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)

Must read/listen, and the narrator is the best!

Tons of inspirational stories, great advice on the art of mastery, and a great read in general.

Wonderful

A fantastic insight into what it takes to become a master, and the reality that it is open to all of us.

I love it!

Now I'd like to read about all these historical figures. Very inspiring and thought provoking.

An Essential Guide For Those Wishing to Excel

Masterful. An extremely rich and insightful coverage of the multi-faceted subject matter that is mastery.

Robert Greene shines an illuminating light on a topic that, at least to me, was previously mysterious and occult. This is a book whose content is as much relevant to the teenager considering their future path in life, as it is to the scientist, athlete, entrepreneur (and all in between) who strive to excel in their chosen area of interest.

The historical figures whose lives and work are featured throughout the text add a fascinating element to the narrative and ground it in context.

I can only be critical of the book's verbose beginning, however, once it takes off this book truly soars, delights, and inspires. Fantastic narration by Fred Sanders. A book to return to in future to delight in. A rare find.

A classic work of art and timeless knowledge

Insightful very of human behavior and the attainment of mastery through details from historical figures

Cheat code

Cheat code. I will listen to this a Cole more times thank you very much

Incredible work!

One of the greatest and most influential works of all time. I could listen to this over and over and over. Inspiring, creative, and powerful. Highly recommended!!

New perspectives

One of my must read life altering books. Both information & educational without the bore.

Still carriers value

The examples the author chooses to use do become a bit repetitive. Still a learning experience. This book fills in the blanks between pursue, believe, and achieve. My favorite quote from this book is " a genius learns to lay brick, then learns to build." It is that simple, maybe that's why mastery is more difficult to some people. The details do matter in the big picture.

Must read for everyone

Must read for anyone wanting to improve their live and their career. Very relatable to the greats in the past and present