The Art of Seduction
by Robert Greene
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Book Reviews of The Art of Seduction
Book Review: This book seduces you and not all with sex
Summary: 4 Stars
Robert Greene's book "The Art of Seduction" explains the psychology of seduction. Part of the allure of this book is that everything reads like a hypnotic novel. It is very entertaining, to say the least, and does contain some insights. All of people in the book are easily described like cartoon characters in terms of their outer motives, their inner motives and their subconscious needs. It parallels other interesting works such as Machiavelli's "The Prince" and scores of ancient writings in philosophy in that its conclusions are based on 99% argument and 1% evidence. Largely, this is because it is based on arbitrary, unverified models of human behavior.
I honestly believe that Robert Greene has mostly tried to make a compelling work of art here. Most of his assertions are not supported with scientific evidence or even balanced historical evidence. The book reads like a religious text, filled with unquestioned assertions. There are no qualifying statements about the content of the book whatsoever; there are no statements that document the certainty of the "truths" in the book based on the strength of evidence. Everything in the book is flatly stated. The text itself is written like a documentary about society narrated by an amoral, omniscient deity whose words reflect a potent combination of all of the described techniques of seduction
In this way, the book is a self-referencing paradox. It deceives you into understanding that you are being deceived. With examples throughout history it shows what works, and what doesn't. It doesn't start from the humanistic premise that all people are generally good, but from the biblical idea that "all men are evil" and will do evil. This makes the book downright devilish, and extremely practical and useful.
Book Review: har har - is funny as an anthropological study, but fails as an advice manual
Summary: 5 Stars
I completely agreed with the observations and advice in this book. He is right on. As an anthropological study, it is truthful and hilarious. As an advice book, however, it is a failure, as most people cannot disguise their true selves, and are largely untrainable, thus are destined to be victims, not seducers. Only a few can be true seducers. It is a food pyramid: just a few large predators, and the rest of us are prey. Can't have too many predators because otherwise they would run out of creatures to devour.
I agree that there are only so many types of seducers. Most humans are not that good at seducing. Don't know if seduction can be taught. It's about salespersonship and controlling the facts you release about yourself and carefully watching the seductee in a predatory way, reading them, being chessboard steps ahead of them, luring them on with various wiles.
I also agree with the author that there are so many types of victims. It's different categories of neediness - a finite world, rather limited. Be needy, and a skilled seducer can figure out what makes you tick, what makes you vulnerable, and s/he can go in for the kill (you!).
I am a person of average scheming abilities, and found myself guffawing during the chapters on types of seducers. However the victim chapters were too eerily true. Author is right on, the only non-victims are those who are not emotionally or financially needy, and are confident and happy. The non-victims are not attracted to a fantasy of a better life.
This is no small point: I wish the publisher did not use hot pink on the cover art because the book looks like a trashy romance or sexy novel or self help book, and it is embarassing to be seen with it on public transportation.
Book Review: Please keep reviewing this book
Summary: 3 Stars
The more men (or women) that tout their prowess through learned manipulation and an over-simplified understanding of human nature, the more men that us women can effectively screen out.
Greene, like many before him, trains us in the use of a powerful weapon. He conveys this potentially dangerous information with much clarity and ease, making it very accessible. This is disconcerting because his lessons can be used for great evil. Also, there are many relevant things Greene doesn't discuss and I'd like to mention a couple:
1. For every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. For every contrived behavior you adopt in the pursuit of seduction, some part of yourself is being lost. While actively cultivating dependence and addiction in your "victim", consider what qualities you may be ruining, not only in the person herself, but also in her ability to give in a meaningful way.
2. Consent is tantamount in the decision to have sex (or be intimate). The ability to consent is preconditioned on the receipt of truthful information. What level of honesty would you expect form a doctor before surgery or from a potential daycare provider for your child or pet? To what extent would it be acceptable for a doctor or caretaker to capitalize on weaknesses in your ego and lack of information in order to get what they want? Humans base their decisions on the information available, and I can only hope that the ease of exercising power, as taught by Greene, does not create ethical amnesia.
This book is the equivalent of a psychological gun. More victims should read his book. I also wish that Greene would caution his readers not use his books for evil.
Book Review: The psychology behind seduction
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a long book, it's small print, it's wordy... it's an amazing piece of non-fiction. This book basically breaks down the actual psychology and principles of seduction. I've read some other books on the topic, this has got to be one of the best. The only problem with this book is that, if you are an idiot, it's going to go over your head. This isn't a "HOW TO"-styled handbook.. it doesn't straight up tell you how to walk up and talk to a male or female. This book goes into historical accounts of countless seducers, showing you, by example, the ways of seduction in action... It touches on how to seduce a partner - male or female.. the masses.. a work associate.. king.. queen.. really, anyone.
I read someone say that this book is not relevant to today. I call BS. The concepts are the same, the only stretch is thinking how modern technology has affected the way we interact. We live in a far different world from many of these stories so the exact way the seducer performed wouldn't be relevant, but, the manner in which they executed whatever tactic would be. For instance, you are not going to stake out someone's castle, learning their every move so you can slowly build a presence over time... BUT, you may accidentally show up at the bar they frequent, the coffee shop they work at, etc., to achieve the same result. This book also walks you through the different types of personalities that are the seducers..
Anyways, it's a great read and I highly recommend it to anyone who wants to break relationships or romantic interactions down to their basics. You will learn alot about yourself and your friends though, beware.
Book Review: More Elegant than Useful
Summary: 2 Stars
If Robert Greene has anything in "Art of Seduction," it's definitely style. As for the actual content of the book, I came away desiring a lot more.
My first qualm with the book was it was divided up quite arbitrarily. Greene divides up styles of seduction into various types: the star, the charmer, the rake, the siren, etc. But all of these roles are very specific and don't cover the entire spectrum. I found myself relating to traits to multiple types. Beyond that, he did not flesh out each type well at all, he would introduce the type, some basic traits and then give some anecdotes and stories of the type. There was no analysis, recommendations or anything beyond "the ideal lover tries to fill the victims hole and become what they desire, that is the key to seduction," or something similarly vague. I found myself skipping entire sections in frustration. Also, I was profoundly disappointed when his 24 steps (also quite arbitrary and ambiguous) were sketched out in the same ambiguous manner.
My second issue has to do with his illustrating each type. In everything that he tries to convey, he finds an allegory from antiquity and summarizes it. The history can be interesting, but often times the misadventures of dukes or Napoleon don't seem to have much applicability in the modern age.
I will commend Greene on putting together a very artistic and stylish work. The quotes in the margins; the title pages; everything was handsomely done. But unfortunately, this is all we're left with, not deep insights into interpersonal dynamics, relationships or even power. Ironically, it looks like I was seduced out of $18.00.