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)

Just inspiring

Great book for people who look for inspiration or feel like they don't know the direction of their life

this book went perfect with The Human Condition,

Also check out The Power of Habits, to help unlock yourself and grow without getting in your own way., and freeing yourself from the control of others

Not Robert Greene's Best

Robert Greene is still a genius but I thought 48 Laws of Power was better.

Fantastic Read

Loved it. It's was amazing, reassuring and enlightening. For the first time I took notes while reading.

Great read.

Any additional comments?

We are using this book in my class. The book is great. There is many stories of people and it is very inspirational. Great read.

Robert Greene's best book yet

Unlike Greene's other books, which are base and amoral (although still entertaining), this book is uplifting and motivating. Becoming great at anything is hard work and it is the hard work that separates those who achieve mastery in a subject area (or areas) and those who merely spectate. Mastery is not magic or necessarily innate ability, it is dedication to a pursuit through various phases of learning, from novice to master, combined with time and impeccable, undying work ethic. Greene, as in his other books, weaves historical examples throughout. Mastery is his best work to date and his first work to eclipse his own 48 Laws of Power.

World view bias is strong

There were many things I like about this work, but I found Green's anti-Christian views (which where subtly interjected throughout the work) to be offensive and distracting.

A classic

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is a great book I've recommended it several times already. He uses real life examples to explain human nature and ways to find opportunity.

Biographical portions are great, analysis gets pretentious

The stories of the “masters” are great. They are well told and informative. However, the author lets personal bias slip into his analysis of a few of the biographies. Whenever religion is concerned (especially Christianity), the author develops a pretentious, judgmental, and even insulting tone. This tone only comes up during portions of the book. The other stories are well told.

Very inspirational book. You too can be a Master!

I enjoyed the book. I found myself getting lost within each story. I highly recommend this book, it's a great read!