There is more than one author by this name on 欧宝娱乐.
Best-selling author and public speaker, Robert Greene was born in Los Angeles. He attended U.C. California at Berkeley and the University of Wisconsin at Madison, where he received a degree in classical studies. He has worked in New York as an editor and writer at several magazines, including Esquire; and in Hollywood as a story developer and writer.
Robert has lived in London, Paris, and Barcelona; he speaks several languages and has worked as a translator. In 1995 he was involved in the planning and creation of the art school Fabrica, outside Venice, Italy. There he met Joost Elffers, the New York book packager and discussed with him his idea for a book on power and manipulation, the ultimate modern version of Machiavelli's The Prince.
Robert and Joost became partners and in 1998, The 48 Laws of Power was born. The book has been a national and international bestseller, and has been translated into 17 languages. In 2001, Robert released his second book, The Art of Seduction, which is more than a sequel to The 48 Laws; it is both a handbook on how to wield the ultimate form of power, and a detailed look at the greatest seducers in history.
The third in this highly anticipated series of books, The 33 Strategies of War, hit bookstores January 2006 and offers a strategic look behind the movements of War in application to everyday life. In addition to having a strong following within the business world and a deep following in Washington, DC, these books are also being hailed by everyone from war historians to some of the heaviest hitters in the rap world (including Jay-Z and 50 Cent).
The popularity of these books along with their vast and fiercely loyal audience proves these are profound, timeless lessons from historical leaders that still ring true in today's culture. Robert currently lives in Los Angeles.
I can't find the perfect word to convey how awful this book is. It espouses a completely manipulative style of dealing with other people in which they are all prey to be hunted. It's noxious. I also believe that I know one of the master seducers who is referred to in the book under a pseudonym, which was terrifying in its own right. It's not about how to do what I would call "seduction." It's about how to control, direct, engineer, exploit, manipulate, machinate, maneuver, steer and hunt others. If that's what you want to know, read it, I'm sure it's great. But since those are not my goals, I was supremely disappointed in it.
Almost hypnotically repetitively at times, this might be the book that Machiavelli could have written about love if he had been a jaded modern.
Unfortunately for those determined to be 'nice' in the world, there is scarcely a line in this book that does not ring true.
For better or worse (depending on your stance), Greene is persuasive that seduction is a game between equal partners where the 'victim' is willing enough for what they will get out of the process.
It is about the flow of power between sexually alive people and no means to be compared with the 'game' genre of Neil Strauss and others.
Far more sophisticated than Strauss' manuals for adolescent losers and the sexually autistic, Greene is not interested in seduction as a mechanical application of rules for sex. He writes of art, not science.
What he is showing us is something closer to a dance or a ritual (think of the tango perhaps) which obeys rules derived from a deeper level of shared or unconscious desires and fears and where, while the sexual element is central, it is the process that matters.
The book is also pleasurable for entirely different reasons. Greene is master of the historical anecdote. Every chapter has well chosen illustrative examples from literature and history.
Although he does not preclude rational love between consenting adults by any means, there is enough evidence here of eternal truths about sexual relations which apply to male and female alike (albeit with different 鈥榤odes鈥�) and in homosexual liaisons as well.
We are talking here about a flow of power and desire between equals. There is no game if the other is not a free and equal participant. It is chess played by bodies in time and space.
One鈥檚 reaction to this book will come down to aesthetics and to anxiety. It is a very unromantic book by conventional and Anglo-Saxon standards but it is not reductionist about sex.
The person who will be entranced by this book will be the natural seducer, one who takes simple pleasure in pleasure and treats life like a game. I was not entranced, just interested and appreciative.
Many of the tales derive from high-ranking courtly cultures where seduction and romance were bound by rules of conduct that were strict enough to suggest appropriate behavior but not so strict as to introduce bourgeois guilt or shame into the game of sexual conquest.
Indeed, there is no room at all for shame or guilt, only for winning and losing 鈥� or perhaps for playing elegantly and still losing, more than winning too easily or in an ignoble way.
The attitude to sex is also counter-intuitive to Anglo-Saxon moderns. It is presented as a prize and not as some 'sacred' thing alienated from the bodies that couple. It is a fact on the ground. A pleasure.
Greene occasionally applies his analysis of technique to politics and there are many 鈥榙emocratic鈥� era cases of seductive power 鈥� Marilyn Monroe, Errol Flynn, Duke Ellington are all cited at length.
If the cynicism of his political analysis reminds us that people are stupid rather than eliciting admiration for the political seducers, when it comes to sex, there is no question of stupidity.
In every tale of sexual seduction, we are not dealing with coercion but with something like a willing suspension of disbelief where the seduced often gets precisely what they want, whatever the rest of us may think.
He refers to the festival and to the theatre often, but also to seduction as the means by which our 'dark side', which is important to us to recognise in order to be whole persons, is allowed full play.
I would add that the transgressive aspects of seduction can allow individuation to both parties 鈥� it would often seem that seducers get trapped in the game, while the seduced move on into something different.
Greene more than once tells stories that suggest that a seduction becomes an integral memory that moulds the future mind for the better, removing someone from past habits that do not reflect who they are.
Naturally 鈥楲es Liaisons Dangereuses鈥� pops up as a case study in more than one chapter (designed to be a sequence that draws you into the seduction process).
The Presidente de Tourvel is presented as being liberated from her boredom and obligations by the cynical seduction by Valmont. There is truth in this.
Greene is far too simplistic here about politics (one wishes he would just say 鈥榩eople are stupid鈥� and have done with it) but he is far from simplistic on sexual psychology.
He offers a sound corrective to moralists who, like repressed ideologues in politics, seem to leave more pain and suffering in their wake than do cynics and a-moralists.
Strangely and counter-intuitively, while some seducers come across as the worst sort of bully (D H Lawrence was an utter monster), others come across in quite a different way - providing a sort of liberatory service that costs them far more than it costs their alleged 鈥榲ictims鈥�.
In short, seduction emerges to be morally far more interesting than we thought. Quite often we see the ostensible predator out-classed by a skilful 'victim' so that roles are reversed ...
If morality is good order as dictated by some Iron Age text, then seduction is to be consigned to the pits of hell. But if it is the hand-maiden or servant of creative individuation, then it is conventional morality that might stand in the dock.
Of course, nothing is so simple. Just as religion brings solace as well as repression, so some seducers are simply cynical and cruel while others are exciting and challenging.
This book is recommended not as a 鈥榟ow to鈥� (since, for most people, it is would be like reading a book on how to win an Olympic Medal), but as an insight into what we are as human beings.
If we all had developed the art of seduction and of being seduced to meet our own dark desires, then perhaps there might be a lot less boredom and neurosis in the world.
If we knew how to play our own part in the game with others who knew how to play theirs (if, in fact, the aristocratic court of Japan or Louis XVI became democratised with leisure and an instinct for pleasure for all) might not life be not only more interesting but less deadly dull?
But anyone who thinks that human beings are basically 鈥榞ood鈥�, that 鈥榗aring鈥� cannot become unutterably boring and intrusive or who thinks that most relationships can last forever without some transgression and hysteria will hate this book. It is only for grown-ups.
Since I started reading The Art of Seduction, I've recommended it to just about EVERYONE because everyone seriously needs to read this book. It gave me so much insight into people's desires and the reasons why we're attracted to others. I feel like my mind has completely opened up. As a writer and reader, I feel like I have better insight into character relationships, and I want to explore these new things I've learned in my fiction. Now I watch almost every movie that involves a love interest through the lens of what Greene has taught me. Even better, what I learned from Greene isn't only applicable in romantic situations, but in professional situations as well. It may sound manipulative, but it's really not: "Seduction is the ultimate form of power. Those who give into it do so willingly and happily. There is rarely any resentment on their part; they forgive you any kind of manipulation because you have brought them pleasure, a rare commodity in the world." If nothing else, read this book for the diverse historical and literary references - I added so many items to my "to read" and "to watch" lists simply because my interest was piqued in stories I hadn't encountered before. Greene is a wealth of fascinating information!
The title of this book should be changed to...: "How to Date Like an Emotionally Unavailable F*cktard and Win the Attention of Your Emotionally Unavailable Lover".
While entertaining, the one thing that everyone should learn from this (something that Greene says himself) is that this will not work on a healthy and functional adult. These tactics work only on those with a low self esteem--those that lack boundaries and self-love. No emotionally available adult would carry out these tactics or be susceptible to them. If you are seeking something "fun" since you yourself are not open to a healthy and mutually beneficial relationship, then this book is for you.
Otherwise, seek a therapist and try to figure out why you keep seeking out dysfunctional relationships.
If you can get past the blatant misogyny and the fact he uses the word "victim" on about every page I guess it has some value in cold calculating machiavellian way.
The ancedotes in places are interesting and are easily the best part. the Quotes along the sides are irritating to read and really break up the flow.
And of course he rationalizes his whole philosophy by suggesting in many places that people who aren't ok with deception and dishonesty have no value (and should be avoided at all costs).
becasue clearly if you aren't cheating on your spouse or trying to take advantage of someone you are a fool.
I thought it was going to be another annoying "to get him to do this flick your hair." Love this book, it is filled with little inside novela type of things, historical facts, and it has just some of the most interesting people in history. I love history so this book really did it for me. I could read it over and over not even for the seductive element but just because it is so good (in my opinion). The little side note quote and stories are a must read, don't skip over them, too wonderful you'd miss a whole level to the book. Best book I've read in a very long time.
As for the seductive element of it, it achieves its job. You find yourself reading and relating so much I can't count the amount of times I've said "I do that" or "He did that." I recommend the book it also has a lot of books as sources that have raised my curiosity and I shall be checking out.
Due to it's misleading nature and implications one could be lead to believe that the sections in this book may be used to seduce another.
In modern society the need to seduce another would have unhealthy implications and in my opinion comes from a waek/try-hard mindset. It's like saying 'who I am isn't good enough so I'll put on a fallacious act and be that cool/attractive person.'
Sure it might seem like a good idea but ultimately doing such a thing would cause you to lose connection with your own identity, values and tastes and reduce your ability to build rapport with others (If you're not really being who you are then how can you expect people to build a sense of rapport and comfort around someone who isn't being themselves. It's dishonest.)
Now on to the actual review:
The book is very entertaining and left me wanting/anticipating more. It contains information that is helpful to our own lives - specifically a section entitled "The Anti-Seducer" which shines light on some of our own unattractive characteristics that we should learn to weed out. However the book ultimately leaves the reader feeling seduced as if they (with the knowledge) could pull off some of the said seductions which is just wrong.
This book is not set as an 'How to' guide but as an entertaining and historical account of the use of seduction throughout history. It contains stories about the lives of Casanova, Cleopatra and other Seducers and interesting anecdotes on historical figures.
The book is defiantly worth a read but due to it's misleading (Possibly seductive nature) of encouraging it's readers to seduce, lost a point.
Worth picking up.
A+
Edit:
On Oct 31, 2018 during an interview with Lewis Howes. Robert Greene tells the story of how he had to re-write "The 50th Law" because he wasn't being honest with himself (rather writing it to please Curtis Jackson). In the same way, I've noticed through experience. That if people behave in a way that goes against their nature, there are subtle kinks in their body language which give them away. Robert talks about this in his new book The Laws Of Human Nature and I feel like this book is a combination of both research and experience and, a more wise and well rounded yet accurate view of human nature (and therefore seduction) but this book is still incredibly entertaining and well presented.
Really? I mean some good work went into this in terms of historical research I guess...But it so was not for me. It just seemed so silly. Nothing deep or meaningful. It was a tad...silly. And a bit painful to read. I did not agree with most of the points made or categories drawn. Human beings are way more complex than this. No. I would not recommend it. For anyone. I am actually afraid of what damage it could do to a lost mind or in twisted hands.
This is not your Karrine Steffans vixen manual..This is your comprehensive manual of how to seduce not only men but an entire empire. With this manual I have received a proposal, gained a stalker and experienced a riven heart. It was great! lol
Uh... there's a LOT to be learned from this book about human psychology. To really get the best/most of it, you have to stare yourself in the mirror and ask the hard questions -- where do you fall in the various archetypes? What anti-seduction techniques do you personally exhibit? And what kind of victim are you?
I can't decide which book is more interesting and entertaining and thought-provoking, this or the , the anecdotes from history, the margin quotes/stories are EXCEPTIONALLY well researched in 48 Laws, and they seem not as varied here -- however, the focus of ART OF SEDUCTION is less dynamic and far-reaching, which isn't to say it's less informative.
Read them both, they're excellent companion pieces.
From a psychological perspective, this book is fascinating. From a moral perspective, this book is horrifying. From a historical perspective, this book is interesting but over embellished.
Essentially, this book is a guide on how to emotionally manipulate and use people in the form of seduction. I mainly read it to be better able to analyze myself and other people; to those ends, this book is quite useful. It goes over many different types of seducers and seduction strategies.
If you follow the steps in this book, though, you're essentially becoming a heartless, calculating manipulator. Be warned. Personally, I find this book to be better served so you can find positive qualities within yourself and embellish them for more charm and social power. You also get to learn some of the psychology behind romance and seduction, according to Robert Greene. There are also a huge amount of historical anecdotes - likely exaggerated to suit the subject matter of the book - and excerpts from other works.
This book was Machiavellian in the sense that it didn't focus on how love should be, but rather on what is. Overall, reading it was a unique and interesting experience. I'm looking forwards to reading more of Greene's works in the future!
A great read. It assumes that you are a liar and manipulator by nature, but once you get past that, it's a fascinating study. Some great annecdotes from famous figures in history make it enthralling in parts.
I found this book in my town's public library and decided to pick it up on a lark. I've spent a lot of time reading this book--which is unavoidable because it's long--and I've come to the realization that this is a classy version of the pick-up artist.
The classiness of this version comes from the extensive use of classical literary and historical examples. Referencing Casanova, Salome, Evita, and many others, Greene does his best work in using these examples to explain how they were effective in their seductive efforts. While these are interesting the first time that he brings them up, Greene continues to reference them repeatedly throughout the book, which grows exceedingly boring as he moves through the book.
While I wasn't thrilled about his overuse of these examples, there were rather compelling interesting profiles in seduction. I did enjoy learning about how these historical figures worked their various magics in the realm of seduction.
The problem for me was one that many of the reviewers commented on: the book makes this very strange, Machiavellian turn, making seduction into a game of power, targets, and victims. Greene spends a lot of time talking about manipulations and ways to set yourself up for victory in a particular manner. It is at this moment that the book turns into the pick-up artist.
At the beginning, I thought I was dreaming about that aspect, but there is, literally, a section of this book that talks about "throwing negs" as Mystery would call it. Given that Greene is a classy lad, he calls it mixing pleasure with pain. It's the exact same thing: be mean to get this person to convince you that you are the one for them. If you insult them, they will run to your side with some reassurance. This grosses me out and would make me flee from anyone IMMEDIATELY. There are also things about reliance, which also upset me in a number of ways as someone who prides himself on being content and self-reliant.
By the time I finished reading the book, the rationalization of one of the most irrational processes in human life--choosing a mate---really troubled me. Making it into a series of steps doesn't work for me. I enjoyed some of my time with this book, certainly not all of it. It is certainly worth experiencing, but I don't guarantee a pleasant experience.
Like Tim Ferriss's The 4-Hour Workweek, this book is packed full of useful information that you would want to come back to again and again, which is something difficult to do with audio format.
It pretty much lays it out for you. Equal parts philosophical and psychological, it outlines each step of the seduction process. Some people condemn the techniques and strategies propounded here to be "amoral" and Machiavellian, but the truth of the matter is: they work. And they have been working since the dawn of civilization. The paradoxical yet simple nature of our desire is beautifully captured by Rilke in his and I won't go into it, but we all want something hard to get, and we're all susceptible to mystery, in person or in story. This book makes full use of the properties of human desire to your own advantage.
Whoever denounces the book of manipulation,immorality, and other such nonsense is under a happy delusion about the world they live in. Look around you and you'll see - if you really see - under the facade of morality seethes selfishness, manipulation, and other "immoral" intentions and acts.
Manipulation is fine as long as the intention is good. As long as it doesn't end up hurting people for no good reason.
I'll stop my diatribe right there.
The point is, the book is highly useful and fascinating. Get this book and study it for better relationship management.
By letting you assume you're the one doing the manipulating, the author is playing on your own insecurities about how people perceive and judge you.
direct quotes from the book: "Disarm Through Strategic Weakness and Vulnerability" Why? Are you a Russian spy?
"Aim at secret wishes that have been thwarted or repressed, stirring up uncontrollable emotions, clouding their powers of reason. Lead the seduced to a point of confusion in which they can no longer tell the difference between illusion and reality."
You mean like they do to terrorists in interrogation rooms?
"Once isolated like this, they have no outside support, and in their confusion they are easily led astray. Lure the seduced into your lair, where nothing is familiar" Are you trying to love them or torture them for information?
Seriously, if anything in this book seems like a good idea, you'd be better off cooking yourself up a love potion or getting some voodoo dolls. because what you're looking for isn't a healthy relationship. It's a love spell.
Yon might not be looking for a partner, you might be looking for someone to stare in awe at you and give you nonstop compliments. A puppy will be perfect for the job!
I hated this book. It could have been tolerable if the author presented it more as a study and kept with the historical details and research. Instead he gives you a crash course on how to manipulate, use, and discard the "object, target, or victim" of your seduction. That language alone lets you see what the aim of the game is, and it is neither beautiful or lovely. It is heartless and calculating, heaven help the fools trapped by such overtly conniving people.
This book...is not pretty. Nor is it a light read. 500 pages written in the most miniscule font known to man...let's just say it takes a lot of effort.
My feelings on it are very mixed. Greene has clearly put a lot of effort into writing it, it's jam packed with extracts from loads of different books, besides embarrassing pretty much every celebrity the world has ever known. (lots of skeletons in the closet!)
So, if nothing else, it's an entertaining read. But the methods it suggests are at times far from humane. I get that the author is writing a guide to seduction, not a bedtime lullaby, so maybe it's stupid to expect the subject matter to be delicate. But even so, I feel like he could have been a bit more gentle about it. Basically, it made me rethink every belief I ever had about humankind. If people do this stuff to get their way (and then I think....what about me?! maybe I do it too?!) then we're not a very lovable species. Nor one to be trusted.
So...yeah. Read with caution. And think carefully before you do.
This was hilarious. Entertaining, insightful, somewhat informative, and absolutely ridiculous.
I'm sure there's lots of info in here that's valid and relevant, but a lot of it is a crock that reduces men and women to manipulators and the manipulated. More of a skim through, a what-kind-of-seductress-am-I figure outer, a book to read and compare your own seduction style to and laugh about. Not a book to be taken seriously.
A fascinating and well written book, but let's face it, the outlined tactics are those commonly employed by sociopaths.
Deliberately wounding, confusing, stone walling and gaslighting the chosen 'target' will result in at best, an emotionally damaged and highly insecure person. Sure, in such a state, it's easier to discard them when you are through with them. It's also easy to justify the discarding 'how could I continue with such a emotionally unstable person?'. But if, unlike the sociopath or psychopath, the would-be seducer does have a shred of conscience, living with the results and also the accumulated karma of such manipulative behaviour, would be highly unpleasant. In addition, it's all fakery. What real enjoyment or satisfaction can ever come of having fooled another person into loving you?
All in all a book for the desperate, the unscrupulous, and the empathy-devoid individuals of this world. Or perhaps, for those trying to avoid them (know your enemy).
A delicious, wicked book which offers insights into character types, and the art of manipulation. Humorous and Machiavellian, this book may shock and disturb you, and your perception of the way people are. This eclectic book is beautifully written and draws on folk tales, legends, fairy tales, literary figures, and history to illustrate situations and personality types. In essence, it is a study of exchange theory and power relations in interpersonal situations. The book offers advice on strategies that may be employed to snare one's object of desire, and the ruthlessness of theme was entertaining and made me laugh. Highly original, and controversial. Useful as a reference point for writers, too!