The Laws of Human Nature | Robert Greene

Introduction: The Real Source of Human Activities

If there is a science of harvesting power and influence, Greene studied it and then some and shared it in The 48 Laws of Power, a New York Times bestseller-which he followed up with Mastery, a book of lessons he learned that helped shape The Laws of Human Nature. This book was published in 2018 as a detailed analysis of the mechanisms that define our behavior, perceptions, and feelings. Greene’s strategy is systemic and simple; he provides his readers with clear and profound insight into the mechanisms that are often concealed behind apparently purposeful actions of people.

The comprehensive analysis of this book, The Laws of Human Nature, in which I will explain the main concepts, framework, advantages, and maybe some limitations of the work and describe why this book is useful for everyone who is concerned with psychology, self-improvement, and management or anyone who wants to increase their understanding of how people and their relationships work.

Click here to read The Laws of Human Nature, for free with a 30-day free trial

Overview: Conceptual Knowledge of the Human Existence

Consequently, The Laws of Human Nature are divided into 18 separate laws, and each of them is devoted to a particular sphere of people’s activity. Greene’s starting idea is that the better one knows these laws, the better one can comprehend the motives of others and, most importantly, oneself. The book looks into all the colors of human behavior about personality attributes and inclinations including envy, aggression, narcissism, empathy, group dynamics, and the self- Psychology of the Shadow.

Speaking of the tone of the book, it can be noted that it is rather informal, even though the author provides the readers with lots of historical stories, some data about human psychological processes, and various tips. He uses a great number of examples and proves it referring to the events that occurred in the past and in the present time. This makes it easier to relate to the book but at the same time emphasizes the fact that what the author talks about are timeless issues.

Key Themes: Human Laws The Laws of Human Nature

1. The Law of Irrationality: Everyone is Prejudiced

One of the main ideas of the book is the evaluation of the concept of rationality in humans. Greene emphasizes that in using our reason and coming up with our decisions we are, being influenced by our instincts, prejudice, feelings, and other aspects that work unconsciously. The Law of Irrationality is another minority decision-making theory that impels people to try to be more Rational than Emotional in their decisions.

In the same regard, Greene turns to research and paints a rather vivid picture of LBJ, and how his instincts led to multiple catastrophes. He underlines such strategies as the one related to self-awareness and mindfulness which he claims could be used to manage our irrationality.

2. The Law of Narcissism: Sophistication of Self

Greene also dwells upon the fact that narcissism is a trait immanent in every person though to a greater or lesser extent. That is why, he insists on the need for knowledge of narcissistic behaviors in individuals, including in relations with themselves. The Law of Narcissism explores how this characteristic comes in various brands: primary narcissism, which can be seen blatantly; secondary narcissism, which is more concealed.

The author also provides methods on how to interact with narcissists including, how to appeal to self-interest as well as providing appropriate ways to manage the narcissist’s ego. These are the tendencies that Greene says if identified early will help the public avoid being manipulated when engaging with people.

3. The Law of Role-playing: Hiding and Revealing: The Masks We Wear

I took my time to read the Law of Role-playing by Greene and he describes different masks that people put on depending on the occasion. This law best depicts perceptions in human interactions and how the ability to change persona affects the controlling of relationships.

Thus, as Greene demonstrates with a focus on political and business spheres, self-management, or personal life, winners learn how to play roles effectively. At the same time, he also warns against what he believes to be the downside of self-effacement – the loss of self and individuality, that is, the importance of being oneself.

4. The Law of Compulsive Behavior: Specifically, it focuses on the patterns we follow as its key interest, which is defined as ‘the nature of the practices, procedures, and relationships through which people organize themselves and cooperate with others.’

This law looks at the mechanism that men are the creatures of habits that is, they behave in certain ways in their lifetime. Greene invites readers to think about these patterns in other people because one can learn a lot about the character of an individual and his further behavior.

The knowledge of such compulsive behaviors might also enhance self-awareness of more rational techniques. According to science, by analyzing our behavior we can liberate ourselves from toxic behaviors and adjust our behavior to be more constructive.

5. The Law of Covetousness: The origin of the word envy is not simply arbitrary; it is irreducible. Thus, the focus of Greene’s exploration of envy is enlightening as well as disturbing. He writes that envy has remained a universal drive and is best a hidden force in that most of the time most people do not know that they are envious. The Law of Covetousness is designed to help readers become aware of such a feeling in themselves and others and to know how it is possible to get got the way to relationships and success.

To deal with envy according to the opinion of Greene, the following are recommended techniques;=> The art of improving self,=>Empathy. He also advises against fuelling jealousy in other people because it stands a good chance of causing some people to perpetrate subterfuge and betrayal.

6. The Law of Shortsightedness: See What is the importance of having a long-term vision:

In this law, Greene lays great importance on the aspect of what he calls the chess approach to decision-making. It is an opinion rooted in the uncertainty of planning; most of us make decisions that are easily determined by the short-term benefits of action rather than its long-term impacts.

Greene uses this law to refer to examples of leaders who did not succeed for lack of vision while their counterparts who thought ahead helmed lifelong successful companies. He advises his readers to seek patience and also discipline and, most importantly, to always think long-term.

Structure and Style: Towards a Mass Rehabilitation Policy

The Laws of Human Nature are very well organized; each chapter is devoted to one law. Greene starts every chapter by providing a comprehensive analysis of the law and then provides historical cases to contextualize the concept. He then offers easy-to-understand tips on how to use the law in practical life making the book informative as well as one that can be put to use.

The book’s style is characteristic of Greene’s other works: informative, professionally written, and filled with historical and modern references to make it interesting. This is an absolute strength in his work, where he achieves the interconnection of psychology, history, and advice. Both the concept development and the language of the writing are such that they can be easily comprehended by the larger public.

Click here to read The Laws of Human Nature, for free with a 30-day free trial

Strengths: Insightful and Actionable

Another clear advantage of the book is that Sullivan provides much deeper thoughts about the patterns people exhibit. Greene is a master at revealing the incentives and habits that govern our behavior. The reader is provided with a great deal of knowledge on human behavior; it can be used for self-improvement, management, and communication.

A great strength of Greene’s approach is that he offers concrete and realistic advice. Every law comes with practical ways of identifying the corresponding behavior in oneself and others and how to deal with them. This makes the book not an esoteric discourse on the essence of man but a manual of life’s affairs.

Another strength is that the author has provided historical and or contemporary examples throughout the book. They not only make the concepts more concrete but present how the laws that Greene describes are timeless. Despite the fact they are trying to relate the principles to modern-day political figures, Greene proves to the reader, that principles are timeless.

Criticisms: Complexity and Pessimism

However, as with most resources, one cannot overemphasize the value of The Laws of Human Nature as a way of comprehending people’s behavior and, at the same time, note that it has some criticisms. As with any work written in the postmodern tradition, some readers may be overwhelmed by the sheer profundity of the book. For a reader who is not very familiar with psychology or Robert Greene’s writing, the amount of presented material and extent of analysis might be overwhelming. The book is highly analytical and can solely be understood after careful consideration that is not something everyone can do.

Another criticism is directed at Greene’s pessimistic view of human nature. Thus, the book even dwells on the shadow side of people’s actions and feelings, which might include manipulation, envy, and narcissism. Still, Greene offers ways by which these traits can be properly dealt with and though the book as a whole may seem to be a bit on the cynical side, some readers may prefer this particular outlook. Before delving into the book one should bear in mind that Greene’s objective is not to paint a picture of an ‘advance’ human nature.

Lastly, it is also believed that the examples used throughout history can at times give rather abstract notions of contemporary use. Greene’s reliance on historical characters and anecdotes must have been useful, but one might get a sense that some examples more directly illustrating the laws might be preferred from the present.

Click here to read The Laws of Human Nature, for free with a 30-day free trial

Application: Step-by-Step Guide on Applications of The Laws of Human Nature

Another lesson that any reader of ‘The Laws of Human Nature’ needs to learn is that being conscious of these laws is the beginning of taming them. Providing an insight into how these principles of behavior work enables us to have a glimpse of how these principles function in our daily routines. As can be seen, many of the interventions outlined in this book pertain to close personal relationships, and can also be instantiated in further afield settings, such as organizational culture or societal norms.

For instance, awareness of the Law of Narcissism can inspire people to predict their subordinates’ and colleagues’ behaviors at work to increase the efficiency of interpersonal interactions. In the same way, the Law of Covetousness will assist us in handling envy in one’s relationships so that we can have better interactions with other people.

Thus, the book is especially valuable today when time horizons and strategic planning are very important, but often underestimated. The two call for patience and foresight which if practiced we shall be able to make the right decisions for the benefit of the business as well as ourselves in the long run rather than rushing into wrong decisions that may seem profitable initially but end up being a disaster in the future.

Conclusion:

The wealth of information about human behavior that readers of Digital Ethnography will find timeless prolongs Google’s reign beyond merely the twentieth century.

Robert Greene’s latest book, The Laws of Human Nature, is a solid piece on forces that control or govern human behavior. Thanks to it, readers get profound insights into human behavior and learn about the possible ways to control and predict these behaviors in themselves and others. Though the books may be dense and their focal themes may not incline towards the pleasant side of human beings and therefore may not appeal to everyone it remains as resourceful as possible to anyone in need of a tool to better understand life as well as social norms and values.

Greene’s work is the perfect example of what one can achieve by being in touch with one’s self and thinking critically. Therefore, once one knows the laws of human behavior, he can be in a position to produce better relations, succeed in his career, and thus be happier. If one is ready to deal with its complex material and contemplations, The Laws of Human Nature provide a world that can teach about human nature.

Click here to read The Laws of Human Nature, for free with a 30-day free trial