Most times in life, we have been told that, we get what we negotiate and not what we want. What if there is away you can make a deal with life and they cannot refuse you, life make life an offer it cannot refuse, would you like that? Then you will like the Godfather by Mario Puzo.
The Godfather written in a cinematic pattern looks like a biography of Don Corleone but in the real sense, it was a fictional story of a man who had to do what he had to do so that he can provide for his family. The Don is one good reason that explains that talents can be used for both good and bad depending on your environment.
Another point to take from the book is that family and friendship is everything. It is way bigger than government, way bigger than money. That is the reason why The Godfather helps as many people as possible. He makes them understand that they are in his debt and MAY be called to return the favour, you will pay when called upon. This skill is what we call networking in the modern organization.
Succession is another point in the book, the book argues that succession is a natural heredity. Even though Sonny who is the Don’s First Son was trained as a natural heir, it was Mike who acquired the wisdom of the Old Man and he was the one who eventually inherited the don’s business.
The book also made a case for information gathering. Even though information was gathered in brutal way, this is not lost on the business mind that you must keep an eye on your competition. You must be a step ahead of their next move and you did have to keep your temper uncontrolled. The ability to study your opponent is what build the Corleone Empire and the inability of Sonny to keep his emotion under check is what destroyed him. A Mafia or Business Strategist must never lose his cool but rather take time to strategize.
On the feminist side, The Book shows the support role we relegate women to in the society. All the women in the novel were all supportive to their male partners including Kay Adams and her degrees. The book through the words of The Don refers to women as nothing more than men’s extension. He loved his wife because the wife had to stand by him even against her wish. The same sacrifice all the women had to make. His daughter was not qualified to be a part of the “family business” rather, the husband had to take her place. Even though this plan failed or rather led to the death of his Son.
The Godfather by Mario Puzo is recommended for both Business People and Everyone with a discerning mind who will be able to see the key beneficial points in the book and take away many lessons for personal and business development.
Reviewed By: Alexander Akadieze
