Week 19 Reading Wrap-Up: Gifts, Games, and the Grit of Power
This week’s reading was a philosophical seesaw: one book preached interdependence and reciprocity, the other handed out tactical blueprints for domination. In short, it was The Serviceberry vs. The 48 Laws of Power—Kimmerer and Greene in a philosophical face-off.
The Serviceberry by Robin Wall Kimmerer – ★★★★☆
A beautifully written essay on ecosystems, reciprocity, and the economy of nature. Kimmerer proposes a world that thrives not through competition but cooperation. She describes this as a “gift economy” where value is defined by relationship rather than simply taking. It was a grounding, life-affirming reminder that we’re all part of something larger.
After reading, I wanted to go outside, trade my money for seeds, and rethink everything about capitalism. Or at least plant something.
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – ★★★★☆
If Kimmerer is the whisper of the forest, Greene is the cold clink of a dagger being sharpened. This book is unapologetically Machiavellian, laying out a ruthless roadmap for acquiring and keeping power. It’s not exactly a feel-good read, and a few laws (looking at you, #3 and #7) were pretty dark. Still, the insights were undeniable.
Side Note: “Always say less than necessary” (Law 4) and “Win through your actions, never through argument” (Law 9) were the most useful—and, mercifully, not morally repugnant.
Reading this felt like studying the dark arts: useful to know, but don’t go getting ideas. Proceed with caution (and hopefully a moral compass).
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