Psychology

The Laws of Human Nature: 6 key ideas

by Robert Greene

The core ideas of The Laws of Human Nature, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.

1. IDEA 1 OF 6

   Master your emotional self

   Emotions colour every judgement.

   Notice when you are reacting, step back and ask what is really happening before deciding.

2. IDEA 2 OF 6

   Judge character by patterns

   People reveal themselves through repeated behaviour, especially under stress or with power.

   Watch actions over time rather than trusting first impressions.

3. IDEA 3 OF 6

   See through masks

   Everyone presents a version of themselves.

   Watch tone, posture and small reactions to understand what people feel beneath the surface.

4. IDEA 4 OF 6

   Beware of envy

   Envy is common and rarely admitted.

   Don't flaunt your success, and notice when praise hides resentment.

5. IDEA 5 OF 6

   Own your shadow

   Traits you suppress tend to leak out in distorted ways.

   Acknowledge your darker side so you can channel it instead of being controlled by it.

6. IDEA 6 OF 6

   Think long-term

   Humans overweight the immediate and underweight consequences.

   Before reacting, ask how this will look in a year.