Robert Greene on Mastery | Full Address | Oxford Union

Robert Greene gives his address on his new book 'Mastery' to the Oxford Union Society.
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Robert Greene tells us about the masters of history and states that he is baffled that there are no books on being a master, the highest state of intelligence that humans can achieve.
Upon researching for his book on mastery he made 3 discoveries. The Source of mastery, the process on how to get to that mastery and the high level creative intuition that comes from achieving the end goal of mastery.
He then goes on to tell of the story of Leonardo Di Vinci; his life, obsessions and amazing attention to detail on a scientific level that lead to him being one of, if not the greatest master that ever lived.
He then says that in life there are 3 stages of learning, you learn from your parents, then school and then the real world. What the real world has to teach is completely contradictory to the other two learning stages. In the real world you can be whatever you want to be.
Secondly he goes on to talk about the story of Charles Darwin as an example of an iconic apprenticeship and how at 26 years old during his visit to the Galapagos Islands the theory of evolution and natural selection dawned on him after being exposed to this intense variety of life and learning so much.
The point of an apprenticeship is to immerse yourself in an environment where you have the maximum opportunities to learn. He mentions that 'Social Intelligence' is one of the most important things because you could be the most knowledgeable person in your field but if you don't know how to deal with people then forget it. The Apprenticeship stage is in your 20 where instead of perusing money and fame you should be acquiring the skillset that's going to serve you well through life.
Finally, as an example of how even music can conform to this path to mastery, he tells the story of John Coltrane, the greatest Jazz artist who ever lived. To truly develop his own style he studied and mastered all other genres and techniques of Jazz so that he could combine that knowledge and express himself in a way that connected with so many people.
We have a romantic notion that creativity is free, spontaneous and natural but it requires knowledge. He talks of his notion of the 'Creative Active' where the brain reaches a point when it's absorbed so much information that the it awakens naturally with creative energy and it starts associating and connecting things that have never been connected before. He concludes by saying your uniqueness is your gift to the world and if you don't keep developing who you are and mastering your field you basically just end up imitating those that came before you.
Filmed on Wednesday 21st November 2012
ABOUT ROBERT GREENE:
Robert Greene is author of 'The 48 Laws of Power', 'The 33 Strategies of War', 'The Art of Seduction' and, with 50 Cent, 'The 50th Law'. He has a degree in Classical Studies and has been an editor at Esquire and other magazines. He is also a playwright. He current lives in Los Angeles
www.profilebooks.com/mastery-t...
ABOUT THE OXFORD UNION SOCIETY:
The Union is the world's most prestigious debating society, with an unparalleled reputation for bringing international guests and speakers to Oxford. It has been established for 189 years, aiming to promote debate and discussion not just in Oxford University, but across the globe.
Rights managed by Oxford Media Associates www.oxfordmediaassociates.com/
Filmed by Oxford Media Solutions www.oxfordmediasolutions.co.uk

[@vincenterey1640]

Robert Greene is not appreciated enough. I don't know how much researched he's done and what he's sacrificed to write books that is LIFE CHANGING. Honestly. One of the best.

[@francorocket9908]

People just want to say I read a book, that is why they choose Paolo Coelho and not real great books

[@Lo-to7zh]

@@francorocket9908 But Paoel Cohelo book are just fiction it’s useless. It doesn’t give you a real explanation about how life work ...

[@maunamars968]

I think you're right. But it will manifest, the honor he deserves 👏🏾 😌

[@cacevedo07]

Agreed

[@barbb7826]

Totally agree! So I’ve been watching his videos and realized I’ve had two of his books since college. So happy I was absorbing his brilliance over a decade ago!!!😃

[@spotserafin]

Finally a writer who writes something you can use to really improve your life.

[@spotserafin]

like what books?

[@myassessmentadres1349]

+Sebastián Jácome Then you have not read enough books, and have not seen or experienced much of the world. Have not thinking about life and not talking sharing with people you meet the honest way. What have you done so far then ?

[@UltraMegaFail]

myassessment adres some people were put into positions where this is impossible. Such as people who suffer from depression or social anxiety naturally. This book changes lives.

[@johnnysprocketz]

Your an ignoramous.

[@wzupppp]

Why, just because he says it?

[@conversationleadership]

“The most selfish people in the world are those who only consume and choose not to create” Can we stop and appreciate that he gave a 1 hour talk providing new information without using notes? Genius.

[@zipperpillow]

I like that he isn't always stalling with, "Um", or "uh", or "ah", like too many public speakers do. Probably from practice.

[@leanguardia]

He clearly mastered storytelling 👌🏼

[@MrFaradayMaxwell]

brilliant mind

[@fosres]

He is an amazing human being.

[@ImadeIyamu]

He's a Master himself

[@lelandbobpalmer]

"The most selfish people in the world, are those who merely consume what other people have created in the past, and don't contribute to anything". WELL SPOKEN final words (of wisdom)! Thank you, OxfordUnion and Robert Greene!!

[@genjutsu3053]

He is right about this🙌

[@zipperpillow]

I think it's more selfish to be a cannibal who only eats their favorite parts and throws the rest away.

[@TrietLyCuocSongGSH]

You are one of the most inspiring people I have ever met, you are as real as can be and it's hard to find the words to say how much I appreciate your work. It's so wonderful and so good I love you so much

[@TrietLyCuocSongGSH]

Very true, I think I have the same opinion as you, he is so wonderful, right

[@aliysl3762]

He’s teaching pure game This man is a Legend.💯

[@Alexander-vt3zh]

Robert’s Interviews on KZbin are a safe haven for me when my brain gets overloaded by the mire of bullshit ideas that plague media. That’s not even to say I agree with everything he says, but I find a majority of his work, and thinking to be very grounded. Makes me feel better about life knowing he’s around.

[@dreamsauce2405]

I have to agree with you completely

[@seanrai9766]

Yep

[@israelbenitez6346]

I am a master of art...I started when I was 4 and am 35 now. I display my work all over the city and have made thousands of dollars...everything he's saying is true...I experience it first hand

[@MrCourtdigga]

Robert Greene's books has helped me through-out my life and i want to thank him for his powerful words!!!!

[@caterpillar351]

Same here❤

[@satnamo]

Me too

[@drmanudas7705]

Same here

[@zipperpillow]

If you bought the book, you've aready thanked him.

[@live_pisadu_dmas]

This man is a living legend who's works will be studied for generations to come. Thanks Robert ✅

[@miriyoussefxx]

we don't value this man the way he deserves.

[@amanjahmed2098]

@@helpfuleditscomedy6138 that one was good :D

[@defoperator7993]

Allot of people who’ve been to prison worship Robert Greene 48 laws of power

[@mahmoudayman5022]

@@helpfuleditscomedy6138 agree

[@sadiiqreads]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/eanReGqmd7emd6M

[@danieldeiparine5716]

@@defoperator7993 they worshipped too much the book literally got banned in prisons

[@MrLaddy101]

He's one of the great philosofical minds of this century he's a nerd and historian but shows us a part of human nature that right in our face but rearly get talk about I freakin love him he my hero

[@drunken13astard]

Back off!!1 Hes mine!

[@spotserafin]

Booksmart+streetsmart+master of his craft

[@andrewmazzolin4471]

This found me at a time when I really needed it.

[@Neo-wv1om]

Andrew Mazzolin what are you trying to master?

[@thevulture3142]

@@Neo-wv1om prolly master-bation.

[@Sangaviahk]

The Best Book I have ever read "Mastery", He is, so depth with his knowledge and this research is mind-blowing, I wonder how he can get so thick with each person emotional level to just explain the truth of life

[@evebrown7977]

I really wished someone told me that when I was young not knowing where to go and no self-confidence, at all. Now, I am old, but still find it helpful and uplifting.

[@420drobud]

If u believe you are old your mind will tell you're body is old n then you will feel old

[@capt.malickbilal1554]

It’s not too late to be you.

[@Numantino312]

the phrase "making up for lost time" applies from a 54 year old

[@l.w.paradis2108]

How old is old? Are you over 75? 80?

[@evebrown7977]

@@l.w.paradis2108 When I was 18, everyone passing the 30's was old. *haha* I wrote this 4 years ago. But as I remember Mastery was mainly aimed towards young people not to waste their time doing things they shouldn't do but find their passion and work on it with discipline and stamina. I'm a "Jack of all trades, master of none."

[@jiwonkim5315]

I haven’t read robert greene books yet but he speaks like a great writer, i can’t wait 💕

[@rahulrongepatil248]

Do read Plz.

[@kwakutuffour549]

I finally mastered procrastination thanks to Robert. Awesome!

[@1st_agent]

Lol

[@babworth1111]

Nothing wrong with audience, when u enjoying ur best meal u don't need distraction. Robert giving them mental meal , brain automatically calm and consume it all.

[@ARD7177]

Actually there is. They're dull af. We can agree to disagree.

[@paulcharles7627]

The Bible is the best book to read for our day. Else its a fallacy.

[@zipperpillow]

Put that crowd right to sleep.

[@twillbanks]

Robert Greene = Genius and Truth.

[@negvey]

This guy is amazing, everything he says is pure real life knoweldge

[@robertpatton6531]

one of my favorite speakers / authors.....

[@jamesabbott1605]

I firmly believe that that he’s one of the Greatest teachers of our time!!

[@sammaiahbaswagani9860]

A brilliant speech packed with lot of valuable ideas and advice for life.H e explained what seems a complex subject in a lucid way ,drawing from science and biographies of great masters in the history.I think that's a perfect blend of theory and practical ideas.The important point about him is that he presented them in a simple way.Thanks for uploading.

[@satnamo]

Simple is beautiful

[@yomomomama3964]

love this guy hope the best for your recovery from your stroke

[@rajayasirmehmood7472]

This man is a living legend who's works will be studied for generations to come. Thanks Robert

[@mcd5478]

Wow. Wowee Wow. Robert Greene, where have you been all my life? I guess I hadn’t been truly seeking...but I hear you now.

[@TrietLyCuocSongGSH]

You are one of the most inspiring people I have ever met, you are as real as can be and it's hard to find the words to say how much I appreciate your work. It's so wonderful and so good I love you so much

[@judy4139]

Robert Greene is articulate in a very simple yet powerful & clear way....His books have changed my life!!!

[@karthikeyanvk]

Amazing talk, His book Mastery is class of art. One thing i learnt the most is, when you are at new to any job/work don't try to disrupt until you have proved your worth

[@zipperpillow]

Why disrupt? Just do your job.

[@adeelali8417]

@@zipperpillow I think he meant change things - innovate

[@n.d8001]

Robert Greene is so passionate about sharing his work and ideas. He is humble and brilliant

[@cristianmerono]

This piece of content has changed the way I look at my career. The practice part differs between fields, for example, software engineering is not the same as music. But the key aspects of your speech are applicable to most of the modern fields: 1. Period of apprenticeship, where you do what you were born to do in a feedback cycle that rewards every time you get better. 2. Invest in skills, in mastering your craft, not particularly in getting more money or attention. 3. Keep an Open Mind, get used to be wrong because you're missing knowledge and skills to judge the current rules. If you become a master you'll be able to rewrite them, but first you have to get there to judge properly. 4. You're nobody, naive, impatient and don't even understand the reality of whats happening. Lower your ego. 5. Turn those raw qualities and energy into skills.

[@MarcMcRae]

Fascinating author, whom brings such amazing clarity and story telling to life! Absolutely love his work!!

[@paulineschmitt4504]

Great talk! I have a vision that's been pushing me for years, which I am finally moving forward with in the next few years. I wish I had the courage to be that person with the first dream that consistently chased me. I did not. But now I will.

[@DecipherBorn]

Writer of the century.

[@SonuKhan-mp2yn]

Legend of wisdom sir Greene ❤

[@truthjohnson4762]

I love and respect it. From now on, I will think, "What is my contribution "

[@vurgatifashion]

He's a master in art of writing.

[@jahdi2646]

Excellent speech. Greene is a godsend and I'm so glad he's able to explain in simple and practical terms how to master your life, very inspirational video. watch the entire thing with single pointed focus on every word he says cuz the man is speaking nothing but truth and nuggets of wisdom.

[@stormtrooper1823]

Those two statues at his sides look so life like!

[@NapoleonB]

I could swear I saw one of them blink..

[@pankajuchiha9232]

robert greene wanted to show us that those two statues were made by sculptor who read his book mastery that's why it look so life like.

[@DuskAndHerEmbrace13]

What the fuck is wrong with comment section? They look exactly like me: sitting still, listening and thinking. What are they supposed to be doing? Jumping up and down? I don’t know why these videos seem to attract so many morons in the comments...

[@sudarshanbadoni6643]

The talk appears as researching and revealing active qualities of great people be that an artist, naturalist and so on and transforming that in the form of simple effective STORY is quite appealing. No conditional CONTENT of right and wrong kind is there INSTRUCTING us is great as avoid distractions. Thanks again.

[@tammy6452]

Grateful this speech was recorded. It would be interesting to find out how many people who heard the sppeech the day it was given reach what Mr. Greene defines as ..mastery.. And to find out how many people actually set to define themselves by reaching their own mastery be hearing the video and apply the steps. If you listen carefully to some of his other videos you will find some of his own patterns correlate to the Leonardo DaVinci story. 1. He defines his work from his own perspective, his books are like no other out there. 2. He has a passion for books and reading at a very early age, as Leonardo did for drawing and painting. 3. He transforms what he sees into what others can see and comprehend, as in drawing the bird wings realistically as Leonardo did. What I learn is what preoccupies my mind can be turned into the meaning of my life that can bring more into the world.

[@brandonpayne9439]

Whatever you choose, there will be times you think you should try something else. When you know you know. I want to be a music producer/mixing engineer. My family thinks I'm waisting my time and sometimes so do I. I keep going back to it though. It's the hardest thing I have ever done. It's intimidating and seemingly impossible but I keep going. You really gotta want it, and when you don't keep going anyways because it will pay off. You really do reap what you sew.

[@Santiino]

24:00 Combine and learn all the skills(from the inner voice) to fit uniqueness to be irreplaceable 39:00 45:00 what is creativity 51:00 Final Message

[@mihailwarsavski8849]

ok

[@brunolevi2661]

Such a good storyteller. I loved it

[@edthewave]

Great lecture! I enjoyed hearing the historical examples of Leonardo Da Vinci, Charles Darwin and John Coltrane. My main question is how do we uncover our original curiosities we had as a youth and undo the years and decades of programming that's keeping us from our true potentials?

[@mpcc2022]

Trauma possibly, I'm not suggesting you harm yourself, but being open to experience extreme, dull, and the alike is a prime mover if you will in curiosity. How deep and far are you willing to investigate something? There is a sense of irrationality in the very nature of curiosity, but you must be willing to undress things, no matter the possible consequences.

[@spotserafin]

Go back in time on your mind and analyze your past experiences, what is that which brought joy on your chidlhood or teen years, what activities?

[@karenzhang1020]

+Joshua Amor Totally agree!! Sadly the majority of people don't have gut to do it!!

[@thinkinoutloudd5511]

Great damn question

[@wishdokter]

Personally, after a major trauma, I was forced to take a close look at my early life and confront some dark truths about my childhood. Inadvertently, I also recalled my happiest times and the activities and experiences that 'made me'. So I'm working from this basis. I stopped doping what was making me miserable and returned to Yoga, and drawing and gardening and growing food, which led to cooking and eventually to nutrition and wellbeing. This is my 'life task'. Buy his book, it's well worth the investment.

[@bblackization]

I never realised that I was on the same path as these men, Thank you for up loading this. Now I have more confidence to continue and know that i'm on the right path.

[@GalacticGalores]

Outstanding... So glad to have come across your path Mr. Greene!

[@akshaybande4836]

What a wonderful writer he is, remarkable speaker as well.

[@FoxcHoney]

Be humble, for you stand on the shoulders of giants.

[@ammar9279]

I'm honoured to witness such knowledge and wisdom

[@ranjanaluwihare1511]

Robert Greene is soo true & realistic about professions & life!

[@franklyngibbons2479]

Thank you for your service to humanity. Peace

[@lraoux]

Dr. Darwin: "Son, if you go on this trip, you'll be a meaningless disgrace to your family and the whole world around you." Charles: "Hold my beer."

[@satnamo]

Cheers

[@Rubeana]

absolutely beautiful! left me speechless and wondering

[@SweaterSwagg]

Robert Greene is a modern GOAT, he really is contributing and helping through his phenomenal work.

[@themastermind9501]

I personally experienced that. Intuitive connection of informations in the brain. Thanks Robert Greene!

[@raniatahoun568]

I love your lectures .. please do more can't get enough

[@timmiriajay6006]

Amazing talk! lot of knowledge and experience in his field . He is a master . My moral in this video is choose whatever path you are interested and always try to learn more. Be obsessive ,Be relentless , Be unique

[@jimmaculate3802]

I love this talk and I hung on to his every word

[@nickvoutsas5144]

Few are able to comprehend key fundamental thoughts and actions for success in such simplicity

[@eastwindblackpaw6722]

Practical aproach to individual development .. Thank You

[@francorocket9908]

I just thank for his works and to have them, I can't wait to the next one, certainly we have the best of times sadly this is ending now with this kind of generation

[@travischillionrobert3549]

Thank you Mr Greene

[@Cinderella227]

Very impressive! Thank you, Greene ✝️

[@TheWaronSJWs]

The main thing I learned from his talk is don't listen to your parents.

[@ArtlikeDaVinci]

Thank you so much Robert! This lecture was amazing.

[@jademb7290]

I loved listening to this. Such a good story teller and communicator.

[@captaincruci]

Thank you Robert for this beautiful lecture! 🙏

[@osaniereid4957]

Wow such an great presentation. Full of useful information thanks Mr Greene 🙏

[@dugknndy]

Brilliant! everyone should see that lecture! Pass it on….

[@akimexgreen5841]

That speech was amazing This man is pure knowledge, So far I I have only read 2 of his books but I totally loved them.

[@engrmunim]

True! 100%. Thanks for True guidance. You have become my True Teacher to work for self.

[@daniel_najar]

One of the greatest philosophers to ever live 🐐

[@ichrabali9641]

He is one of them incredible man in our 21st century. Very intelligent lecture

[@seamusdebuitleir20]

Very good Robert. The people at the talk very serious...

[@manthebook6966]

Inspiration! Found him after i wrote my book

[@bunnylopez1808]

This man heals my brain and fuels my motivation.

[@Cirque18]

10 yrs ago! This man is way ahead of his time❤

[@cath4300]

One of my favorite author!

[@RanmaSyaoranSaotome]

My takeaway from this talk is most great masters were sent to epic schools or institutions in their youth for a stellar formative education and were given opportunities by their parents which many of us can merely dream of. Those which didn't have those opportunities were instead given environments which allowed their talents to flourish - something which most of us don't have.

[@stopper90004]

Rubbish. You are creating excuses to justify your victim mentality and inertia.

[@zipperpillow]

You should give up. We're already over-populated.

[@pineapplethief4418]

epic schools, like John Coltrane? Darwin wasn't majored in biology by the way. Your takeway is shit

[@stratovation1474]

Many brilliant people who came up thru academia found it stifling. Succeeded in spite of the constraints they faced for years. Kept their childlike enthusiasm somehow. I know a bunch. Their jokes are really bad.

[@MichaelLynMusic]

Extremely AWESOME.......Thank You Sir, as you have confirmed my suspicions

[@entrepreneurmeah]

Excellent talk

[@vinv6272]

Would give a thousand likes to this video if the option was available.. Superb Video

[@daradevil123]

One of the best lectures of my life

[@luv4successkh]

this was a blessing to watch

[@warlymazo9255]

Brain awakening with R.Greene,.❤

[@johannesen3522]

Wow, 52 minutes went by fast! Truly inspiring.

[@mp4meltdown]

I wish Robert Greene gave lecture in my University. He is very realistic about the workplace and the World in general.

[@michaelwtapp]

The last ten minutes were really mind blowing for me.

[@Elysium346]

Nothing short of a life changer. Take what this man has to say and write not just on this book but in the others as well. Learn from them to the point where the words deep messages. Echo, no rage in your heart and mind and apply them to your life and there WILL BE a shift. A drastic change for the better, its perfect guaranteed. his writing is very much needed in our society nowadays!!! I'm glad I came to know his work while I'm still young so I will have less 'what if I' thoughts when I'm older.

[@jsmith3980]

Robert Greene is a Buddhist

[@MabeL22222]

I 💖 you Robert Greene, your such a great man, blessings to you.🙏

[@taefweabeatz5188]

beautiful talk

[@lolipanda2763]

All his books are Eye opener

[@ALDemings]

Great presentation! I've read several of his books and I love the way he breaks down the pursuit of success, power, and mastery.

[@darioscottodabusco3840]

one of the best and most inspiring video-message on youtube!

[@mohammadhuzaifa7]

Really Appreciate Your Hard Work

[@tah385]

I really love all of his work😍

[@paulwashington8863]

It is a brilliant talk, and yes, perhaps not promoted well and underappreciated by those privileged to listen.

[@modesto885]

Simply brilliant.

[@jusukallon721]

You gat to love him - Robert Greene.

[@ALDemings]

You're right...like a breath of fresh air in a world where everyone is far to consumed only with what looks, feels, and sounds good; opposed to the truth.