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I read one of the most banned books in prison – it could make me a monster
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene is a self-help book that teaches you how to manipulate people and gain as much power as possible, what’s not to love?
It might sound incredibly cheesy, but arguably one of the most powerful weapons in the world is the power of language. Words have been used to start and end wars, overthrow governments, and even start bizarre TikTok trends that pit women against men.
The 48 Laws of Power might be the scariest book I’ve read
I have consistently read books for years now, from fog-filled Twilight as a teen to self-help books as an adult struggling with mental health. Across the hundreds of books in my vault, Robert Greene’s The 48 Laws of Power might be the scariest – and I’ve read Stephen King’s IT.
Often compared to Machiavellis The Prince, the 48 Laws of Power uses historical references and famous people to teach readers how to game this system. As the title suggests, the tips and tricks are contained within 48 notable sections.
Though all of the chapters are available to view here, a few of my favorites include:
- Always say less than necessary
- Court attention at all costs
- Win through your actions, never through argument
- Learn to keep people dependent on you
- Re-Create Yourself
- Play to peoples fantasies
- Think as you like but behave like others
- Stir up waters to catch fish
I initially bought the book when I was 18, though admittedly it remained relegated to the shelf until I saw a video on Instagram detailing the contents. I was instantly hooked.
Though Greene used references from across time, with some dating back hundreds of years, all of the information and tips could be applied to a modern setting. For instance, it is reasonable to assume that Greene’s teachings could be used in relationship settings, or even on dating apps.
Why is the book banned in prison?
Despite being a New York Times bestseller and selling over 1.2 million copies, The Times reports that The 48 Laws of Power is the second most banned book in US prisons due to its manipulation techniques. Floridas Department of Corrections has banned 11 of Greene’s books in total, making him the most banned author in the States.
Greene himself addressed the humdrum surrounding his book in a viral TikTok in 2023. At the time, Greene said: “The 48 Laws of Power is currently banned in the prison systems in 18 different States.”
“I believe it’s because prisons are a system of infantilizing people, of making sure they are completely dependent on the prison system,” he added. “The only means of independence for prisoners was through their minds and the only means for achieving that was through the prisons library.”
The book’s magic is so renowned that it has been purchased by the likes of 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Michael Jackson, Courtney Love, and Will Smith. In fact, 50 Cent enjoyed the book so much that he collaborated with Greene on a second installment, The 50th Law.
