The human mind is complex. While we all have a conscience and moral compass, there also exists a "darker side" to human nature driven by self-interest, jealousy, desire for power, and more.
Understanding this shadow side and the tactics people use to get ahead can be invaluable in both personal relationships and business. That‘s why the recent interview between bestselling author Robert Greene and rapper 50 Cent offers such fascinating insights.
Who is Robert Greene?
Robert Greene has been called "the modern Machiavelli." He is the author of several classic books on power, seduction, and how to get ahead, including:
- The 48 Laws of Power
- The Art of Seduction
- Mastery
- The Laws of Human Nature
Greene pulls from history, philosophy, business and more to break down the timeless strategies people use to influence others and "win" socially. He also draws on his own career working in Hollywood.
As Greene puts it:
"I‘ve been observing people like that since I was four years old really basically and you develop kind of a muscle for that a kind of way of picking up non-verbal cues and seeing through people and seeing what their true motivations are."
Understanding these deeper motivations and tactics that people use allows individuals to better navigate their social and professional worlds.
The Dark Side of Human Nature
Robert Greene begins by highlighting examples of the dark side of human nature from history.
One infamous case was the 1970s Cambodian dictator Pol Pot. When Pol Pot came into power, he ordered the mass killing of almost 2 million civilians – including babies.
His rationale? By killing the babies and children, he prevented them from growing up to possibly seek revenge or rebel against his regime in the future.
This story illustrates the depths of violence and cruelty humans are capable of in certain contexts like war, imprisonment, and reproduction.
Greene argues we must acknowledge this shadow side openly rather than pretend it doesn‘t exist within all of us. Only then can we healthily understand and manage it.
The Importance of Strategy
Another key theme is the importance of having a strategy in life. Greene compares life to a kind of "warfare":
"It‘s a metaphor I use in all my books that life is like warfare in this kind of way and it‘s important to think strategically."
What does he mean by thinking strategically? Having a plan to achieve your goals and get what you want from your career, relationships etc. This allows you to avoid costly emotional decisions:
"Being strategic is a way to lessen the amount of drama in your life and give it more peace."
Rapper 50 Cent shares how he applies this philosophy in the music business. For example, he cultivates particular friendships with famous or influential people where it can benefit his career.
50 Cent has mastered the art of appearing at key venues, parties and events to network and rub shoulders with those who can further his success. All very strategic moves.
Seduction and Manipulation Tactics
Of course, the subjects of seduction and manipulation are never far away in Robert Greene‘s work.
His infamous book The Art of Seduction covers different personality types and tactics that can be used to charm and influence others. The aim is to open readers eyes to the games people play in dating, relationships and beyond.
Interestingly, Greene shares that many women have contacted him over the years to thank him for this book:
"They‘ll say, you know what your book on seduction actually opened my eyes to all the kinds of toxic manipulative men that I would let into my life. And so it was almost defensive for them."
This ability to recognize "toxic" personalities who may use and take advantage of others is so important. Forewarned is forearmed.
Seduction also extends into realms like business and politics. Greene argues the power of nonverbal communication cannot be understated:
"…just the way you carry yourself nonverbally in the room can have tremendous power over people."
He uses 50 Cent as a prime example of someone who has mastered this visual presence:
"He would go to a meeting and he wouldn‘t say a word. His presence was so strong, so calm."
According to Greene, 50 Cent has an incredible raw charisma and seductive power – or what he calls "star quality magnetism." The ultimate seducer and "rake."
No wonder he has achieved such success in his rap career and business dealings.
Takeaways from Robert Greene
While seduction and manipulation may have negative connotations, Robert Greene is careful to stress the defensive and positive uses of this knowledge too.
If you understand how power games are played, you can avoid being pushed around and taken advantage of yourself.
Greene shares how his seminal book The 48 Laws of Power has helped all kinds of people stand up for themselves:
"…musicians, people in real estate, people in banking, people in acting, people even in the bureaucratic world of Washington…"
By becoming savvier and more skeptical about others‘ motives in business and relationships, individuals can better respond to manipulation attempts and gain influence.
Some of Robert Greene‘s key lessons for dealing with people are:
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Start off skeptical – Don‘t take what people say or do at face value. Reserve judgement initially about their sincerity.
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Pay attention to body language – Nonverbal cues often reveal hidden agendas and true intentions. Trust actions over words.
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Go with your gut – First instincts we have about people tend to be accurate. If someone seems "off," they probably are.
Mastering social intelligence, seduction, and power dynamics takes a lifetime. But ultimately, Robert Greene believes applying this knowledge can help individuals "become adults" and deal with the world effectively.
There are always sharks in the water – but you don‘t need to become shark bait.
Robert Greene on Life, Writing and Giving Back
Towards the end of the interview, Robert Greene shares more personal insights about his life, career and hopes going forward.
A few years ago Greene suffered a serious stroke while writing his book The Laws of Human Nature. This health crisis changed his perspective:
"It slowed me down…I become a little bit more reflective."
Having faced his mortality, Greene now wants to focus more on passion projects. For example, he is releasing an audiobook titled The Sublime exploring transcendent experiences in life.
Greene also expresses heartfelt appreciation for his assistant (and now manager) Layah Heilpern. He credits Layah with helping bring his work to online platforms like YouTube during COVID lockdowns – allowing him to reach new audiences through short-form videos.
Finally, Greene ends by emphasizing the mindset shift from exhaustion to enjoyment:
"…you want to turn that into excitement, into really enjoying the process of what you‘re doing…"
By immersing ourselves in the learning process, we can replace fatigue with energy and enthusiasm. Wise words to live by.
The Takeaway on Power
At nearly 60 years old, Robert Greene has more than earned his stripes when it comes to human nature. His books have helped millions better understand social intelligence, seduction, persuasion and more.
While the "dark arts" of manipulation and mind control hold fascination, Greene stresses using such knowledge wisely – to defend ourselves and get ahead, not exploit people.
Learning to handle personal power and deal with difficult personalities is crucial life skill. Mastering self-mastery allows us to thrive socially and achieve success. We always have a choice how to apply the darkness and the light.