The 50th Law
by 50 Cent, Robert Greene
List Price:
Our Price: $10.46
You Save: $9.53 (48%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Category: Book
See more book details and other editions
Book Summary Information
Author: 50 Cent, Robert GreeneEdition: Imitation Leather
Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published)
Published: 2009-09-08
ISBN: 006177460X
Number of pages: 304
Publisher: Harper
Book Reviews of The 50th Law
Book Review: The Tao of 50 Cent
Summary: 5 Stars
The 50th Law is a truly unique book. Easy to read but difficult to categorize, it is part biography, part business memoir, part personal-development, part philosophy. The 50th Law is co-authored by hip-hop artist 50 Cent and Robert Greene, author of The 48 Laws of Power, a book which has become a classic in the world of hip-hop.
As an avid reader of Mr. Greene's previous work, I will remind the reader that the work is a collaboration, and there are differences from what we can usually expect from the author. The most noticeable change from his other books is the book length. While shorter than his other three books, The 50th Law is focused on depth instead of breadth, which provides an even greater level of insight into the topic. The new book does contain Greene's trademark style of historical quotes, situational analysis, and stories that perfectly illustrate the content, though in a much more condensed fashion. A second change that becomes apparent is the look and style of the book. The black cover, embossing, and the gold rimmed pages are evocative of the Bible and its many life stories. In this book, 50 Cent's message and life story are the paint and Robert Greene is the painter; together they have created a potent combination.
The previous works by Mr. Greene have examined topics of power, seduction and war in a comprehensive approach that enlightens the reader and encourages further research. The 50th Law presents more of a specific philosophy; by limiting the book to a single concept, rather than shifting topics, it allows for more exploration in depth. Whereas his previous books were cerebral, The 50th Law is more intuitive. The knowledge comes from survival stories, not the library stacks.
The topic of The 50th Law is fearlessness. Fear is a topic that is usually ignored, but when it is addressed it is approached by focusing on fear itself. This approach can be ineffective as it does little more than encourage the reader to focus on how much there is to fear. Ralph Waldo Emerson in Self-Reliance stated: "Let a Stoic open the resources of man and tell men they are not leaning willows, but can and must detach themselves; that with the exercise of self-trust, new powers shall appear." The 50th Law provides the tools for achieving self-reliance by becoming fearless. The goal of this book is to encourage readers to learn to take control of their own lives. The task is accomplished, not by ignoring fear, but rather by learning to make it work for you.
50 Cent and Robert Greene present us with the first book of the 21st century to effectively analyze this new breed of fearless entrepreneur, one who traverses the gap between traditional business and the street. The line between the two has been blurred in recent years with the success of artists such as 50 Cent. The artist is yet another example of a rapper who has become successful in the music industry in part due to the skills that he learned as a street hustler. While it might seem that without the benefit of a "traditional" business background, this new brand of entrepreneur would be at a disadvantage, one cannot overlook the principles that made them successful. 50 Cent's focus, persistence, creativity and fearlessness catapulted him into the entertainment industry and beyond. Despite initially being blacklisted in the music industry, 50 Cent established himself as a multi-platinum selling performer and a new model for aspiring entrepreneurs. Lucrative deals such as his payday from Coca-Cola who acquired ownership of Glacéau (from which 50 Cent earned an estimated $50-$100 million for his minority stake) have only added to his reputation for business acumen.
Divided into ten chapters, The 50th Law gives a clear introduction to fearlessness and then works methodically through various aspects that equip the reader to embrace it. Once the external fears in the environment are discussed it becomes more personal and brings the reader closer to the final chapter which examines the ultimate fear, death. A powerful part of this book includes the real life examples from 50 Cent's past, including the business obstacles and the danger of deadly violence. 50 Cent is able to share the clarity that he acquired by facing his own mortality and how it became clear to him that the best way to conquer fear is not to avoid it, but to push right into it and move past it. Through is the only way out.
The 50th Law reminds the reader how fear limits our options in life. If we are shackled by fear it will bind us to something less than what is possible. By living in fear, we become hardened to life, and are unable to adapt to one of life's few constants, change. A key part of change is action. Those who embrace change are proactive, while those who resist change are reactive. 50 Cent is a prime example of the power of being proactive in one's life. The final chapter discusses death as something we need not view as being distant, unknown or abstract. Rather, the fragility of life is a concept to be aware of each moment. The 50th Law teaches us that as life is ticking away we must embrace it and fearlessly give our all. We never know when we will greet our final form of change, death.
In my opinion, there are two main books with which The 50th Law shares common themes; the first book is Think and Grow Rich and the second is The Book of Five Rings. The 50th Law shares a philosophy with each of these books that the current authors have brought into the 21st century.
Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill is a study of those who became exceedingly wealthy and successful in late 19th century and early 20th century America. Both Hill's book and The 50th Law offer readers a blueprint for success. Each addresses the desire for a goal, having a clearly defined vision of how to achieve that goal, as well as how to anticipate and overcome obstacles along the way. The key aspect which The 50th Law and Think and Grow Rich have in common is that they both are primers on effectively overcoming fear to achieve results. As the two books share similarities, I can easily suggest that an alternate title for The 50th Law could be "Act and Grow Fearless". In a humorous coincidence, chapter one of Hill's book contains a story entitled "A Fifty-Cent Lesson in Persistence"; how fitting, Mr. Hill.
The Book of Five Rings comes not from the traditional business arena but from the business end of a weapon. Miyamoto Musashi was a 17th century Japanese swordsman whose text encapsulates his philosophy of life, death and the warrior's way. Musashi details the mindset he possessed while facing death in his many battles. His control over his emotions and his focused dedication to his craft are what led to his victory against many other skilled adversaries. In essence, the battle was won before it began. He did not wait to win his battles; they were won in training, paid for with long hours of bloody knuckles, sweat, and tears. 50 Cent's approach mirrors Musashi's mindset and dedication to success. One conclusion that can be drawn from both authors is that life is war. The man facing down a blade and the man facing a new business deal are both fighting for their lives. By understanding that fear must not control our decisions, we will attain the mindset that we must strive for as students of The 50th Law. As Musashi would tell us, "You should investigate this thoroughly."
An issue that is important within all three of these books is that change is never easy. There is a price to pay for a worthy goal and a price to pay for inaction, indecision, and fear. If one wants to change his or her situation, a sacrifice must be placed on the altar of life. These sacrifices may be time, money, or the blood and sweat of hard work. Never is anything free, and whether by the pain of change or the pain of regret, the pain of life will be paid. There is an admiration for the masters of certain realms; be it sports, business, art, science, or war, these masters have paid the price of admission for greatness in their field. There are no shortcuts.
The 50th Law flows well from one chapter to the next. There are some stories from 50 Cent's life that are used as examples which are referred to several times for emphasis. However I did not find this to be as repetitive as some who have stated their criticism of it. I consider the content and writing style of this book worthy of a five-star rating. My only complaints would be the lack of a table of contents and the omission of an index. Nevertheless, 50 Cent and Robert Greene have accomplished a difficult feat in the task of collaboration, producing a work that maintains the style of both parties without sacrificing the quality or integrity of either author. However one may label it, The 50th Law is a significant work and a worthy follow-up to Greene's previous efforts.
Summary of The 50th Law
A hip hop icon joins forces with the best-selling author of The 48 Laws of Power to write a bible for success in life and work living by one simple principle: fear nothing.
Success Books
Book Subjects
- Arts & Photography
- Biographies & Memoirs
- Business & Investing
- Children's Books
- Comics & Graphic Novels
- Computers & Internet
- Cooking, Food & Wine
- Entertainment
- Gay & Lesbian
- Health, Mind & Body
- History
- Home & Garden
- Horror
- Law
- Literature & Fiction
- Mystery & Thrillers
- Nonfiction
- Outdoors & Nature
- Parenting & Families
- Professional & Technical
- Reference
- Religion & Spirituality
- Romance
- Science
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Sports
- Teens
- Travel
Most talked about in Success Books
Leadership Wisdom from the Monk Who Sold His Ferrari: The 8 Rituals of Visionary Leadersby Robin S. Sharma
Harpercollins Canada; Published: 1998-04; Paperback; Book
Best price: $14.85
Price in other shops:
Leading Minds: An Anatomy of Leadership by Gardner, Howardby Howard Gardner
HarperCollins Publishers Ltd; Published: 1996-01-08; Hardcover; Book
Yes' Or 'noby Spencer Johnson
Harper Collins Audio; Published: 1992-07-23; Audio Cassette; Book
Best price: $27.99
How to Win Friends & Influence Peopleby Dale Carnegie
Turtleback; Published: 2008-12-30; School & Library Binding; Book
Price in other shops:
Don't Worry, Make Moneyby Richard Carlson
Hodder & Stoughton; Published: 1998-05-07; Paperback; Book
Best price: $42.46
Get Anyone to Do Anything: Never Feel Powerless Again--With Psychological Secrets to Control and Influence Every Situationby David J. Lieberman
St. Martin's Griffin; Published: 2001-05-11; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.99
Price in other shops:
ConZentrate: Get Focused and Pay Attention--When Life Is Filled with Pressures, Distractions, and Multiple Prioritiesby Sam Horn
St. Martin's Griffin; Published: 2001-02-06; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.69
Price in other shops:
It's Not Just Who You Know: Transform Your Life (and Your Organization) by Turning Colleagues and Contacts into Lasting, Genuine Relationshipsby Tommy Spaulding
Random House Audio; Published: 2010-08-10; Audio CD; Book
Best price: $16.00
Price in other shops:
Ready for Anything: 52 Productivity Principles for Getting Things Doneby David Allen
Penguin (Non-Classics); Published: 2004-12-28; Paperback; Book
Best price: $6.86
Price in other shops:
The Power of Focusby Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Les Hewitt
Vintage/Ebury (a Division of Random; Published: 2001-04; Paperback; Book
Best price: $10.68
Price in other shops:
Similar Books and other products
Playgroundby 50 Cent
Razorbill; Published: 2011-11-01; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $9.65
Price in other shops:
The 48 Laws of Powerby Robert Greene
Viking Adult; Published: 1998-09-01; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $65.00
Decodedby Jay-Z
Spiegel & Grau; Published: 2011-11-01; Paperback; Book
Best price: $13.75
Price in other shops:
Pimpology: The 48 Laws of the Gameby Pimpin' Ken
Gallery Books; Published: 2008-08-05; Paperback; Book
Best price: $8.16
Price in other shops:
Get Anyone to Do Anything: Never Feel Powerless Again--With Psychological Secrets to Control and Influence Every Situationby David J. Lieberman
St. Martin's Griffin; Published: 2001-05-11; Paperback; Book
Best price: $5.99
Price in other shops:
From Pieces to Weight: Once Upon a Time in Southside Queensby 50 Cent
MTV Books; Published: 2006-08-15; Paperback; Book
Best price: $3.10
Price in other shops:
The 33 Strategies of Warby Robert Greene
Viking Adult; Published: 2006-01-19; Hardcover; Book
Best price: $13.40
Price in other shops:
The 33 Strategies of War (Joost Elffers Books)by Robert Greene
Penguin (Non-Classics); Published: 2007-12-14; Paperback; Book
Best price: $12.44
Price in other shops:
The Art of Seductionby Robert Greene
Penguin (Non-Classics); Published: 2003-10-07; Paperback; Book
Best price: $11.00
Price in other shops:
The 48 Laws of Powerby Robert Greene
Penguin (Non-Classics); Published: 2000-09-01; Paperback; Book
Best price: $11.22
Price in other shops: