Response to The Discourse of Academics

Rose discusses a problem with how alienated the English language can be, which is stated in the second sentence of the article.  He discusses the gap between the educated style of using the English language and the non-educated style of using the English language.  Also, he wants to better educate those with lower writing levels by giving them more opportunities to write ("Students need more opportunities to write about what they're learning and guidance in the techniques and conventions of that writing" (Mike Rose 138)).
I agree with Rose when he mentioned that "the average university freshman will know what personality means and can figure out authoritarian; the difficulty will come from a lack of familiarity with the conceptual resonances that authoritarian personality has acquired in the discussions of sociologists and psychologists and political scientists" (Rose 137).  Most people without degrees, such as myself, understand more difficult phrases by breaking them up and analyzing their parts.  I've personally experienced the difficulty of understanding the English language and fitting into social groups but I educated myself simply by reading and writing beyond my comprehension.  Students need to be better taught on writing on a higher standard but they also need to learn and practice on their own.  
 

5) Law 41-48 in The 48 Laws of Power

To be important you must sometimes learn to mock others by using what's called the "mirror effect."  The mirror effect is when you do exactly what others do.  It will not only catch them off guard, but also infuriate them.  Don’t mock the wrong person.  Make sure you know whose power you’re taking.  Never steal the power of a great man; you’ll never be able to live up to potential.  Leave room for further achievement by knowing when to stop with one goal before continuing with another.  In life, people tend to admire more of the quantity of achievements rather than how great one achievement is.  In other words, never appear too perfect; with perfection comes envy and jealousy.  Know who your enemies are and know how to control their hatred towards you. 

This book is truly a great read.  I gave a brief summary to express my interpretation of the book.  You may think differently, which is all right because we’re all different.  Give this book a good read and learn what the greats have achieved before and how you can repeat their achievements.    

4) Law 31-40 in The 48 Laws of Power

The most important things when considering the use of these laws is the attitude or expression you give in the presence of others.  Make sure that you know what to say and not to say at all times.  Think what you like when you're alone, but the only way to reach or keep power is to act favorably in front of others.  Law 31 states that one must control the options.  Learn to make people play by your rules (make them dependent on you).  The one law that always works is playing to people's fantasies.  The truth will almost always hurt someone.  Make other people feel good, but always be able to keep control of the situations.  Always have dirt on the other person but keep yourself clean.
To be a corporate fat-cat (boss) you must learn to act like one.  Do not be too greedy and learn to give up the things you cannot have.  Nothing in life is free, "despise the free lunch."  These "free" things will almost always come back and haunt you.  Free is only true for the time being.  It is used as a trick to lure you in, and without realizing it, you'll be trapped by it.

3) Laws 20-30 in the 43 Laws of Power

This book applies mainly to people who are looking to reach power.  Once at the highest peak, you must remember that people are looking to take advantage of you.  Law 29 is the most important when power has been reached.  It states that to do something, it must be planned all the way to the end.  Never begin something , without considering all the possible consequences; well at least most of them.  Make sure to always stay calm.  Be bold with presenting your work but never take too much credit for something.  Make others look good and they will, in turn, prove their generosity towards you.  Never give the same look when in the presence people.  Confuse them and they'll not have any way of harming you.  It is also best to not achieve the highest position.  The wisest people are those that are 2nd in command.  They are not the target, and also the courtier for the Boss.  This is probably the safest route.  You'll learn more being the second position and gain more experience than the boss.

2) Laws 10-20 in 48 Laws of Power

Every law in the entire book is important.  They were written by the greatest philosophers of war and power.  Learn to connect these powers together to enhance your chances of living everyday to its fullest.  Learn to keep others happy, even if it means bringing misery to yourself.  Never show your misery in front of others.  Never be dependent on others.  When appealing to others, never be at their mercy.  When trying to ask for help, make sure to know the person you're asking.  Change according to who you're dealing with.  Generosity can be a powerful weapon.  Knowing how to use each law can help make the greatest leaders suffer and can be used to relinquish yourself from enemies.  The book uses Thomas Edison, Al Capone, great Chinese generals, all as examples of people that have been taken advantage of by ordinary people. 

The first 10 Laws in The 48 Laws of Power

The book isn't a typical book about reaching power.  It gives clear descriptions using historical accounts of every law described, as well as the key points of the law and when, if any, to go against the law.  I haven't read many other advice books, but, so far, this book is definitely a worthy read, that is if you are interested and/or fascinated about historical facts.  The book also has a bestseller sticker on the top left corner on the front cover, if it is not a worthy enough book to read already.  The laws are all connected in some way.  The first law is to never outshine the master.  This is perhaps the most important law if you are on your way up to power.  You must make sure to conceal you intentions, never trust friends or the down-on-luck people, and play the dirtiest game possible.  Eliminate all possible ways for others to harm you, but always make sure your reputation is nothing short of spectacular.  Also, make sure to never use words and argument to prove a point.  Actions always speak louder than words.
Warning!.. Make sure to not read the book, but instead, understand it.  Take the time to think about what is said to get the most out of it.