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Mastery

By: Robert Greene
Narrated by: Fred Sanders
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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)

Featured Article: 45+ Quotes to Boost Your Confidence


Feeling down and unsure of yourself? Launching a new business? Changing careers? Going back to school? Whatever your goal, these quotes offer a much-needed reminder: Believing in yourself is critical to achieving it. Nearly everyone has attacks of insecurity and self-doubt. These wise and rousing words will give you a much-needed jolt of self-affirmation and the strength of mind to soar. Gathered from some of the greatest novelists and most successful self-dev authors, the following quotes will help you reclaim your confidence. So, read on—and be brave, be bold, and be your amazing self!

What listeners say about Mastery

Average customer ratings
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This book changed my perception of oneself.

Great book, you get to learn about yourself and the struggles of the amazing people in the history.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Interesting perspectives

What made the experience of listening to Mastery the most enjoyable?

Great anecdotes to back up good ideas. The author produces boring data, and spices it up with stories of interesting "masters"

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Fantastic!

holistic perspective entertaining naratives and laws interwoven with seemingly all disciplines of knowledge and skill

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

life book

A must read for every living souls no matter your age group. Greene 4 life

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Amazing Autible Book!

A must have! Understanding specific life events and knowing how to maneuver through them to better yourself.

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Mastery Review

Very engaging perspective on staying grounded, focused, trusting in your instinct and natural skillsets to deliver you to your life’s purpose.

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Great ready for people with Passions

See through the lives of others on how to tap into the drive for mastering your skills and becoming a true pioneer in your field.

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Excellent!!!

New goal in life is to move towards mastery ! Truly a game changer for anyone that wants to wake up from reality.

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Great book

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

Learn to Master

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The real absence of fluff in this book I found very refreshing. While it never got boring the author simply presented facts and relevant stories to drive the point, without making preachy.

Any additional comments?

When I was listening to this book I never wanted to put it down. I would highly recommend it.

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The Recording Is Full of Static

Perhaps it’s just my phone, but listening to the volume it has a lot of static in some chapters...

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