Robert Greene became famous with "The 48 Laws of Power". In his second book, "The Art of Seduction", the writer explores social power from the perspective of seduction. Enticing someone is not only done for the prerogative of romance, intimacy, or sensuality. Politics thrive with allurement, cajolery, manipulation, power, and inducement. The narrative outlines 9 types of seducers and 18 types of prey. The author illustrates his statements with well-known historical figures to uphold the psychology behind his reasoning and suggests 24 seduction methods. This all might seem a tad... brutal if one estimates that the human psyche gleams with power and that everything can be resumed to a zero-sum game. However, a victim cannot become one without its consent. The follower of a certain political leader for example is not being "forced" to be gullible. It's his/her personal decision to do so. That person knows about being duped and still supports said ruler. I recommend reading this book to become more aware of the multiple ways of seducing and being seduced, at different times of our lives. Some of us have that innate capability to tempt and beguile others, mentally and/or physically, whether conscious or unconscious. You can learn to harness that ability and choose what you want to do with it. Because as Greene summarizes it: "When our emotions are engaged, we often have trouble seeing things as they are"... So this short read can in fact help you not be taken by surprise next time another person will be trying, directly or indirectly, to deceive you!
