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)

An absolute pleasure to enjoy again and again

The author takes you on a journey through the ages, meeting the likes of many masters, including Mozart, DaVinci, Darwin and more. History, Sociology, Philosophy. . it's all in there.

This is what I needed

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

Master your passion

What other book might you compare Mastery to and why?

Maybe 10x by Grant Cardone. They both seem to point to a level of mastery that one will get when you are focused on what you want.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Not sure. The first hour caught me and I have not stopped listening since.

Masterful Book

Robert Greene is my favorite author, and this book doesn't disappoint. The narration is excellent, and the historical stories vividly come to life through compelling narratives. If the consensus among experts is thaf it takes approximately 10,000 hours to reach mastery in any given pursuit, then there's no time to waist! Get this book!

bad reader

why oh why didn't they get the reader from the 33 strategy and 48 while i love mr green books this guy that's reading is killing the book sounds like his false teeth are slipping around and he got a whole bunch of mints or something he got dry mouth or what its torture listen to this guy read don’t know how im get through this just buy the book not the audiobook you'll regret it

Wonderful book on acquiring mastery

Loved this book. Many great examples of how people in many different fields acquired mastery in their profession. Narration is excellent.

Great book

loved it...Great content. you can tell a lot of researcher was done. its a master piece

Must read!

I have a whole new outlook on my purpose. Must read if you are all over the place like me.

Excellent

Since the beginning of this year , I read about 60 books on creativity, I wish I had started with this one , this book is a summary of all them , 🙏th is going to be my bible

Long but wonderful!!!!!

Great examples, good insights along with his book power this author is a must read!!!

Classic History

Robert Greene is a great writer, and knows how to give a compelling History lesson while keeping the listener motivated.