The 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Happiness

Following a conference at the historic Arizona Biltmore, the chief marketing officer of an e-commerce company shared tidbits of advice with a few of us. Amidst the photos of historic Hollywood legends, artists, and business pioneers in the lobby, he explained his business philosophy, as well as fears he was battling as a leader. 

He shared that his biggest fear was that in the effort to stay on top, he was losing himself.  He did everything he needed to do to make things happen, within the confines of the law. But, there was always someone who could take his place. His job was only as safe as the results he produced. There was no time to enjoy the success. Worse yet, some shades of power were too dark. One holiday he received two books:  The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene from an associate and from his wife, The Art of Happiness by the H.H. Dalai Lama.  Reading these two books changed his life. He read a chapter of one and then the other, interlacing the wisdom presented.

He found that when he was feeling more Machiavellian than comfortable, he needed to turn to The Art of Happiness and focus on how our enemies can be our teachers. It’s the inner struggle of Ying and Yang. He believed each philosophy applied to business independently was not appropriate. However, the management and political lessons learned in The 48 Laws of Power tempered with a bit of The Art of Happiness was the right recipe for him. The laws include smart ideas, such as “Never outshine the master” to more sinister ideas, such as “Pose as a friend, act as a spy.”  The other book offers remedies for peace. Both books have a practical, common sense approach and valuable life lessons.

How does this relate to you? Read both! Find your personal recipe to enhance your success and self-satisfaction.