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)

This book is okay and I do recommend reading it.

You will take some key points away, but dont expect mind blowing information that will transcend you into a master of life. Most of the information set forth in this book is common sense. If you are an avid reader and are looking for a refresher course in perseverance, hard work, focus, dedication, discipline, all which are required to master anything in this life, then this is okay.

The book is based on stories of high achiever. The reason, I did not give this book 5 stars is because, halfway through the book it repeats itself, thus talking about the same high achievers that were previously mentioned on previous chapters. It feels, like the author wanted to make the book longer, by repeating the stories.

great

Would you listen to Mastery again? Why?

maybe i will listen to it again sometime, it was a good book

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

it is all some thing that have happen in real life.

Which scene was your favorite?

i think it was great with these short storys about normal people training hard to become masters

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no, but it make me think about my life and future

inspiring book

it started of in the first chapter rather dul and very self help bookish; however, as the book progressed I found it a delight to listen to the stories as is the signature style of Robert Green

A great book

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

Yes.

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

Apprenticeship. When faced with boredom why we need to persist.

Any additional comments?

If you are looking to master a skill or want to build a great career this book is a must read.

Life changing.

This the second time I have listened to Mastery now and I am a mere 18 year old who can see himself referring back to this book time and time again throughout my life. Mastery has cemented my perception of reality to a point that I feel I will rarely deviate from my life's task. Onward and upward with my life thanks to this book!

Good weaving of stories

In his distinct way, I found the chapters to be bold, well-written, and informative. One of the better in series

Great read!!

Very inspirational book that opens your creative ways of thinking as you look into the lives of some very successful people.

Excellent book - great narration

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

My first audiobook. It is really the great.

What was the most compelling aspect of this narrative?

The narrator's rhythm of voice and speed of speech is very appropriate to visualise the story and catch the learning from it.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Yes, both of them.

one of the best

seriously amazing. profiles the Lions accomplishments disappointments of many key figures throughout history and the effect of long-term practice hard work dedication and passion.

this should be mandatory education for all.

This book makes no attempt to be anything more than what it is - a thoroughly interesting study of life skills we all ultimately need to learn to thrive both successfully and happily.