Mastery

By: Robert Greene

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

The eagerly anticipated new book from the author of the best-selling The 48 Laws of Power

What did Charles Darwin, middling schoolboy and underachieving second son, do to become one of the earliest and greatest naturalists the world has known? What were the similar choices made by Mozart and by Caesar Rodriguez, the U.S. Air Force's last ace fighter pilot? In Mastery, Robert Greene's fifth book, he mines the biographies of great historical figures for clues about gaining control over our own lives and destinies. Picking up where The 48 Laws of Power left off, Greene culls years of research and original interviews to blend historical anecdote and psychological insight, distilling the universal ingredients of the world's masters.

Temple Grandin, Martha Graham, Henry Ford, Buckminster Fuller - all have lessons to offer about how the love for doing one thing exceptionally well can lead to mastery. Yet the secret, Greene maintains, is already in our heads. Debunking long-held cultural myths, he demonstrates just how we, as humans, are hardwired for achievement and supremacy. Fans of Greene's earlier work and Malcolm Gladwell's Outliers will eagerly devour this canny and erudite explanation of just what it takes to be great.

©2012 Robert Greene (P)2012 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

"Greene argues that mastery can come to anyone over time with dedication and application, which literally shape the brain to the task, and he gives frequent bios of famous achievers to underscore his tips and suggestions. Listeners may question his thinking and some of his advice, but Fred Sanders narrates Greene's assertions and arguments with conviction and without overselling, giving them an extra gloss of plausibility and credibility. His reading is clear and well paced. His tone is earnest and slightly intense, with an energetic edge, like that of a coach urging the listener to accomplishment, but controlled, giving an impression of class and intelligence. Greene would make a fine salesman; he and Sanders put the book across, doing their best to inspire the listener." (AudioFile magazine)

"Greene’s specialty is analyzing the lives and philosophies of historical figures like Sun Tzu and Napoleon, and extracting from them tips on how to manipulate people and situations - a cutthroat worldview that has earned him a devoted following among a like-minded readership of rappers, drug dealers and corporate executives." (The New York Times)

"Compelling." (Forbes)

Mastery is both a goal and a destination...

While many of the ideas have been covered in other books, this author handles the topics with a fresh sense of urgency, and a lot of good illustration. The message is an overlay of the old joke "how do you get to Carnegie Hall? Practice, practice, practice!", with the idea of learning to put your passion first.

There is no magic here, but an excellent personal trainer. Its worth a listen.

Gare Henderson

Overall One of the Best Books I Have Ever Read

If you could sum up Mastery in three words, what would they be?

Fantastic, Enlightening, Extremely well researched and well written!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mozart, Ben Franklin, and all the historical characters.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

This is a guidebook for life. It is a book I will reference always.

Any additional comments?

Just spectacular, this book is flying under the radar, but deserves much praise!

Developing my uniqueness

On my journey as an entrepreneur I've had many self doubts and internal conflicts, listening and absorbing this book has helped so much in putting things in perspective and realizing that I have to give myself permission to allow the quality time I spend practicing mold who I will eventually become as a business owner.

Inspirational

Learning about how historical figures tamed their minds to achieve great feats is truly inspiring. Throw this book on around the house, and see yourself only progressing your life.

always great

such good historic stories and examples. never lost my attention. the narration was excellent. a must read.

Robert Greene Does it AGAIN!!!!!

This is my third installment of a Robert Greene publication and I must say just like the rest it's GREAT. In my opinion this falls right in line with the 50TH Law. A must read to keep one focus to overcome any and every adversary.

my second round of listening, I have the paperbac

really loved it, I have the paperback also. I have listen to this one twice now.

Perhaps one of the most underrated books

If you Read "The Book of Five Rings"consider this a more indepth version, Simply Incredible!

superb

well thought out. precisely what you expect. the tie in to all his works.

Wonderful

one of the most important books I've ever encountered- applicable, but also very historically interesting