Spanish Golden Age, providing witty and insightful aphorisms on how to live successfully and responsibly in a society governed by self-interest.
It has been influential across centuries, with translations into multiple languages, including English and German.
This episode was recorded on November 11, 2021.
This episode focuses on human nature and the principles surrounding strategy, power, and seduction with Robert Greene. We also discuss the motivations behind power, deceptive strategies, Robert’s many jobs before settling as an author, psychopathy, manipulation, agreeableness, feeling guilt over being ambitious, channeling your shadow, and much more.
Robert Greene is the author of the NY Times bestsellers The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law, Mastery, & The Laws of Human Nature. Robert has had over 80 different jobs and is considered an international expert on power strategies. On top of a strong following in the business world and Washington DC, Greene’s books are hailed by everyone from war historians to musicians like Jay-Z, Drake, and 50 Cent.
Follow Robert’s blog: https://powerseductionandwar.com
His Twitter: https://twitter.com/RobertGreene
Instagram: https://instagram.com/RobertGreeneOfficial
& check out his books at: https://amazon.com/Robert-Greene/e/B001IGV3IS%3Fref=dbs_a_mng_rwt_scns_share
__________
Chapters
__________
[00:00] Intro
[02:58] Power, Motivation, & Manipulation
[08:34] Deceptive Strategies
[11:26] Robert’s Career
[15:02] When to Change Jobs
[17:37] Greene's Motivation & Personality
[22:50] Great Manipulators
[24:46] The Mask of Agreeableness & Psychopathy
[30:43] Harsh Real World
[34:50] Music Industry
[38:02] Integrating Our Shadow
[45:45] Guilt Over Ambition
[50:36] Resentment & the Psyche.
[58:03] Conflict & Growth
[01:03:31] Partnership with 50 Cent
[01:10:39] Channeling Our Shadow & Productivity
[01:14:46] The Sublime, Pleasure, & Pain
[01:22:04] Pagans & the Sublime
[01:25:12] Today’s Writing & the Miracle of Reality
[01:30:20] The Meaning of Music
[01:34:13] Outro
[01:36:14] Bonus Discussion with Our Producer Eric
#Power #RobertGreene #DarkTriad #Writing #Motivation #Manipulation