"The 48 Laws of Power" is a self-help book by American author Robert Greene, initially published in 1998. Co-authored by Joost Elffers, the book falls under the genre of self-help and strategy. Greene distills 3,000 years of power history into 48 essential laws, drawing from the philosophies of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz, and the lives of figures like Henry Kissinger and P.T. Barnum. The book has sold over 1.2 million copies in the United States and has been translated into 24 languages.
The book provides guidance for those interested in gaining, observing, or defending against ultimate control. Each law is presented with historical examples of those who adhered to or violated it, key elements, and defensive strategies. Some laws emphasize prudence, while others highlight the importance of confidence or self-preservation. The book has become a "mega cult classic" and has gained a following among hip-hop artists, Hollywood elite, and even prison inmates. While controversial for its amoral content, Greene argues that only a few laws are overtly manipulative, and the book aims to help readers recognize and defend against power plays. There are no known film or TV adaptations, though animated summaries are available on YouTube.