Lapham's Rules of Influence: A Careerist's Guide to Success, Status, and Self-Congratulation

By Lewis H. Lapham

Book Overview

As the editor of Harper's Magazine , Lewis Lapham has enjoyed entr e to America's "cultural elite," a class distinguished by its talent for currying favor, licking boots, and kissing ass. Now, in this scathingly funny and politically incorrect self-help book, Mr. Lapham offers his best advice to aspiring careerists seeking to ride in helicopters and see themselves on television. Drawing upon a lifetime of experience among the cogno-scenti, Mr. Lapham breaks rank and reveals the unspoken secrets of getting ahead: what to say, how to dress, when to lie, whom to befriend, where to be seen, and why it is absolutely essential to wear clean shoes. ("The first impression is also the last impression. You don't wish to be remembered as the stain on the rug.") Anyone interested in self-advancement will be transformed by Lapham's Rules of Influence , which offers proven nuggets of wisdom. For example, when trying to impress the boss, remember: "Flattery cannot be too often or too recklessly applied. Think of it as suntan lotion or moisturizing cream." Written with stinging wit and tongue planted firmly in cheek, Lapham's Rules of Influence is a brilliant critique of class and manners in America, packed with the kind of irreverent observation that only Lewis Lapham can provide. Seek out the acquaintance of people richer and more important than yourself, and never take an interest in people who cannot do you any favors. Rumor tinged with malice is the most precious form of gossip. When you are invited to spend a weekend with important journalists or movie stars, it is considered polite to bring four items of unpublished slander in lieu of a house present or a bottle of wine. Make unsparing use of clich s. The empty word is the correct word. Contrary to the opinion of snobbish New York intellectuals, the placid murmur of clich is always preferable to the expression of strong feeling, which is an embarrassment. A truly fashionable dinner party ends at the moment when all the guests have arrived and everybody has been seen or not seen. Once attendance has been taken, the rest of the evening is superfluous. A good meeting is one at which nothing happens. Sit erect, second all the motions, remember everybody's name.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0812992342
• ISBN13: 9780812992342
• Release Date: May 1999
• Publisher: Random House
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.48 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 5.0" x 8.7"

Customer Reviews

Quick, very funny, yet upsetting read

Lapham really strains the separation between comedy and tragedy in this book. It is one of the funniest books I've ever read yet I wouldn't classify it as fiction. I read it during a plane flight and gave it to a companion. Now I have to buy myself another copy because it contains so much tragically true wisdom. Wisdom that I should put into practice. Lapham actually supplies the rules of business etiquette. I wish I'd known them when I was young. My youthful idealism was not helpful. All those suck ups and yes men I detested have a much easier path to success. I used to resent them. Now I realize that they're probably just smarter than me. sigh If you enjoy this book (and you will) you'll also enjoy The American Ruling Class.

Sarcastic yet accurate!

Lapham's book is biting social commentary in the guise of sarcastic how-to manual for social climbers. More subtle than Paul Fussel's book Class, the book is devastatingly funny at times. (See the section on "Understatement".) I highly recommend reading this book before attending charity gala events. With some luck, you may recognize a few ploys from the book, and, egged on by Lapham, even tweak the social climber seated next to you -- particularly after a couple of drinks. Mainly, the book is great fun!

Reality based book, humorous because it's true.

I'm an analytical, independent-minded person. As a result, I have missed many opportunities, simply because I didn't know how to act in an appropriate, subordinate way with others.Lapham is right, "sucking up" is a valuable social skill. If you're a sociopath, don't read this book, since you already know everything. But if you're a reasonable person who has suffered because you don't understand how most people really work, this is the book for you! It is an easy read, and I revisit it often. It takes the stress out of dealing with people.

A Machiavelli for the New Millennium

Ostensibly a self-help manual for those seeking to improve their social skills, this book provides a humorous, though scathing, view of modern society on the make. After noting that the percentage of self-employed persons in America has declined from more than 90% in 1900 to approximately 5% today, Lapham makes the sobering observation that the key to success today, as it was in feudal times, is to praise and fawn over the modern-day aristocracy--our corporate and political "leaders."There will be those who think that Mr. Lapham wildly overstates his case. More thoughtful readers are likely to reach just the opposite conclusion. Like Swift, he is a highly entertaining, yet profoundly depressing, writer.

Witty, smart, funny

Some will be disgusted with Lapham's ideas, but it was a joy to read!! A great gift for the true ladder climber!!!