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A review by hades9stages
The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene
1.0
Actually awful. Robert Greene is an author known for his “provocative” and “controversial” books, often delving into themes of power, manipulation, and strategy. The Art of Seduction explores the “tactics” and psychology behind seduction throughout history, by drawing from historical examples, literature, and psychology to present “different types of seducers”and their methods, aiming to dissect the art of persuasion and manipulation.
Greene gained notoriety with his earlier book, The 48 Laws of Power, which I have (luckily) yet to read, but I’m aware that it is known for its cynical and Machiavellian approach to achieving success. In a similar vein, The Art of Seduction delves into strategies for gaining control, influence, and advantage over others, using seduction as a tool for manipulation.
What could go wrong.
Sigh.
The book simply glorifies manipulative behaviour. By boiling relationships and sexuality down to extreme power dynamics and defiance. Greene masters the art of reinforcing ancient gender stereotypes, rambling non stop about “seductive archetypes”, most of which are based on historical figures or literary characters.
Greene’s seductive archetypes, such as the Siren, the Rake, the Ideal Lover, the Charmer, and the Natural, each embody distinct characteristics and employ different strategies to captivate and manipulate their targets. By analysing these archetypes, the book aims to provide insights into the art of persuasion, manipulation, and influence.
The historical examples and anecdotes used in the book consistently romanticise problematic behaviors and relationships, overlooking the impact of power imbalances and coercion, and reducing the seducer’s (usually a woman, let’s be honest) value to their appearance and seductive abilities, rather than respecting them as equals, humans with thoughts, feelings, opinions, who are able to feel pleasure and love- and also, very possibly, could be victims themselves.
How can one be completely lacking any acknowledgment of consent and ethical behavior within relationships and sex. The book's emphasis on manipulation and control, without addressing the importance of mutual respect and consent, is dangerous.
The book suggests that seduction involves understanding human psychology, exploiting weaknesses, and controlling emotions to achieve desired outcomes. It emphasises the importance of creating an illusion, mastering the art of allure, and using charisma and charm to manipulate perceptions and emotions.
It encourages readers to adopt a strategic approach to achieve their goals by understanding and implementing various seductive tactics outlined in the book.
Greene's book fails to address the importance of genuine communication, emotional intelligence, and mutual understanding in fostering healthy and respectful relationships. Instead, it emphasises tactics that focus on exploiting vulnerabilities and controlling emotions, which can perpetuate harmful power dynamics. WHY. I see absolutely no reason why this book ever needed to be written.
Its promotion of manipulative and exploitative strategies, perpetuation of gender stereotypes, and its potential to encourage unhealthy power dynamics and unethical behavior within relationships, is sickening. The book's approach is detrimental to fostering genuine, respectful, and equal relationships between individuals.
(Please forgive my constant repetition of words and stuff, I tried many times to word this review better but for now, I can not.)
Do not follow this book.
Consent and respect and trust is sexier.
Greene gained notoriety with his earlier book, The 48 Laws of Power, which I have (luckily) yet to read, but I’m aware that it is known for its cynical and Machiavellian approach to achieving success. In a similar vein, The Art of Seduction delves into strategies for gaining control, influence, and advantage over others, using seduction as a tool for manipulation.
What could go wrong.
Sigh.
The book simply glorifies manipulative behaviour. By boiling relationships and sexuality down to extreme power dynamics and defiance. Greene masters the art of reinforcing ancient gender stereotypes, rambling non stop about “seductive archetypes”, most of which are based on historical figures or literary characters.
Greene’s seductive archetypes, such as the Siren, the Rake, the Ideal Lover, the Charmer, and the Natural, each embody distinct characteristics and employ different strategies to captivate and manipulate their targets. By analysing these archetypes, the book aims to provide insights into the art of persuasion, manipulation, and influence.
The historical examples and anecdotes used in the book consistently romanticise problematic behaviors and relationships, overlooking the impact of power imbalances and coercion, and reducing the seducer’s (usually a woman, let’s be honest) value to their appearance and seductive abilities, rather than respecting them as equals, humans with thoughts, feelings, opinions, who are able to feel pleasure and love- and also, very possibly, could be victims themselves.
How can one be completely lacking any acknowledgment of consent and ethical behavior within relationships and sex. The book's emphasis on manipulation and control, without addressing the importance of mutual respect and consent, is dangerous.
The book suggests that seduction involves understanding human psychology, exploiting weaknesses, and controlling emotions to achieve desired outcomes. It emphasises the importance of creating an illusion, mastering the art of allure, and using charisma and charm to manipulate perceptions and emotions.
It encourages readers to adopt a strategic approach to achieve their goals by understanding and implementing various seductive tactics outlined in the book.
Greene's book fails to address the importance of genuine communication, emotional intelligence, and mutual understanding in fostering healthy and respectful relationships. Instead, it emphasises tactics that focus on exploiting vulnerabilities and controlling emotions, which can perpetuate harmful power dynamics. WHY. I see absolutely no reason why this book ever needed to be written.
Its promotion of manipulative and exploitative strategies, perpetuation of gender stereotypes, and its potential to encourage unhealthy power dynamics and unethical behavior within relationships, is sickening. The book's approach is detrimental to fostering genuine, respectful, and equal relationships between individuals.
(Please forgive my constant repetition of words and stuff, I tried many times to word this review better but for now, I can not.)
Do not follow this book.
Consent and respect and trust is sexier.