BOOK REVIEW: "The Art of Seduction" by Robert Greene

Marlimus

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The Art of Seduction: A book review by Marlimus

Stylishly and elegantly written, and punctuated with fascinating historical anecdotes, ( As a side note, it was intriguing to discover that Giovanni Casanova was a real person) this book was a pure pleasure to read for reading's sake, and should stand as a must-have, hard cover edition in any seducer's library. As manual, though, it has its flaws.

Some of the attitudes and techniques suggested reek of the AFC stench, in spite of how they are justified, such as charming a woman by getting her addicted to you as a source of validation by soothing her insecurities and tolerating her mood swings emotional abuse. Also, many of the anecdotes intended to support the rules and techniques proferred are fictional in origin, which means they are not even grounded in reality, but an author's interpretation of human nature.
The author himself never speaks in the first person or offers any indication of personal experience, which gives the impression that this ambitious text which aspires to be ranked alongside Sun Tzu's the Art of War and The Prince by Machiavelli, could have very well been written by a hopelessly antisocial geek who has no real experience, as opposed to a veteran of intrigue or a 5th century Chinese general and strategist.

The art of seduction frowns upon the cold approach implicitly, its very first rule being to approach indirectly so as to not cause suspicion. I could not help but scoff at this from personal experience.

It also completely fails to address fine points such as body language, tone of voice, actual 'openers,' routines and other details, but this is entirely excusable, and I will explain why shortly.

The Art of Seduction, in spite of its occasional references to fictional characters, its abscence of first person experiential proof, and its unwillingness to go into detail, is brilliant, invaluable and ultimately a must-read. However, be advised- this book works best for those who already have a certain amount of game.
The text approaches seduction from a long term perspective, arguing that the moment of climax is more explosive, the victory even sweeter, when the journey has been prolonged and tumultous. Thus, its method of seduction is psychological, and based on sound principles of human behavior, with references that range from Nietzche to Kierkergaard to Freud himself.

For example, one technique is to effect an Oedipal regression by acting out the role of her father. Another is to effect a Freudian-style transference by using conversation to make her relive powerful childhood emotions. The book is delightfully amoral. There are techniques and mindsets here unlike anything I have ever seen in the seduction community, ranging from natural seducer mindframes, to basic victim types, with startling and convincing depth.

For an existing, established DJ there are many times when reading this book when one will come across a particular law or technique, and you cannot help but laugh out loud and nod your head in agreement.

"The greatest mistake in seduction is being too nice. Though charming at first, it soon becomes monotonous."

"Give her a rollercoaster ride. Instead of taking her steadily upwards, provide startling twists and turns, and giver her devastating lows to plummet to, only to raise her back up again."

Another example is where it says that after every high you give a girl, inflict pain. Give her a reason to grieve or fume with anger.
The author asserts that a woman would sooner abandon one who bores her than one who infuriates her, and that the seducer should not be afraid that occasional harshness will drive her away. In general, "The Art" reiterates and explains in detail many of the fundamentals of seduction that we already know.

Because of the advanced, psychological slant of this text, it is ill-suited for AFC's or newly emerged Don Juans who have yet to master the basics. You will NOT find any openers, NLP routines or even Inner Game references anywhere. It is assumed that you already have these things under control, and does not hold your hand. Speaking of NeuroLinguisticProgramming, the book's suggestions of 'using the demonic power of words to sow confusion', 'poeticize your presence' and 'master the art of insinuation' ACTUALLY TEACH NLP unintentionally. It makes you realize that what Ross Jefferies teaches has been taught and practiced for hundreds of years.

CONCLUSION
The Art of Seduction is a masterpiece, but it is not all-inclusive. It assumes a minimal level of game and would give maximum benefit to those who are in a position to benefit from it. It is contradictory at times, and appears to support AFC behavior at times as part of a larger strategy. Its emphasis is long term, its virtue: patience. Take what you can use, and leave the rest.
If you are an AFC, this book will not help you, but you can keep reading it while you work on the more practial aspects of your game until you are ready. If you already have some game, get this book. Now

I give The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene a 10 out ot 10.

Marlimus
marlimus@hotmail.com
 

Marlimus

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Oh its worth the time, and as far as new knowledge goes, the art does not disappoint. The art of seduction only disappoints those who are interested in a quick fix, or short-term seduction.
 

B-Lemond

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I'm reading the "48 Laws of Power" by Robert Greene and it's excellent! It has somewhat to do with seduction, because like Greene says seduction is the ultimate power over anyone.
 

Marlimus

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bump, damnit
 

DrMetallica

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I loved the stories. I actually stopped at step number 1 or whatever, because I was so damn interested in the little story, I went on and read Les Liasons Dangerouses
 

rickyoj105

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This is a good book - certainaly very entertaining to read - but personally i'd take some sections with a pinch of salt. The section about being a rake seems to be simply a description of an AFC - a man who can't control his feelings and will do anything for a woman - the only difference is that a Rake will get bored with a woman and move on, while and AFC will move on. However, the majority of this book is useful and i would recommend it to all.
 

Marlimus

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I agree. That's why I say that there are parts that reek of AFC behavior. In many ways Giacomo Casanova behaves exactly like an AFC.

Plus, some of the characters are fictional
 

BlackJackal

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I have both 48 laws of Power and the Art of seduction. If you read both books, you'll find out that each book makes the other one make more sense. The Art of Seduction is not a how to pick up chicks book. And it doesn't just talk seducing women. But attracting consumers to your product, and make people believe in your cause and stuff like that.
 

B-Lemond

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Originally posted by BlackJackal
I have both 48 laws of Power and the Art of seduction. If you read both books, you'll find out that each book makes the other one make more sense. The Art of Seduction is not a how to pick up chicks book. And it doesn't just talk seducing women. But attracting consumers to your product, and make people believe in your cause and stuff like that.
Just like Robert Greene says: Seduction is the best form of Power.
 

Marlimus

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"Seduction is the best form of power"

I dunno man. Sometimes its good to have a couple armies in your belt.
 

guitaronfire411

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The books definitely do complement each other. At first, I wasn't overly impressed with the AoS after reading dozens of articles here. Then I came to the same conclusion as Marlimus: the stronger the foundation of your game, the more this book will be of some use to you.
 

Marlimus

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bump

David Deangelo recommended this book in one of his seminars
 

Egoist

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Originally posted by Marlimus
"Seduction is the best form of power"

I dunno man. Sometimes its good to have a couple armies in your belt.
DUDE!!!!

every great military leader "seduced" his armies! It's easy to assemble an army, its not so easy to inspire them to follow you into hell.

thats where seduction comes in ;)

every great leader is seductive to the people who follow him, just not in a sexual way.
 

Egoist

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Originally posted by guitaronfire411
The books definitely do complement each other. At first, I wasn't overly impressed with the AoS after reading dozens of articles here. Then I came to the same conclusion as Marlimus: the stronger the foundation of your game, the more this book will be of some use to you.
yes, the better your understanding of the world around you, the history, human nature, etc... the more you will get out of it.
 

Egoist

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speaking of war, Greene's new book is soon coming out, and its all about war stuff..

like 33 ways to win wars or something like that??

coming out this winter. cant wait. love his stuff.
 

Sp1kez

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Im about done reading this book and an important point to emphasize in this board is that: this book only tells you how to make a person fall in love with you OVER A LONG period of time, this is why it seems so AFCish. This only works if you can already pick up chicks and keep them as friends over time instead of just cutting contact after things go sour.(ex: NEXT! etc)

Good read though
 
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