The 48 Laws of Power vs. The Beatitudes: A Clash of Ideals
If you want power, don’t think that will make you happy.
Thomas Aquinas writes in Summa Theologica that we can attempt to fulfill our holy longing with a desire for wealth, power, pleasure, or status. When we pursue any of these, they easily consume us once we get them or they elude us.
Think about that for a moment. Some people who are wealthy are continually driven to maintain it, and others who seek wealth (but don’t have it) might look for get-rich schemes and wind up destitute. Or in jail. Yesterday a truck had “Make money, not friends” on the back. I would imagine that woman might feel lonely if she lived by that motto.
Someone I admire suggested for his followers to read The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. The book has been banned in prisons because it’s so controversial. Gee, that’ll certainly sell more books! While I don’t believe in book banning, I think ideas should always be met with logical skepticism.
Greene doesn’t have a background in psychology or sociology, but he assembles these laws based on historical anecdotes. As someone who’s taught theory for many years, I know that some theories are drawn from inductive reasoning, which is taking specific anecdotes and forming global concepts based on them.
But your theoretical perspective shouldn’t stop there. Deductive reasoning uses those global ideas and says, “Does this apply here and there?” Then these ideas are continually refined to advanced knowledge of a particular idea—in this case, power. Sorry, I geeked out there.
One of the many flaws in Greene’s argument is this—he assumes that everybody wants power. In his view, people are merely tools to employ to get power. You suck up to the people in power (sounds very familiar in today’s political arena) and you take credit for other people’s ideas. Don’t waste your time with friends but instead hire your enemies. Put on a mask to disguise your true purpose. In a way, it’s sort of the male version of The Rules, which was a book about how to attract Mr. Right.
There are some pieces of good advice, such as being on guard about how your emotions will hijack your rational mind. Don’t act impulsively and know that timing is important. You also should avoid extremes when it comes to change—instead, introduce it gradually (that’s actually drawn from propaganda research).
Greene would say that these rules can be used for ruthless intentions. While that’s definitely true, even people with good intentions can be corrupted once they achieve power, especially when they use deception to get there. Remember that power corrupts absolutely.
Power over vs. Power with
This idea of power is very binary. You’re either on your way up or on your way down. You’re never going to find peace because you’re always in a power struggle with other people who are trying to play the game.
If you understand some of the sociological research, you’ll know that there are two kinds of power—“power over and power with.” “Power over” is about control, force, and domination. “Power with” is about building community and recognizing the importance of other people’s contributions.
While it’s true that many dynasties and empires have ascended through this “power over” others, none have really lasted, have they? Eventually, they’re overturned. People who desire power over others believe they can be God, and God always gets the last at-bat.
People who desire power seek it as an end, not a means. Yet Thomas Aquinas maintains that this type of power is a means to get something, such as happiness. Power cannot bring happiness. It only makes you want more power.
“Power with” isn’t a means but a state of mind and spirit grounded in certain virtues such as trust, honesty, humility, and compassion. You might find some benefit with shared power, but selfishness weakens this “power with.” It cannot corrupt because it weakens when it disrupts the community.
You desire something greater than yourself.
“Power with” recognizes the importance of power, but it doesn’t put it at the center. It’s not something to be sought after but cultivated within and shared. Those who espouse “power with” have something greater they are seeking, such as justice or sustainability of resources. Having this power doesn’t make you happy because it isn’t self-seeking. You desire something greater than yourself.
In this case, “power with” is neither a means nor an end. It’s God’s power, so it’s not yours to claim or hold back for yourself. This power flows through you so you’re a channel for God’s higher purpose.
The 48 Laws of Power contradict human virtues
The theme of the 48 Laws of Power is considerably anti-Christian. Consider the Beatitudes:
Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth.
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled.
Blessed are the merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart,
for they will see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers,
for they will be called children of God.
Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Even if you aren’t a Christian, if you abide by virtues such as honesty, humility, and compassion, you’ll see these laws to be anti-human.
Of course, someone might say that they live by these 48 Laws of Power in the workplace but live by spiritual virtues in their community or at home. This double-mindedness can easily lead you down a dark path. You can easily lose your authenticity. Remember, you cannot serve two masters.
I honestly wonder if those who are seeking power over others lack power over themselves. Is it something deep down in their past that jaded them—made them feel powerless?
When God is truly at the center of your life, when you recognize that what you’re truly longing for is God, you care less for things like “power over.” You’re no longer playing in those games because you recognize that these games of power keep you stuck at a lower level of consciousness.
While all of us are a little guilty of having one of these (or several) get in the way of our spiritual journey, we can do our best to keep our eyes on God.