The Laws of Human Nature

Robert Greene begins the Introduction with a quote from philosopher Arnold Schopenhauer before discussing how people are often charmed by leaders, friends, colleagues, or bosses only to learn that they are manipulative saboteurs and/or selfish opportunists. He also notes that people often have dark, selfish, and unhelpful habits that cause problems for themselves and others, like falling in love with the wrong person or jumping into a project without preparing. Though these habits are difficult to control, Greene admits that they are a natural part of humanity. He asks the reader to consider the drives that lead to these difficult-to-curve habits and uncontrollable tendencies. In addition, he argues that humans’ emotions and actions are driven by deep, unconscious causes, often deeply rooted in childhood.

He defines this as human nature, the result of how humans have evolved through the growth of emotional connections (3). Emotional connection is formed in humans to help them survive together; however, it is often difficult to control. Emotional connection can also lead to division, conflict, and the creation of shadow personalities—humanity’s darker aspects. Many societies have created methods of discouraging and controlling these shadow personalities. 

Greene says that human nature has many limitations, including “envy, grandiosity, irrationality, shortsightedness, conformity, aggression, and passive aggression” (4), but it can also foster empathy.