Robert Greene author photo
Image via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Robert Greene

Born: May 14, 1959 – Los Angeles, California, USA

Robert Greene is an American author renowned for his books on strategy, power dynamics, and human behavior, including international bestsellers such as The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, and The Laws of Human Nature. His works have sold millions of copies, been translated widely, and influenced leaders, artists, and thinkers globally.

Biography & Author's Journey

Robert Greene was born in 1959 in Los Angeles, the younger of two sons in a Jewish family. He attended the University of California, Berkeley before transferring to the University of Wisconsin–Madison, where he earned a degree in classical studies. Greene’s early professional life was remarkably varied: by his own estimate, he held around 50 jobs ranging from construction worker and magazine editor to Hollywood movie writer and translator. This breadth of experience exposed him to diverse environments, notably including the competitive world of Hollywood, which sharpened his perspective on power dynamics and human behavior. A pivotal moment arrived in 1995 while Greene was working at Fabrica, an art and media school in Italy. There, he met book packager Joost Elffers, to whom he pitched the idea that became his first book, The 48 Laws of Power—a key turning point that launched his writing career.

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Quotes

quote
Powerful people impress and intimidate by saying less. The more you say, the more likely you are to say something foolish
-The 48 Laws of Power
quote
Timidity is dangerous: Better to enter with boldness. Any mistakes you commit through audacity are easily corrected with more audacity. Everyone admires the bold; no one honors the timid
-The 48 Laws of Power
quote
Never waste valuable time, or mental peace of mind, on the affairs of others—that is too high a price to pay
-The 48 Laws of Power
quote
Strike the shepherd and the sheep will scatter
-The 48 Laws of Power
quote
The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways
-Mastery
quote
The pain that you are afraid of is a part of the process. You have to learn to embrace it as part of your growth
-The Daily Laws
quote
Create compelling spectacles
-The 48 Laws of Power
quote
It is your own bad strategies, not the unfair opponent, that are to blame for your failures. You are responsible for the good and bad in your life
-The 33 Strategies of War
quote
Understand: your mind is weaker than your emotions. But you become aware of this weakness only in moments of adversity--precisely the time when you need strength
-The 33 Strategies of War
quote
People are more complicated than you think. Don't fall into the trap of simplifying them
-The Laws of Human Nature

Popular Books

Discover more

Robert Greene: The Power & Human Nature Pod

Robert Greene: The Power & Human Nature Pod

LEARNING PLAN

Robert Greene: The Power & Human Nature Pod

This plan distills Robert Greene's essential wisdom on influence and social dynamics into actionable lessons. It is ideal for leaders, entrepreneurs, and anyone seeking to navigate human nature with greater strategic clarity and psychological insight.

3 h 59 m4 Sections
Master Machiavellianism & 48 Laws of Power

Master Machiavellianism & 48 Laws of Power

LEARNING PLAN

Master Machiavellianism & 48 Laws of Power

This plan distills centuries of political philosophy and psychological strategy into actionable professional skills. It is essential for leaders, negotiators, and ambitious professionals who need to navigate complex social hierarchies and protect themselves from manipulation.

3 h 37 m5 Sections
Laws of power

Laws of power

LEARNING PLAN

Laws of power

This plan bridges the gap between historical statecraft and modern psychological influence, offering a blueprint for navigating competitive environments. It is essential for aspiring leaders and professionals who want to master the art of ethical persuasion and strategic decision-making.

2 h 16 m4 Sections
Master Persuasion and Machiavellian Tactics

Master Persuasion and Machiavellian Tactics

LEARNING PLAN

Master Persuasion and Machiavellian Tactics

In a competitive world, understanding the mechanics of power and human psychology is essential for leadership and self-defense. This plan is designed for professionals and negotiators who want to master high-stakes influence while remaining ethically grounded.

2 h 27 m4 Sections
Human behavior

Human behavior

LEARNING PLAN

Human behavior

Understanding the hidden drivers of human nature is essential for navigating social dynamics and making smarter personal choices. This plan is ideal for leaders, marketers, or anyone looking to master behavioral psychology and improve their interpersonal influence.

2 h 35 m4 Sections
Learn Psychology and the Art of Seduction

Learn Psychology and the Art of Seduction

LEARNING PLAN

Learn Psychology and the Art of Seduction

This plan bridges the gap between scientific social psychology and the practical art of interpersonal influence. It is ideal for individuals seeking to enhance their social intelligence, romantic life, and professional charisma through proven psychological frameworks.

3 h 9 m4 Sections
Master dark psychology to control situations

Master dark psychology to control situations

LEARNING PLAN

Master dark psychology to control situations

In a world driven by social dynamics, understanding the hidden mechanics of influence is a vital survival skill. This plan is designed for leaders and negotiators who want to master behavioral analysis and strategic power to navigate complex interpersonal relationships.

2 h 44 m4 Sections
To manipulate others

To manipulate others

LEARNING PLAN

To manipulate others

This plan is essential for leaders and professionals who need to navigate complex social hierarchies and master the art of persuasion. It provides a comprehensive toolkit for understanding human motivation and protecting oneself from covert influence.

2 h 30 m4 Sections

Community Voices

"Robert Greene is an internationally renowned expert on power strategies, having been featured in The New York Times, CNN, The New Yorker, Forbes and more"

Barnes & Noble

"Mastery by Robert Greene reached #6 on The New York Times Bestseller list and was featured in Business Insider, Forbes, Fast Company and more"

Wikipedia

"NBA player Chris Bosh stated that his favorite book is The 33 Strategies of War by Robert Greene"

Wikipedia

"The Sunday Times called Robert Greene's The 33 Strategies of War 'an excellent toolkit for dealing with business and relationships."

The Sunday Times

"Robert Greene's first book, The 48 Laws of Power, is a controversial guide to achieving power, drawing from the likes of Machiavelli, Sun Tzu and Henry Kissinger"

Barnes & Noble

"Robert Greene is widely known for his bestselling books on power, seduction, and strategy such as The 48 Laws of Power and The Art of Seduction"

Goodreads

"The Independent claims that Robert Greene is 'setting himself up as a modern-day Machiavelli."

The Independent

"Robert Greene's books have become New York Times and other bestsellers, with The 48 Laws of Power selling over two million copies"

Four Minute Books

"The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene remains his most popular book and has been cited as influential in a wide range of fields"

Four Minute Books

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108

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@Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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17

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