Transcription
Huh? What's this? It's time to take over the world! I know, that was just a little funny. But there's actually some guys that go through that transformation where they read this book and then, bam, they think they have an edge. Well, I'll tell you what I think of this book. This book, bought by millions, revered among people, is completely overrated. No, make that extremely overrated. No, wait, grossly overrated. And the reason why I hold such strong opinions about The 48 Laws of Power is because the book is not that tangible for most people.
Now, before you new-age Machiavellis or Frank Underwoods come at me, just take a step back and listen to my unsolicited opinion. The 48 Laws of Power is being read by kids and adults who haven't done much in their lives. They go on reading this book thinking it's going to turn them into some psychopathic, power-hungry dude. But in reality, it doesn't really translate much into their lives. Their dating lives suck, their social lives suck, their passion projects are non-existent, and they can't commit to anything.
When you're on the path of self-improvement, you need very limited resources just to start on the right path. You don't think about running right when you're learning how to walk. And that's the same concept here. Reading The 48 Laws of Power is like thinking about world domination before you learn the basics of life, like staying committed to your goals.
And the reason why I'm being a little harsh, guys, is that I made this very same mistake. I would read all these deep books thinking I was the next great thinker of the millennia, yet I couldn't even take basic risks in my life. I was too afraid to ask out girls that were clearly interested in me. I was too afraid to stand up for myself. And overall, I was just too afraid to experience life. So, looking back, what was the point of reading The 48 Laws of Power when I can't even conquer the basics of my own personal development?
If I could go back in time and stop myself from reading The 48 Laws of Power, it would go something like this:
"Put the book down."
"Uh, why? And who are you?"
"I'm you from the future. So shut up and listen to me."
"Um, okay. Don't read that book."
"Why? It's a great book. A lot of great people have read it, like Drake and Jay-Z, and those are two outstanding citizens."
"Eh, listen to me. You're too inexperienced in life. You don't have the confidence or self-esteem to think that book will help you. You're extremely insecure. You let people walk all over you, and you're scared to be yourself. So how the hell can a book that is all about being cut-throat help you?"
I know I'm being harsh, but please, put that book down. Go travel. Go make new friends. Go start those passion projects. And to make a plan where you can start all those things, I recommend two books which are all right. Let's end that wet dream.
To continue what the wise vulture from the future was saying is that the two books to read to start your personal development effectively are "How to Win Friends and Influence People" and "Atomic Habits." I'm not going to go into an in-depth review since you can find hundreds of videos on YouTube. But what I will do is I will give you the Charismatic Nerd's two-sentence review.
"Atomic Habits will help you build easy and simple habits that will make taking action simpler for you. By following this actionable advice, you will build better habits and get better results in the long run." This book helped me make 80 YouTube videos and write 200 articles in 2020.
"How to Win Friends and Influence People will help you be social in a world that is kinda asocial. Reading this book and applying its simple, actionable advice will help you be social and expand your social circle organically." This was how I was able to make a couple of friends in a new city through a conference, through the app called Bumble, and organizing a small event.
If you want to start 2021 with a bang, then just read those two books and forget about the rest. Remember, you have a limited time on Earth, so you have to be selective on which books you read. You want to find the books that give you actionable, grounded, and sound advice. By reading those two books, you're going to have a simple plan in achieving your goals and expanding your social circle, your dating life, and network, just by those two books.
And guys, that philosophy of being selective with which books to read also applies to other areas of your life. You want to be selective with who you spend time with, which includes friends, family, work. You want to find the ones that enhance you as an individual.
All right guys, that's it for today. Thanks again for watching. So please show me some love. Like this video, comment, subscribe to my channel, subscribe to my email list where you get a daily dose of inspiration and a confidence boost. But other than that, that's pretty much it. Thanks, guys. And remember, you're not just any type of nerd. You're a charismatic nerd.