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)

amazing book. amazing performance.

it's a long book, but well worth the time. one of the best books I've ever read.

very interesting, could be shorter..

repeating the same stories in different ways to highlight different aspects comes over as long-winded and confused me a couple of times, thinking I had skipped back a couple chapters and hearing about certain people all over again in the same level of detail.

other than that, very interesting! will love to read a long summary after going through the entire book once.

A must read

I really enjoyed this book, help to understand how to go beyond of my mental walls.

Very informative and eye opening

Geniuses don't really exist as we often imagine them, they are called masters. This book explores the life, sacrifices and critical decisions of several amazing and humans in history. "Mastery" by Robert Greene is a must have for those in search of excelling in their job/craft/life.

Great!

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

It provides a perspective that enables you to think outside the box.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mastery?

In my opinion all stories are worth a listen, they all bring the coming of something greater than the human being.

Have you listened to any of Fred Sanders’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No,

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

Everything within life, is possible. Believe it, have faith and make it happen.

Any additional comments?

Great book overall, great historical and current references. Motivational and Inspiring.

Another classic from Robert Greene

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

There is nothing else like his work. So intelligent, entertaining and ultimately timeless.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Mastery?

I learned so much about how to pattern my career for the long term achievement of mastery.

better than sex

Robert Greene is one of my favorite authors, and this is his best work yet. Learn lessons from the world's greatest masters in this piece of art!

Captivating way to think.

This book will take you on a journey through your mind and life. Its truly a mental experiment that will fallow this book. That everyone can take.

Mastery: A book from the master of strategy

Any additional comments?

This book is in the same vein as other classics from Robert Greene. I loved it and so will you.

i liked it and i learned a lot

learned a lot. just finished the book and i already want to read it again.