Mastery

By: Robert Greene

Narrated by: Fred Sanders

Length: 16 hrs and 9 mins

Publisher's summary

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)

too many stories

a little too many stories not enough content for me. i get that the stories are supposed to teach but its just like ehh...

Mastery is Masterful

Where does Mastery rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

its the best audiobook I've listened to so far.

What does Fred Sanders bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

The narrator was excellent and I've no complaints

If you could give Mastery a new subtitle, what would it be?

your road to excellence

Any additional comments?

beautiful guidebook to finding your most fulfilling career

great book

This is a great book that goes in depth of the subject. I recommend it to everyone.

One of the best reads (listens) ever.

I have a personal LOVE for well detailed examples of personal success. Absolutely fulfilling.

At a lost for words yet fully understand what I need to do next

While reading I could feel my understanding of various disciplines and experiences begin to connect and make harmonious peace with each other. Like all of Greenes Books this is going to be one I need to read and internalize in order to fully appreciate.

i will be a master!

this book gives u the tools for mastery! great read, i hope everyone finds their Mastery as well.

Truly masterful !

This is one of the best books I have listened to ever. If you want to find the path to mastery this is your book !

The Ultimate Guide for Apprentices Seeking Mastery

The author masterfully uses the stories of nine living and many past people to tell a greater story - the story of an Apprentice who achieves Mastery. With each point, he focuses on different aspects of each the nine lives to demonstrate the principles that person used to develop Mastery. In so doing, the author demonstrates there are many roads to Mastery and there is a Path suitable for each of us.

Highly recommended for all Apprentices seeking understanding of the Mastery process.

Amazing read. Highly recommended.

Started reading this book after Greene’s Laws of Human Nature and was blown away again. The case studies are fascinating, and the theories resonate deeply (at least for me).

Outstanding Book

Robert Greene has created a masterpiece of practical brilliance. We should all aspire to be masters in whatever we pursue. This is a very valuable guide for anyone who is seeking a greater purpose or meaning to your existence. I would highly recommend this to young adults who are transitioning from high school into an adult life and profession. But this is also valuable to anyone at any stage of their life.