I’ll go with the low-hanging fruit: Mein Kampf. I’ve read it, cover to cover. As a piece of propaganda, it’s good. As an example of good writing? Absolutely not (though I will admit I have only read it in translation). Oh, and the whole fascist, racist, and generally shitty worldview of the author that he infuses into the text. And the fact that the author is literally Hitler. You 5-star that book? You’re a Nazi. Period. And as a Jewish person, I don’t look too kindly on them.
48 laws of power is a great example! Forgot about that book. I bought it on the recommendation of a mentor at work. I made it through the first six or so laws before I threw it in the trash… permanently skewed my opinion of said mentor, too.
In what way? I’ve no inclination to read it but I see all the “business gurus” and “alpha” types talking about it.
I’m assuming it teaches people how to manipulate others?
It’s all “trust no one”, “be aloof/hide intentions”, “be bold” etc etc.
Ugh, that’s what I figured it was.
People interpret it in a really shallow manner. Yes, it is about that, but it’s also about taking care of other people, being in touch with them, etc.
Should a person apply everything the book talks about, he or she would simply be a better person.
It’s also one of the books most checked out from prison libraries- and for good reason