The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire
by David Deida
|
List Price: Our Price: $10.41 You Save: $7.54 (42%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $7.95 (click here) Category: Book See more book details and other editions |
|---|
Book Reviews of The Way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide to Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work, and Sexual Desire
Book Review: Honor the Poles, then Flip if You Want
Summary: 5 Stars
For me, the measure of a book like this is: Does it resonate with my life experience, then take me to valuable new or forgotten insights that feel like they "fit"? Deida's book does a 5-star job of this, and it is written in a particularly clear and accessible style.
Reading a book like this is almost like reading a poem. Those who look for scientific validation or an argued sociological position will be disappointed. Your reaction to the book will also be personal. You probably won't like this book if you think masculine/feminine polarity has no place in a loving relationship.
My recommendation for getting into the book is to look at the table of contents, pick a chapter that looks interesting, and read that chapter. I did this, and when I finally got to it, the Introduction seemed less powerful and direct than the rest.
I particularly liked Deida's recognition that each of us has a complex nature. The masculine and feminine energy poles exist in each of us. His framework doesn't tie us down as individuals; rather he suggests that particular situations go better when we honor our pole and its opposite in our partner, rather than each striving for neutral.
Book Review: NOT about stereotypes -- it's for people who seek passion
Summary: 5 Stars
David Deida is well known and admired and his work is deep and interesting. I just wanted to respond to some of the reviews here by people who view David's view of romance as being a shallow throwback to the 50's, with a jerk of a guy and a submissive woman. That ain't it. Those people apparently didn't read the introduction. "It doesn't matter if both partners are men or women. It doesn't matter if the man plays the feminine pole or ... if you change every day who plays the masculine pole... you need an energetic polarity... You don't need this difference for love, but you do need it for ongoing sexual passion. For some people who have a more balanced sexual essence, polarity doesn't matter... they would rather have a civilized friendship full of love and human sharing without the passionate ups and downs. For these people, this book will be irrelevant, possibly even offensive. This book is written specifically for people who have a more masculine sexual essence, and their lovers, who will have a more feminine sexual essence."
Other reviews will give you more insights, but I just wanted to specifically call out and give my viewpoint to counteract this criticism of this book.
Book Review: This Book Will Anger ALL Romantics
Summary: 4 Stars
I tossed this book, in disgust, across the room a number of times. However; I was certain that such a viceral reaction must be coming from somewhere deep.
Deida says what we all DON'T want to hear. Many of us have this romantic notion that we are far more evolved (in terms of the relationship dance) than we really are. I know that I always felt that a great woman would love me all the more for my strength. My mistake was (and Deida points this out very well) in believing that passing all of life's many tests (historically)and being sensitive and emotive about my feelings would be exactly what my woman would want in a strong man. Many women don't want to ever smell a "whiff" of fear on their man.
Men, let your male friends see you sweat and fearful. They too have fears and do not judge or dismiss your strength because of those fears. In reality they think you more the man because you can go into the cave tembling but still slay the dragon. Leave your fears unnoticed to your lady. She doesn't want to see them and the relationship is not better because you have revealed them to her.
Otherwise, a non-ending dance of "test" will develop.
Book Review: The Way Of The OK Book
Summary: 3 Stars
This book is called a "spiritual guide" for men,but,as Mike Meyers Coffee Talk character would say,its neither spiritual nor a guide! This is not a "course of study" to somehow become a better man,or a happier one. Its a short book of pithy commentaries on men and their lives. It isnt "spiritual" as it deals with very everyday things like sex,love,career and self-esteem. The author has spent many years studying eastern philosophies,apparently,and like many sophisticated practicioners,seems a bit,uhm,arrogant. He makes these grand declarations about what you should do,whether doing tantric breathing,or getting a life mission. Basically he is saying,"Change! Completely! Now!" when change is slow and far from certain.WE cant spend 10 years with a Master of esoteric arts. This book will NOT change your life,but it will entertain you,and maybe cause you to think about love and sex in a bit of a new light! I came across this while looking at PUA stuff,and this is kind of in that vein. If you are trying to do long range changes to be a better and more succesful guy,especially with the opposite sex,this book makes an interesting addition. So...its OK! Worth the price? Yes.Book Review: A completely different view on relationships
Summary: 5 Stars
I started reading this book and couldn't put it down. David Deida uses beautiful imagry, funny analogies, and frank language to shed a completely new light on the relationship between the masculine and the feminine. I've been a student of male-female relationships since before I got married, and continue to attmept to gain mastery over the topic for the health and sake of my marriage. Been married for 9 years, by the way. I was skeptical as to what I would get from reading this book, having read many others on the topic. I was shocked at the new insight I received form this book...far more than expected. I've never quite read a book that attacked the topic from this direction. I had a good handle on "if I do A, my wife will react like B". I gained this through years of trial and error. After reading Deida's book I finally have some clarity on WHY A produces B. He does a masterful job of describing to men what a woman's perception of the world looks and feels like, and the consequences of what happens when men habitually try to make their women live in and perceive the world from the man's "masculine" standpoint. Bravo...a relationship changing book!