JRE #464 - Robert Greene, Aubrey Marcus

3/4/2014

Joe Rogan Podcast #464 – Robert Greene, Aubrey Marcus

This podcast delves into the nature of human behavior, power dynamics, and strategies for achieving mastery in various aspects of life. The conversation features insightful observations on manipulation, fearlessness, and the pursuit of excellence, drawing parallels between ancient wisdom and contemporary experiences. Underlying themes explore the importance of self-awareness, recognizing our primal instincts, and the role of resistance in shaping our journey toward fulfillment.

1. The Nature of Power and Manipulation:

Robert Greene argues that self-help is often filled with superficial advice that focuses on ego-boosting rather than genuine self-improvement.
He highlights the prevalence of manipulative tactics in various fields, including Hollywood and business, drawing parallels to the strategies outlined in his book, “The 48 Laws of Power.”
Greene emphasizes the need to recognize and understand these manipulative tactics to protect ourselves from their influence and develop counter-strategies.
The discussion touches upon the inherent human need for power, highlighting the primal drive to control ourselves and our surroundings, which can lead to manipulative behavior.

2. The “Crypto-Cunt” and Our Shadow Selves:

Greene introduces the concept of “crypto-c**t,” a playful term for those who deny their inner manipulative tendencies, arguing that everyone has this aspect within them.
The conversation explores the idea that our “c**t-like” behavior stems from a primal need for power and a fear of feeling powerless.
The conversation highlights how language amplifies these tendencies, allowing for greater deception and strategic manipulation.
Greene argues that true humanity lies in acknowledging and overcoming these primal instincts to become more rational, empathetic, and self-aware.

3. Fearlessness and Conquering Our Fears:

Greene’s book, “The 50th Law,” co-written with rapper 50 Cent, explores the nature of fearlessness, arguing that it’s not about denying fear but rather confronting and overcoming it.
The conversation highlights the role of awareness in conquering fear, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and understanding our fears before taking steps to overcome them.
The concept of exposure therapy is discussed, where individuals confront their fears gradually to build resilience and overcome them.
The conversation suggests that psychedelics can act as a mirror, revealing our deepest fears and helping us confront them, potentially leading to personal growth and transformation.

4. The Music Industry and Power Dynamics:

The conversation delves into the power dynamics within the music industry, highlighting the manipulative tactics employed by record labels and the challenges faced by artists seeking to maintain control over their work.
The discussion explores how artists, often driven by their creative passion, can be vulnerable to the financial and contractual machinations of the music industry.
Greene argues that understanding the game, as outlined in “The 48 Laws of Power,” can help artists navigate the complexities of the industry and protect their interests.
The conversation touches upon the evolution of the music industry, acknowledging the impact of digital disruption and the changing landscape of music consumption.

5. Mastery and the Pursuit of Excellence:

Greene’s book, “Mastery,” emphasizes the importance of pursuing excellence in a chosen field, arguing that it’s a path to true power and fulfillment.
The conversation challenges the notion of inherent talent, suggesting that mastery is achievable through dedication, deliberate practice, and overcoming resistance.
The concept of “primal inclinations” is introduced, highlighting the importance of identifying our innate passions and pursuing them to achieve true fulfillment.
The discussion explores the dangers of self-sabotage, emphasizing the need to confront our fears, overcome limiting beliefs, and embrace a journey of continuous improvement.

6. The Power of Resistance and the Importance of Being Uncomfortable:

The conversation explores the role of resistance in achieving mastery, arguing that overcoming challenges and facing adversity fosters growth and resilience.
Greene emphasizes the importance of embracing discomfort, highlighting how pushing past our comfort zones leads to personal breakthroughs and heightened satisfaction.
The discussion draws parallels between the pursuit of mastery and the experiences of athletes like Bill Bradley, who used deliberate practice and resistance to achieve greatness.
The concept of “deliberate practice” is discussed, emphasizing the importance of focusing on our weaknesses and actively practicing those areas to improve.

7. Zen Meditation and the Search for Enlightenment:

Greene discusses his practice of Zen meditation, highlighting its role in achieving a state of mindfulness and transcending the incessant chatter of the mind.
The conversation explores the different schools of Zen meditation, including “Renzi” and “Sotone,” with their respective approaches to achieving enlightenment.
The concept of “koans,” paradoxical questions that challenge conventional thought, is discussed as a tool for stimulating deeper introspection and achieving a state of “no-mind.”
Greene argues that Zen meditation, like other practices like archery and martial arts, aligns with the brain’s natural ability to focus and achieve mastery, drawing upon our evolutionary heritage.

8. The Isolation Tank and Altered States of Consciousness:

The conversation explores the use of isolation tanks as a tool for meditation and achieving altered states of consciousness.
The discussion touches upon the historical and cultural context of isolation tanks, from their use in CIA experiments to their popularity as a recreational tool.
Greene and Aubrey Marcus share their personal experiences with isolation tanks, highlighting their potential for achieving deep relaxation, heightened awareness, and psychedelic experiences.
The conversation acknowledges the potential risks associated with isolation tanks, especially when used in conjunction with substances like marijuana.

9. The Importance of Balance and Building Bridges:

Greene emphasizes the importance of achieving a well-rounded mastery, encompassing social intelligence and emotional intelligence alongside technical skills.
The conversation acknowledges the dangers of focusing solely on a specific task or area of expertise, highlighting the importance of cultivating relationships, building social connections, and maintaining a balanced life.
The discussion highlights the importance of integrating our “mastery” with a broader understanding of ourselves and our place in the world.
Greene argues that true mastery requires overcoming our primal instincts, embracing our full humanity, and cultivating a deep understanding of both our strengths and weaknesses.

10. The Illusion of Instant Gratification and the Value of Hard Work:

The conversation addresses the pervasive culture of instant gratification, highlighting the dangers of seeking shortcuts and avoiding the necessary hard work required for true success.
Greene emphasizes the importance of embracing the journey of mastery, acknowledging the inevitable challenges, setbacks, and periods of discomfort along the way.
The discussion highlights the dangers of pursuing fame and external validation over intrinsic passion and genuine learning.
Greene argues that true fulfillment comes from the process of mastery itself, from the challenges we overcome, the lessons we learn, and the skills we develop.

11. The Dangers of Success and the Importance of Continuous Improvement:

The conversation explores the phenomenon of individuals who achieve success but lose their way, highlighting the dangers of resting on their laurels and failing to embrace continuous improvement.
The discussion uses examples from comedy, sports, and other fields to illustrate how individuals can become complacent or arrogant after achieving success, leading to decline.
Greene emphasizes the importance of maintaining a humble attitude, constantly seeking to learn and grow, and embracing a mindset of continuous improvement.
The conversation suggests that true mastery involves a commitment to lifelong learning, adaptation, and staying open to new challenges and perspectives.

12. The Importance of Finding Our Vocation and Pursuing Our Passion:

The conversation highlights the importance of finding our vocation, the work that aligns with our passions, talents, and purpose.
Greene argues that pursuing work that is not personally fulfilling can lead to self-sabotage, burnout, and ultimately, unhappiness.
The discussion emphasizes the need to listen to our inner voice, identify our primal inclinations, and follow a path that feels authentic and meaningful.
Greene suggests that true success comes from pursuing our passions, dedicating ourselves to continuous improvement, and finding joy in the process of mastery.

13. The Power of the Internet and the Challenges of Focus:

The conversation acknowledges the transformative power of the Internet, providing unprecedented access to information, resources, and opportunities for learning and growth.
At the same time, the discussion highlights the challenges posed by the Internet, including distractions, information overload, and the constant pressure to achieve instant gratification.
Greene emphasizes the need to develop strategies for managing distractions, staying focused, and cultivating a deeper sense of purpose in our digital age.
The conversation encourages listeners to embrace the challenges of our time, use the Internet as a tool for growth, and resist the temptations of distractions and superficiality.

14. The Role of Mentors, Masters, and Community in the Path of Mastery:

Greene highlights the importance of mentors and masters in the journey toward mastery, emphasizing the value of learning from those who have achieved excellence in their fields.
The conversation explores the benefits of connecting with a supportive community, finding inspiration and guidance from those who share similar passions.
The discussion acknowledges the challenges of finding the right mentors and navigating the complexities of human relationships, encouraging listeners to seek out genuine connections and support systems.
Greene emphasizes the importance of seeking out individuals who can challenge us, push us to grow, and help us overcome our limiting beliefs.

15. The Dualistic Nature of Life and the Importance of Embracing Both Light and Dark:

The conversation explores the dualistic nature of life, acknowledging the presence of both light and dark, pleasure and pain, success and failure.
Greene argues that embracing this duality, recognizing the value of both challenges and triumphs, is essential for achieving true mastery and fulfillment.
The discussion highlights the importance of finding balance, navigating the complexities of life with both resilience and compassion.
Greene encourages listeners to embrace the fullness of life, acknowledging its complexities, its contradictions, and its inherent beauty.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“I basically decided to enter the self-help genre with a lot of trepidation because I think it’s full of a lot of bullshit.” – Robert Greene reveals his skepticism towards the self-help industry, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of human behavior.
“The feeling that you have no control over your life, over your destiny, over the people around you, your children, your wife, is the most miserable feeling that any human can have.” – Greene highlights the fundamental human desire for power and control, a driving force behind many of our actions.
“Being fearless isn’t a question of just going out there and saying, ‘fuck you.’ It’s first coming to terms with the fact that you are afraid.” – Greene clarifies the true meaning of fearlessness, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and confronting our fears rather than denying them.
“If you go into law and you were meant to be a writer, you might be able to bullshit your way for 10 years or so… But eventually, because it’s not something you were meant to do, you’re gonna disconnect. You’re not gonna be into it.” – Greene underscores the importance of aligning our work with our passions to achieve true fulfillment.
“There is no life that’s worth living if everything is… nothing is a surprise and there’s no resistance out there.” – Greene highlights the importance of embracing challenges and adversity, arguing that resistance is an essential element of a meaningful life.

JRE #464 – Robert Greene, Aubrey Marcus