Power is something that is much desired, but few have the guts to go through what it takes and make bold decisions to get to a state of the desired power. But you can start small… baby steps. Below are few of the best books from my collection- books that make you powerful.
1. The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Robert Greene’s first book about the laws of power quickly rose to be a bestseller. And why not? The book is one of a kind and my favorite of the list.
The first thing that strikes you about the book, though listed under self-help category, is that it manages to lose the monotony of the books under similar genre. Kudos to the author who has done his research and manages to weave his tale in an exciting and inspiring way. The explanation of each law of power is backed up by strong stories taken from real life incidents and people from the past.
Whether you desire to exercise your skills in manipulation, or are a victim in the game of deceit and treachery; the book teaches you some valuable insights that you could carry with you for life. With any appreciation comes criticism, and the book has had its share of criticism. The powers listed definitely go against any moral sense, but the powerful do not have the time to ponder about trivial issues of morality. It’s a small price to pay after all. Isn’t it?
2. The Magic of Thinking Big by David Schwartz
An inspiring book that will teach you to think beyond the mundane, every day, status quo. The enemy we call “average” threatens to take away the hopes, dreams, and meaning in our lives. Strive for excellence in everything you do. If you want something you’ve never had, you’ll have to do something you’ve never done.
3. The Millionaire Fastlane: Crack the Code to Wealth and Live Rich for a Lifetime! by MJ DeMarco
This is one hell of a book. It comes as a punch in the face for all the slackers and procrastinators who are only dreaming of making it big without putting in enough action. Every chapter I read was so insightful and motivating. Although his principles may not apply to all personality types, it’s a must read for anyone who dreams of becoming rich and is looking for shortcuts (or not).
DeMarco is brutal with his rebukes and reprimands that could break through anyone’s inertia. And I think that’s very much needed to get to power.
Also Read: 8 Things You Can Do When You Don’t Feel Motivated Enough
4. Animal Farm by George Orwell
This book is so thought provoking. It tells how the leaders or “pigs” of the world have gotten to become the so-called leaders. The pigs who are the smarter ones in the animal farm get to make and break the rules as per their convenience, while the lesser intelligent animals try to make sense and wonder why things are getting worse instead of better. These categories of animals (people) are the donkeys, the horses, chickens, dogs etc that get ruled and oppressed by the pigs.
They say to understand the depth of human behavior, watch the animals closely. Hence, in this simple short novella, Orwell explains human society through Animal Farm.
5. The Art Of Seduction by Robert Greene
The book offers some great tips without biases and judgements. Robert Greene never fails me. This is just not another “10 ways to get your man/woman” kind of book. This book talks logic. It describes and breaks down the kind of seduction that some people have over the others. Charismatic people can get things done just with the way they seduce people into submission. This takes into factor the politicians, the dictators, Marilyn Monroes & Mata Haris of the world. Seduction is also a form of power that you should probably learn to exercise.
6. Genghis Khan and the Making of the Modern World by Jack Weatherford
A rags to riches story of an amazingly influential leader whom we all know just by the name- Genghis Khan. How did a tribe boy, who had faced a lot of difficulties as a child, grow up to become a leader so great that he conquered not just the Mongol empire but most of Asia and Europe. Some strategies and tactics used by him and his army may not be relevant and in practice today, but it’s applications into daily life can impact your journey through life tremendously.
7. The Prodigal Daughter by Jeffrey Archer
The book starts out slow, but it features as the only fiction in this list. The book gives good insight into the US politics & business. It is about the daughter of a businessman, who, against all odds, grows up into a successful woman. It elaborates on the hardships she faces while contesting in the presidential elections in order to become the first woman president of the USA. The prequel of the book is Kane and Abel, which is also a good motivational fiction to read.
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