Insights by Robert Greene zipped

Happy Friday! In today’s newsletter, we delve into the profound insights shared by Robert Greene during his appearances on two podcasts. Greene reveals his nuanced understanding of human behavior and strategy in these discussions.

Today's Feature Podcast Summary

Hosted By: Andrew Huberman | Steven Bartlett
Podcast: Huber Man Lab | Diary of A CEO
Guest Spotlight: Robert Greene, a New York Times bestseller author of “The 48 Laws of Power” and “Mastery”
Topics: People wear masks. Everyone has a dark side. Use mortality as fuel for ambition and focus. Ask for a Lot. Be Vulnerable

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Insightful Takeaways

Understanding Others Beyond Words

We often hide how we really feel. Unfortunately, we lost the ability to see behind those masks. Our body movements show what we truly think (55% of our communication), more than our words (7% of communication). Therefore Greene believes it’s important to see people in person so we can read them.

So how can we practice truly understanding others better?

• Watch their body language: Does the person face you or turn away? In the first second of surprising someone, a microexpression can show if someone really likes you.

• A true smile makes the eyes and cheeks go up, not just the mouth.

• A voice is hard to fake. Does it sound exciting? Bored?

These non-verbal communications are infectious: When you're around someone who feels unsure, you might feel the same. But being with a confident person can make you feel stronger. By learning these signs, you can make good friends and avoid problems.

Cultivating Self-Awareness

We often look for easy wins rather than making a long-term plan for sustained fullfillment. 1 in 3 adults feel anxious, in part because they don’t understand their feelings (National Institute of Mental Health). 

So how can we practice true self-awareness?

1. Understand your inner workings: Are you jealous? What are your biases? Aggressions? Inclinations? Fears? Knowing these can help you confront and change them, like deciding to feel happy when feeling jealous. 

2. Use those dark feelings to do something good. For example, if you want to win, use that feeling to become the best in what you love.

3. When you feel worried, it means there are problems you don’t know how to solve. Try to think deeply about ideas, and absorb them – imagine the full cube.

4. To handle situations without getting emotional, know what triggers you. Then you can think clearly and make better choices. You rise above it.

Finding and Following Your True Purpose

Many people feel stuck in their jobs. Instead, we can focus on what we really like and what our goals are. When we find our purpose, we stop searching for alternatives, learn 3-4 times faster, feel happy, and serious about our work.

How can we find our true purpose?

• Things that make you upset, bother you, or cause some form of pain signals a change in your life.

• Death Ground Strategy: Don't think about a backup plan. Commit fully. If you don’t, you might not give your all to what you really want to do.

• Avoid Distractions: Distractions are dressed up as opportunities. If you don't have a clear purpose, your brain chooses for you, in ways such as drugs or a cult.

• Think Long-Term: Ask yourself if you can see yourself with this choice in five years.

• Remember what you loved when you were 4-7 years old. That can help you find what makes you truly happy now.

Using Urgency to Boost Creativity

Humans aren't the strongest animals, but we are very smart and creative, especially under pressure. When we have deadlines, we can accomplish in months what would otherwise take years.

How can we harness urgency in our lives?

• Set deadlines that are hard but possible. 

• Thinking about life's finitness can make today more focused and appreciative.

• Remind yourself that life is special every day. Think about how it could all be taken away, and notice small things, like a bird at your window.

Understanding and Wielding Power Effectively

Power is important in how we deal with people at work and in life. 98% of people think being confident brings better outcomes (Indeed).

How can we use power better?

• Be confident. People will believe you and respect you.

• Human beings feel uneasy without control. Thus, guide people the way you want without being too pushy.

Exploring the Sublime

We know we won't live forever. This lets us reach beyond-live perspectives. Religion used to help people feel part of something bigger. Sublime moments occur when we see more beyond ourselves and everyday life through nature or love. When we find these moments, we feel closer to ourselves and the world around us.

Fake Sublime: Things like too much shopping or watching TV. A promise to feel great but it holds only a little while, leaving us wanting more.

True Sublime: Real big moments where we don’t want more. You see a huge waterfall and realize how much more powerful nature is compared to you.

The Power of Vulnerability in Social Dynamics

In social interactions, recognizing taboos creates a desire for them, leading to vulnerability when we comply with these seductive norms. For instance, a child carried by parents may become open to the experience, reducing resistance and potentially deepening relational bonds as a result of this vulnerability.

What does it mean to be vulnerable?

• Being vulnerable is when you stop protecting yourself and let others in. This helps you understand people better and learn from them.

• It feels good to let others influence you, and then you can influence them too.

• Being open is better than keeping everything inside. It's okay to be open because you can handle it and bounce back.

Message Greene wants to leave the world with

Notion Handbook