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The Craft of Power
A comprehensive guide to gaining, maintaining, and expanding personal power. Presents basic techniques for the management of people and organizations. Guidelines are presented in a ``how to'' fashion, illustrated by real-life examples. Evaluates power posture, then spells out operational specifics. Defines power and the social setting in which power is exercised. Explains fifteen ways of measuring one's competitive strength. Deals with techniques for harnessing people and money in the drive for power.
255 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1979
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 1, 2025
This book stands as a precursor to the vast library of modern titles on personal power, ranging from the historically-aware Greene's 48 Laws of Power to the coarser offerings of PUA coaching. Yet, where these later works often revel in their vulgarity, The Craft of Power distinguishes itself through its philosophical depth.
Lacking from the more recent titles, but essential in this one, is a philosophical inquiry on the nature of power. The Craft of Power invites the reader to cultivate a nuanced understanding of human nature, societal dynamics, and the pursuit of power. Power can be not only a tool of dominance but also a tool for self-actualization and see your will imposed on the world. Yet, within this pursuit lies a paradox: the more one demands of the world, the more one is alienated from their authentic self.
A secret known by the ancients is revealed once again: Those content to ask little of life might achieve a warmer and simpler life, enjoying closer and more intimate relationships.
The closing sections elevate The Craft of Power into something greater than a manual. Here, Siu offers a vision of power tempered by nobility. Once one’s worldly position is secured, he implores us to embrace the grace of alleviating suffering of the people; after all, did we not come to the world to leave it better than when we encountered it?
"Speaking on behalf of those too poor to buy this book, too ignorant to read it, and too pained to care, I would ask for your serious consideration. You might even discover through your noble response that there is a deeper meaning to power than the mundane. It can border on the divine."
Lacking from the more recent titles, but essential in this one, is a philosophical inquiry on the nature of power. The Craft of Power invites the reader to cultivate a nuanced understanding of human nature, societal dynamics, and the pursuit of power. Power can be not only a tool of dominance but also a tool for self-actualization and see your will imposed on the world. Yet, within this pursuit lies a paradox: the more one demands of the world, the more one is alienated from their authentic self.
A secret known by the ancients is revealed once again: Those content to ask little of life might achieve a warmer and simpler life, enjoying closer and more intimate relationships.
The closing sections elevate The Craft of Power into something greater than a manual. Here, Siu offers a vision of power tempered by nobility. Once one’s worldly position is secured, he implores us to embrace the grace of alleviating suffering of the people; after all, did we not come to the world to leave it better than when we encountered it?
"Speaking on behalf of those too poor to buy this book, too ignorant to read it, and too pained to care, I would ask for your serious consideration. You might even discover through your noble response that there is a deeper meaning to power than the mundane. It can border on the divine."
August 7, 2018
Basically "48 Laws of power" but for a different generation.
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December 15, 2024the title says it all...
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews