I think a lot of people miss the point about 48 Laws of Power, it isn't a 'how to' guide of how to win friends and influence people/become a captain of industry/manipulate others to get everything you want - its a guide book outlining the ways in which people have been manipulated throughout history, in order that you can spot them and realise what is going on and act differently. To know that you are being manipulated is the first step.