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 have for anyone wanting true success.

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

This is my favorite Audible book so far.

Who was your favorite character and why?

This book breaks down the reality of what regular studies are....egular teachers are....regular managers are...regular jobs are..regular results are......then it gives you the option to see what is better and focus on a [ath that will lead you to Mastery. Its a must have!

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

the ausio on this book is poor. It is nothing compared to How the win friends and influence people. even when turned all the way up it is hard to hear.. takes away from the Audio purpose truthfully. it is as critical to be produced well as a hit record in a recording studio. Needs re done

awesomeness

interesting read, definitely going to listen to it again. I would totally recommend this book to read.

Wonderful Reminder

An essential reminder on the virtue of being competent. And how to attain competency. Little discussion of the morals, which is great. Just makes the case for how. Leaving the why and details to you.

You are a master!

This is the greatest book I’ve ever read for “self-help” and development of the mind. Greene is concise and detailed in every step of the journey to Mastery. It’s practical, yet full of great wisdom.
All the stories of masters are very inspiring and relatable to someone like me who has always had a fascination with my childhood interests and passions. If they can do it, you can do it!

Completed my 4th quarterly listen.

I love that I can come back to this book and find out something new.

one of best audiobooks

best audiobooks out there. content, delivery, tempo, insightfulness, cadence, narration. impeccable from start to finish, thoroughly efficient and effective in its message

Excellent

Highly recommend! Perfectly narrated and deeply thought provoking. I will listen to this book again!

Some Biographies Were Not Interesting

This is the first book that I've been able to listen to twice with ease. There are so many great inputs by the author, that it makes this book a great source for understanding the process of mastering anything.

I did find some biographies boring.

Best Book I've Read This Year!

This is by far one of the top 5 books I've ever read. Practical and biographical, this books is a guide to what it takes to become a master no matter your craft.

nice

the book really goes into detail on how to master your own craft. it's a bit repetitive and long but still nice, i can defently say you will learn something new.