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A review by rosietomyn
The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time by Maria Konnikova
5.0
The Confidence Game by Maria Konnikova was a very interesting, informative read. Konnikova addresses so much more than con artists in this book.
The con artists discussed are shared as examples for readers to not only better understand how cons work, but also how human nature pre-determines their success. She touches on the insecurities that lead some people to be more susceptible to even conning themselves -- constantly convincing one's self that a partner is something they have consistently proven themselves not to be, being positive one can be successful where others have not been - against all data, choosing to ignore warning signs because it's more comfortable than the acknowledgement they were wrong before. A very fascinating discussion about how social and emotional comfort in decision making.
My only frustration, and it was minor, was how the con stories are split up and sprinkled about. I understand the choice -- to highlight specific cons and reasons they work -- but it made reading about that history less satisfying.
Overall, a very interesting read! I will be thinking about it for a long while.
The con artists discussed are shared as examples for readers to not only better understand how cons work, but also how human nature pre-determines their success. She touches on the insecurities that lead some people to be more susceptible to even conning themselves -- constantly convincing one's self that a partner is something they have consistently proven themselves not to be, being positive one can be successful where others have not been - against all data, choosing to ignore warning signs because it's more comfortable than the acknowledgement they were wrong before. A very fascinating discussion about how social and emotional comfort in decision making.
My only frustration, and it was minor, was how the con stories are split up and sprinkled about. I understand the choice -- to highlight specific cons and reasons they work -- but it made reading about that history less satisfying.
Overall, a very interesting read! I will be thinking about it for a long while.