I found this book to be a bit of a con job. By the title and jacket it seems to offer some sort of secret code of living effectively--but as you read it you will realize it's simply a mash-up of Eastern concepts from Buddhism, Taoism & Hinduism, conjoined with Western notions of "being yourself" and not worrying about others approval. If you've never read anything on these topics before, maybe it's worth your time. Otherwise you will be bored. Much better to read (or read again) Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power.