Mr. Greene and Mastery

Books are the cheapest source to learn something new. The market for second-hand books provides an additional layer of cost effectiveness to this source of learning. In such market, I came across a great book titled MASTERY authored by Mr. Robert Greene.

Thanks to the cheap market, I got INR 550 book at only INR 150. Hurray!

One of my recently discovered authors is Mr. Greene. He is an American author of books on strategy, power, and seduction. I really liked his book “The 48 laws of Power”. He has delivered a presentation on Mastery on Talks at Google. He is known for his deep research on power dynamics, human psychology and strategic mastery. His special quality includes his compelling narratives to provide timeless wisdom and strategies that are relevant in the modern era also. This book holds as a testimony to this.

Some lessons from the book

There are numerable aspects to learn. Due to the paucity of time, I would mention two lessons only.

1.     Growth mindset

This book focuses on the growth mindset instead of fixed mindset. I read about this concept in the book MINDSET authored by Carol Dweck. This book believes that everyone is merely born with the capability to do some artistic activity. And the SKILL to mold something into what is desired must be learned and attentively cultivated. Skill is what makes a person master.

2.    Repetition is the key.

My friend, Punam Rabha , still teases me about my continuous tryst with Financial Modeling. I am doing a course on it every two years. I have tried my hand multiple times to build a financial model (and have quite succeeded also). But there are still a lot of aspects to learn.

I believe I can easily justify my stand now to my friend that I am pursuing modeling courses repeatedly to perform repetition required to attain the skill.

This book links that even though repetition causes frustration initially, gradually it fades, and enjoyment prevails.

3.    Finding Mentors

Few people mention that they are lucky to have their mentors. For example, Socrates & Plato, Plato and Aristotle. Aristotle and Alexander. Chanakya and Chandragupta Maurya.

Even Mr. Greene mentioned that mentors have their own strengths and weaknesses. The relation between mentor and mentee starts with deep observation by mentee and it ends when mentee outsmarts its mentor.

“As per “The 41 Laws of Power”, we should never outsmart our master or boss.

As per “Mastery”, one should outsmart its mentor and then leave him to create an independent path.”

I have not found any mentor so far in my life. But gladly, I got a huge opportunity to gain experience from my managers, friends and colleagues. Hope to find one in the future.

My personal story on STORY

I could relate to the point captured in this book. I was always interested in stories. My favorite subjects were History and Language (because of the stories in it). I was keen to pursue Arts after 10th class. My family and friends suggested otherwise, and I had to pursue Engineering.

I still have no regrets about the various past decisions. Now, I realize that our family and friends may not be able to act as the best guide to decide our career. And they are not at fault because their intention was always to protect us. It is just that they suggest as per their circumstances and knowledge.

The good part is here. In my current profile in the wind sector, I have found the story too. I have started framing the stories around every insight report or news I come across related to the wind industry. I have decided to connect the understanding of my subject with stories.

Voila! I finally married my love for stories with my work profile.

Even though I am still a naïve person in this sector, but a preliminary story has been framed on where wind technology started and how it started with a group of enthusiasts in Denmark, how wind companies operates and earns profit, why Chinese are at the top of their game and how Indian companies entered and their survival tools, etc.

Why read this book?

There can be many reasons to read this book, but I can quote few.

1.     Wild opinions mixed with mind-boggling ideas.

Even though I agree that his ideas seem like someone from sociopathic tendency, his ideas are really interesting. It really holds the power to initiate the stream of thoughts in your mind. After all, books are the guiding tools, and our life decisions need to be purely based on our circumstances only. Bu this book would give a head start to think.

2.    Master on Mastery

I have read a few books on skills and learning, but this one stands out completely. It narrates the stepwise thought process to start the path towards mastery.

3.    Stories make a compelling case.

He has given the various lessons and strategies in the book to achieve mastery. But cherry on the top is the live example from the history. It has beautifully narrated the life of legendary figures like Charles Darwin, Mozart, Leonardo Da Vinci, etc.

The book takes the status of “next-level amazing” when one starts contemplating the real lesson from all these figures. And the lesson is that they all were non-exceptional or non-brilliant in their careers UNTIL they went against the conventional route and created their own apprenticeship.

4.    Mr. Greene is a genius.

My first book from Mr. Greene was “The 48 Laws of Power”. And I was fascinated by the practical learning of this book. I still remember a few laws like the first law of “Never Outshine the Master” and fourth law of “Always Say Less than Necessary”. The moment I came to know about this book from the same author, I made a vow to read this one.

I would suggest everyone read this mini book of 200 pages of timeless wisdom.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are personal.)