Book Review: The 50th Law

Intriguing as the name sounds, the book doesn’t discuss mathematical or scientific laws. In fact, the tome offers an incredible account of one man’s journey from being a street hustler in a rowdy New York neighbourhood to a successful businessman in corporate America.

Co-authored by Robert Greene and US rapper 50 Cent, the book details how fearlessness is the ultimate way to harness power and take control of one’s life. As a sequel to Greene’s previous bestseller The 48 Laws of Power, which looked at various ways to amass power, this book explores a new law – conquering fear.

The 50th law in life states that, as humans, we cannot exercise control over circumstances but we can definitely control how we react to them, and
reclaim our power.

Greene uses 50 Cent’s life as an effective example, showing how the 50th law can eliminate anxiety and embolden us to live more fulfilling lives.

Presented through the stories of 50 Cent, Greene explains how hard traits like aggression, self-belief and opportunism can be used to maximise achievements in business. The author also draws on historic figures such as Abraham Lincoln, Napoleon Bonaparte, Miles Davis, Malcolm X and Catherine the Great and examines how these famous heroes transformed difficult situations to their advantage.

Even if manipulation and power are not your endgame, the book is still a must-read for individuals who want to maximise their personal potential.