Robert Greene
Robert Greene is an American author known for his books on strategy, power, and seduction. Born on May 14, 1959, in Los Angeles, Greene attended the University of California, Berkeley, and later the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. His work is characterized by a deep understanding of power dynamics and human psychology, drawing heavily on historical figures and events. Greene's most famous book, "The 48 Laws of Power," published in 1998, became an international bestseller and a reference in the fields of business and politics. His other notable works include "The Art of Seduction," "The 33 Strategies of War," "The 50th Law" (co-written with rapper 50 Cent), and "Mastery." Greene's books are celebrated for their practical advice, historical depth, and philosophical insights, making him a popular figure among a wide range of readers, from business leaders to hip-hop artists. His approach combines historical anecdotes with contemporary applications, offering readers a unique lens through which to understand and wield power in modern society.
Books Mentioned in this Podcast with Jordan Peterson & Robert Greene:
Book Title: 48 Laws of Power
Author: Robert Greene
Book Title: The Art of Seduction
Author: Robert Greene
Book Title: The 33 Strategies of War
Author: Robert Greene
Book Title: The 50th Law
Author: 50 Cent and Robert Greene
Book Title: Mastery
Author: Robert Greene
Book Title: The Laws of Human Nature
Author: Robert Greene
Book Title: The Daily Laws
Author: Robert Greene
Book Title: The Aristocracy of Talent: How Meritocracy Made the Modern World
Author: Adrian Wooldridge
Book Title: The Art of War
Author: Sun Tzu
Book Title: The Gulag Archipelago
Author: Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn
Book Title: Maps Of Meaning – The Architecture of Belief
Author: Jordan B. Peterson
Exploring the Dark Side of Ambition and Power: Insights from Robert Greene and Jordan Peterson
In a compelling episode of the Jordan B. Peterson Podcast, episode #237, Jordan Peterson sat down with renowned author Robert Greene to discuss the often misunderstood concepts of power and ambition. This conversation, rich in insights, offers a fresh perspective on how these forces shape our lives and the world around us.
Ambition: A Double-Edged Sword
Greene opens the discussion by attempting to destigmatize the concepts of power and ambition. He argues that ambition is fundamentally positive, signifying self-belief and the desire to create value for others. However, he acknowledges the societal discomfort with human nature’s more primal aspects, such as aggression. This discomfort, Peterson notes, is particularly detrimental to boys in the educational system, leading to a failure in schools.
The Journey of Robert Greene: From Odd Jobs to Bestselling Author
Greene’s path to becoming a bestselling author is a story of resilience and adaptability. Before his literary success, he worked in over 80 different jobs, ranging from magazine editing to construction. His diverse experiences exposed him to the intricate dynamics of power and deception in various workplaces, eventually inspiring his writings. His first book, “The 48 Laws of Power,” has been particularly influential in Hollywood, despite its controversial nature.
The Essence of Power: A Nietzschean Perspective
Delving deeper, Greene shares his Nietzschean-inspired view of power as an individual’s desire to expand and influence. He believes that the quest for some level of power and control is innate in humans. However, the societal pressure to conform to moral and political correctness creates a complex dynamic where power plays become indirect and deceptive.
Understanding the Shadow: The Role of Aggression and Resentment
Peterson and Greene discuss Carl Jung’s concept of the shadow, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and integrating one’s aggressive impulses and darker aspects. Greene shares his personal journey of channeling his aggression and competitive nature into his writing, transforming these energies into creative and productive outputs.
Realizations from Diverse Career Experiences
Greene reflects on his varied career, noting how his experiences with politicking and manipulation in different industries led him to write “The 48 Laws of Power.” He observed that many workplaces did not match the cooperative ideals often preached, but were instead rife with ego battles and political games.
The Impact of Fearlessness: A Discussion with 50 Cent
Greene’s collaboration with rapper 50 Cent on “The 50th Law” is highlighted as an exploration of fearlessness. He describes 50 Cent’s calm and dominant presence, born from a near-death experience, as a profound lesson in inner strength and the power of not fearing confrontation or conflict.
Conclusion: Embracing the Full Spectrum of Human Nature
The first part of the conversation between Jordan Peterson and Robert Greene offers valuable insights into the nature of power, ambition, and the human psyche. It underscores the importance of embracing and channeling one’s darker aspects constructively, a lesson applicable across various spheres of life.