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The podcast episode explores the conversation between the host and author Robert Greene, focusing on human nature, power, and seduction. The discussion centers around the idea that power and influence are innate desires in human beings. Greene emphasizes the importance of understanding these principles to navigate personal and professional relationships. He argues that the desire for power can be channeled positively by acknowledging and integrating the shadow side of one's personality.
Greene discusses how manipulation and strategy play a significant role in human interactions, particularly in industries like Hollywood and the music industry. He highlights how people often wear masks of agreeableness and friendliness, concealing their true intentions. The conversation delves into the need to be cautious in navigating power dynamics and the importance of recognizing when manipulation is at play.
In his books and the podcast episode, Greene challenges traditional views on ambition and power. He argues that ambition is a positive trait that drives personal growth and influence. Greene redefines power as an individual-level concept rather than a grand political or war-related construct. He emphasizes that power can be harnessed for good by creating compelling spectacles, being generous with people, and developing skills and influence.
Greene discusses the importance of integrating one's shadow side, which encompasses repressed emotions and aggressive impulses. He encourages listeners to acknowledge their shadow and channel its energy productively, such as in creative endeavors or standing up for just causes. By embracing authenticity, individuals can tap into their true power and navigate power dynamics with greater clarity and effectiveness.
Setting limits and being willing to say no is crucial for personal growth and healthy relationships. Permissiveness and avoidance of conflict can lead to negative consequences. Research on couples reveals that displaying contempt and having an imbalance of positive and negative interactions can predict divorce. Finding the right balance of positive and negative interactions in relationships is essential. Embracing conflict and criticism can lead to personal development and stronger connections.
Fearlessness is a quality that can arise from near-death experiences or overcoming adversity. It goes beyond recklessness and reflects an inner strength. People like 50 Cent, who have faced mortality and embraced fearlessness, have a different kind of calmness and presence. The concept of the sublime, as explored in music, literature, and religious rituals, shares similarities with fearlessness. The sublime represents an awe-inspiring encounter with the unknown and the boundaries of human experience. Fearlessness and the sublime offer opportunities for personal growth and a deeper understanding of life.
Anger can serve as a motivator to address societal limitations and personal growth. Integrating the shadow and exploring the dark side of oneself can lead to the pursuit of the sublime, where one seeks to transcend social boundaries and conventional norms. Music, as a sublime experience, offers a glimpse of a higher unity and a harmonious integration of beauty, power, and emotion. The author's upcoming book on the sublime aims to challenge the limited perspectives individuals have by introducing them to awe-inspiring ideas and experiences that go beyond the confines of everyday life.
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
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Chapters
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[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
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