Critics and scholars

Carol Kennedy, writing in Director magazine, states "some of Greene's 'laws' seem contradictory" and the work is "plodding and didactic".^[8] Jerry Adler, writing in Newsweek, lists ways the laws contradict one another and states, "Intending the opposite, Greene has actually produced one of the best arguments since the New Testament for humility and obscurity."^[9] Kirkus Reviews said Greene offers no evidence to support his world view, that his laws contradict each other, and that the book is "simply nonsense".^[10]

The 48 Laws of Power has been studied at Millsap College, and Ramapo College.^[11][12] Jeffrey Pfeffer of Stanford University said that Greene's so-called laws are based on isolated examples, and not on solid research.^[4]

Popularity

The 48 Laws of Power has sold over 1.2 million copies in the United States and has been translated into 24 languages.^[5] Fast Company called the book a "mega cult classic", and The Los Angeles Times noted that The 48 Laws of Power turned Greene into a "cult hero with the hip-hop set, Hollywood elite and prison inmates alike".^[5][13]

The book has been reported to be much requested in American prison libraries.^[4][14] Rapper 50 Cent stated that he related to the book "immediately", and approached Greene with the prospect of a potential collaboration, which would later become The 50th Law, another New York Times bestseller.^[15] Busta Rhymes and Derrius Jackson used The 48 Laws of Power to deal with problematic movie producers.^[6] The 48 Laws of Power has also been mentioned in songs by UGK, Jay Z, Kanye West, Central Cee, MF DOOM, and Drake.^{[16][17][18] [19]} Dov Charney, founder and former CEO of American Apparel who would be terminated by that company in 2014, frequently quoted the laws during board meetings, has given friends and employees copies of the book, and appointed Greene to the board of the now defunct American Apparel.^[5][20][21] Former Cuban President Fidel Castro is also claimed by the book's author to have read the book.^[5] The book has been banned by several US prisons.^[22]

The 48 Laws of Power has been referenced, or bought by 50 Cent, Jay-Z, Busta Rhymes, Michael Jackson (who wrote in the margins^[23]), Courtney Love (who was photographed carrying it on the way to court when facing a drugs charge^[24]), and Will Smith.^{[5][25][26][4][27]}