Grover claims that everyone has a “dark side” and that these qualities can help them achieve their greatest successes. He alludes to Robert Louis Stevenson’s The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde to show how a seemingly respectable person (Dr. Jekyll) can secretly have a completely different persona (Mr. Hyde). While Dr. Jekyll is good and respectable, Mr. Hyde is more instinctive and impulsive. 

Tapping into one’s “dark side” does not mean being malicious to people; rather, it is about embracing a bolder and more fearless persona unapologetically. This means letting go of any “safety net” as well as the “judgmental opinions” of others. The author feels that the dark side is the fuel and energy that motivates a person to pursue their cravings or selfish desires. Like a superhero, people can live on the dark side of life but still be morally good overall. It is also crucial to manage one’s urges and cravings and be in control of them—not the other way around. He points to pro golfer Tiger Woods as a prime example of how the dark side functions. His was revealed when it emerged that he had had numerous extramarital affairs. This scandal not only hurt his reputation but also seemed to devastate his athletic ability. Grover feels that because Woods apologized for his actions, he lost the power of his dark side. Instead, Cleaners should embrace and manage their dark side and never apologize for it.

Chapter Lessons

• Everyone has a “dark” persona.
• Allow your dark side to energize and motivate you.
• Manage and control whatever cravings and urges you have.

Reflection Questions

• Do you agree that everyone has a “dark side”? Why or why not?
• Which urges or desires have you previously tried to suppress? Is there any way to reframe these as motivational or valid desires?
• When might this philosophy be appropriate, and when is it unethical?