The Art of Seduction

Penguin, 2003

15 min read

10 take-aways

Audio & text

What's inside?

To persuade, you must seduce. And what is the secret of seduction? Come closer...

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Comprehensive
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Recommendation

As is only appropriate, this small volume is sleek and appealing, with a glossy cover that draws the eye. It begs to be opened. Go ahead - the reward is a bonbon box full of clever diversions that might be handy if you use them right, a bit naughty if you don't, and even slyly humorous if you catch the whiff of satire. The text is broken into small - dare one say it, intimate? - morsels that you can read in stolen snatches of time. Author Robert Greene's observations on how to seduce (that is, persuade) are bordered with quotations from authors, philosophers and lovers, all offering entertaining support. However, potential seducers should note two key points. First, while Greene delivers his advice in terms of sexual seduction, if you are careful and interpretative, you may be able to apply pieces of it to general persuasion, including in business. On the downside, many of his techniques are pointedly sexy, over-the-top, amoral or manipulative. getAbstract thus recommends this book to those who study human nature for its own sake and for fun; those who will apply or modify any techniques to attain power over others; or those with the self-discipline to glean the gems, but turn away from taking unethical or illegal advantage.

Summary

Approaches to Seduction

Every day people try to gain power over you. They threaten, argue and coax, but you usually resist. When do you go along? When do you allow someone else to guide you or even help someone else take charge? When you think you're in love, of course.

If you can turn this process around and get another person to fall in love with you, really or metaphorically, you gain great persuasive power. The first step is to acknowledge the potential power involved. The second step is to focus on the person you're trying to seduce. The third step is to treat seduction as a process you can - and must - manage. While you must draw on your inner character, you can't just "be yourself" and hope to persuade. Instead, manage yourself and who you are in the eyes of those you would seduce.

Start by selecting the right person to seduce. Find someone who has time to give in to emotion, especially someone who responds to you and to whom you respond. Follow the flush of desire. Once you select someone, create a sense of vulnerability. Play with the person, leading him or her into showing greater interest by allowing "unexpected" contact. Be seen often, but at a distance...

About the Author

Robert Greene is a former editor at Esquire magazine and is the author of 48 Laws of Power. He has a degree in classical studies.

Robert Greene

The Art of Seduction

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