Mastery

Robert Greene, the author of Mastery, is a contemporary American writer known for his books on strategy, power, and human behavior. His works, characterized by historical research combined with psychological analysis, have garnered a wide readership and critical acclaim. Greene’s journey to becoming an influential author illustrates many of the themes he explores in his books. Born in 1959 in Los Angeles, Greene attended the University of California, Berkeley, and later the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he studied classics. However, it was not his academic background alone that shaped his insights into human nature and mastery; rather, it was his diverse range of jobs and experiences thereafter that influenced his thinking and writing.

Before embarking on his career as an author, Greene worked as a construction worker, translator, magazine editor, and Hollywood movie writer. This eclectic array of experiences provided him with a unique vantage point on human behavior, power dynamics, and the strategies people employ in various fields to achieve success and dominance. Greene’s deep dive into history, combined with his firsthand observations of the machinations within Hollywood, informed his understanding of power and strategy, which led to the publication of his first book, The 48 Laws of Power, in 1998. This book, which drew on historical anecdotes to illustrate strategies for gaining power, became an international bestseller and established Greene as a keen observer of power dynamics.

Mastery, published in 2012, represents a culmination of Greene’s lifelong interest in the factors that contribute to supreme levels of achievement and influence in a field. Through Mastery, Greene synthesizes his observations of the myriad paths individuals have taken to achieve greatness, distilling these observations into a coherent framework that others can follow. His own path to mastery—marked by relentless curiosity, diverse experiences, and an unyielding pursuit of understanding complex systems—mirrors the journeys of the historical figures he profiles in the book. Greene’s work ethic, characterized by rigorous research and a dedication to unearthing the essence of power and mastery across different epochs and cultures, underpins the book’s insights into achieving mastery.

Greene draws on his academic background in classical studies, applying historical narratives and philosophical concepts to modern contexts in Mastery. His work across various industries before becoming a full-time writer endowed him with practical insights into the psychology of success and the obstacles that individuals face on their path to mastery.

In Mastery, Greene draws not only on historical and contemporary examples of individuals who have achieved mastery in their fields but also on his personal journey and the lessons learned from his diverse career path. His narrative suggests that mastery is accessible to anyone willing to dedicate themselves to their Life’s Task, engage deeply in their chosen field, seek guidance from mentors, and continually adapt and grow. Greene’s life exemplifies many of the book’s key themes: the importance of perseverance, the value of diverse experiences, and the power of deep focus and study.