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Robert Greene
United States
Net Worth
$10M+
Source of Wealth
Author / The 48 Laws of Power
Global Rank
#131 of 157
About Robert Greene
Robert Greene is the author of six internationally bestselling books on strategy, power, seduction, war, mastery, and human nature — works that have sold millions of copies and been translated into over 30 languages. His debut, The 48 Laws of Power (1998), became one of the most influential books of the modern era, studied by everyone from Fortune 500 executives and military leaders to hip-hop artists and professional athletes.
Greene's path to literary fame was anything but conventional. After graduating from UC Berkeley with a degree in classical studies, he worked roughly 50 different jobs — including as a Hollywood screenwriter, translator, and magazine editor — before finding his calling. Each job taught him something about power dynamics, human behavior, and the games people play. That accumulated wisdom became the raw material for his books.
The 48 Laws of Power draws on 3,000 years of history — from Sun Tzu and Machiavelli to Louis XIV and Henry Kissinger — to distill the essential principles of power into concise, ruthlessly honest laws. The book was controversial from the start: praised as brilliantly pragmatic by some, condemned as amoral by others. It became required reading in prisons and boardrooms alike.
His subsequent works — The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law (co-authored with 50 Cent), Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature — cemented his reputation as the most important strategy writer since Machiavelli. Greene suffered a severe stroke in 2018 that left him partially paralyzed, but he has continued to write, speak, and influence millions.
Key Achievements
The 48 Laws of Power — A Modern Classic
Published one of the most influential strategy books in modern history, selling millions of copies and becoming a cultural phenomenon read by CEOs, rappers, military leaders, athletes, and world leaders.
Six Bestselling Strategy Books
Authored six major works — The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction, The 33 Strategies of War, The 50th Law, Mastery, and The Laws of Human Nature — creating a comprehensive library of strategic wisdom.
Mentored Ryan Holiday and Other Writers
Served as a mentor to Ryan Holiday and other writers, passing on the tradition of deep historical research and strategic thinking to the next generation of authors.
Cross-Cultural Impact
Achieved the rare distinction of being equally influential in hip-hop culture, corporate boardrooms, military academies, and self-improvement circles — a testament to the universality of his insights.
Notable Quotes
“When you show yourself to the world and display your talents, you naturally stir all kinds of resentment, envy, and other manifestations of insecurity. You cannot spend your life worrying about the petty feelings of others.”
— Robert Greene
“The future belongs to those who learn more skills and combine them in creative ways.”
— Robert Greene
“Do not leave your reputation to chance or gossip; it is your life's artwork, and you must craft it, hone it, and display it with the care of an artist.”
— Robert Greene
Key Decisions
Graduated from UC Berkeley with a degree in classical studies, immersing himself in the ancient texts that would become the foundation of his life's work.
Conceived The 48 Laws of Power during a conversation with book packager Joost Elffers, who recognized that Greene's knowledge of history and power dynamics could become a groundbreaking book.
Published The 48 Laws of Power, a book that was immediately controversial and became one of the bestselling strategy books of all time.
Co-authored The 50th Law with 50 Cent, demonstrating the real-world application of power principles in hip-hop and street culture.
Published Mastery, studying the lives of historical masters to reveal the universal process of achieving world-class expertise.
Published The Laws of Human Nature, his most ambitious work, and shortly after suffered a severe stroke — yet continued his mission from recovery.
Early Life
Born May 14, 1959, in Los Angeles, California, Robert Greene grew up fascinated by history and classical literature. He attended UC Berkeley, where he studied classical studies, and later attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison. After college, he bounced between roughly 50 different jobs — screenwriter, translator, editor, tour guide — in Europe and the United States. This period of wandering, which he later described as essential to his development, gave him firsthand experience with power dynamics in every conceivable setting.
Life Lessons & Insights
Study Power or Be Subject to It
Power dynamics exist whether you acknowledge them or not. Greene's central argument is that understanding power is not immoral — it is essential for anyone who wants to navigate the world effectively.
Your Worst Jobs Are Your Best Education
Greene worked 50 jobs before writing his first book. Each one taught him about human nature, office politics, and the games people play. Nothing is wasted if you're paying attention.
History Is the Greatest Teacher
By studying thousands of years of history, Greene found that human nature doesn't change. The strategies that worked for Julius Caesar and Cleopatra still work today — and always will.
Resilience Through Adversity
After a debilitating stroke in 2018, Greene demonstrated the very principles he wrote about — adapting, persevering, and finding new ways to continue his work despite enormous physical challenges.
Deep Dives
Go deeper into what makes Robert Greene exceptional.
Explore More
See how Glen Bradford applies these principles to his own investing. Long Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac junior preferred — and not going anywhere.