Imagine being an American military pilot in the 1950s, seated in the cockpit of a sleek, jet-powered plane. Every dial, every lever, every control panel has been meticulously designed—for someone else. This wasn’t an oversight or a manufacturing error. It was the deliberate product of designing for the “average” pilot—a mythical figure that turned out to represent no one at all. The result? American pilots performed worse than their less technologically advanced opponents, dying at a much higher rate as a result.
This real-life dilemma, vividly recounted in Todd Rose’s The End of Average, is just one example of how designing for averages has consistently failed us—in aviation, education, business, and beyond. But this isn’t just about planes or students or job candidates. It’s about you and me. Every time we’re measured, assessed, or categorized by metrics built on averages, our individuality is erased, and opportunities for our unique potential are missed.
Todd Rose argues it’s time to overthrow the tyranny of the average and embrace the principles of individuality—a concept that has profound implications for personal growth, hiring, education, and even how we live our daily lives. In this review, I’ll share why The End of Average is a book that could change the way you see yourself and others—and why it matters for the work I do, helping people and organizations unlock their potential by embracing what makes them distinct.
The Problem with “Average” Thinking
At its heart, The End of Average dismantles a deeply ingrained belief: that the “average” is a reliable guide for understanding people. Rose demonstrates how this thinking has shaped everything from our schools to our workplaces, often with harmful results. He starts with a striking story: in the 1950s, Air Force cockpits were designed based on the average measurements of pilots. Yet, as Lieutenant Gilbert S. Daniels discovered, not a single one of the thousands of pilots he measured matched the so-called “average” dimensions. The solution? Adjustable cockpits that embraced individual variability—a design philosophy that not only improved performance but also saved lives.
This lesson, Rose argues, has far-reaching implications. Whether it’s standardized tests labeling students as “bad at math” or job applicants dismissed for lacking a degree while possessing the skills, we’ve all been boxed in by systems built for mythical averages. Rose’s central message is clear: no one is average. And when we measure people as if they are, we do them—and society—a profound disservice.
The Jaggedness Principle: Why You’re More Than a Single Metric
One of the book’s most compelling concepts is the “jaggedness principle.” Human abilities—whether physical, intellectual, or emotional—are multidimensional and rarely correlate neatly. For example, a student may excel in creative problem-solving while struggling with rote memorization. Does that make them “below average”? Rose says no—it makes them jagged, and our systems need to account for this complexity.
Rose illustrates this principle by telling the story of Norma, which was a project developed by Dr Robert Latou Dickinson. He took the measurements of numerous women, averaged them together, and then had artist Abram Belskie sculpt a figure based on them. When they ran a contest to find the American woman that best fit Norma’s size, they only really came up with one person (Martha Skidmore), and even she did not match all of the averages.
Additionally, Rose argues that our reliance on averages in evaluating students and job candidates can lead to inappropriate ranking and labeling, resulting in a disservice to individuals who may excel in certain areas but not others. He illustrates how this average-based thinking can lead to students being labeled as “bad at math” or job candidates being rejected for not finishing their final class, despite having all the needed knowledge and skills for the job.
A Call to Rethink Everything
From education to hiring, Rose argues that designing for individuality isn’t just the right thing to do—it’s also the smart thing. Schools that customize learning pathways see better engagement. Companies that hire for potential, not pedigree, outperform their competitors. And individuals who embrace their jagged profiles are more likely to thrive, not just succeed.
This idea is a game-changer for anyone looking to break free from limiting labels, build better teams, or foster innovation in their organizations. Rose doesn’t just critique the status quo; he offers a roadmap to a more inclusive and effective future. And while the book is light on specific prescriptions, that’s part of its power—it invites you to apply its principles to your own challenges and opportunities.
Strengths and Weaknesses: A Balanced Perspective
What makes The End of Average truly stand out is its blend of powerful storytelling and compelling data. Todd Rose masterfully illustrates abstract concepts through engaging examples like the Air Force cockpit story and the tale of “Norma,” the mythical average woman whose measurements became a misguided ideal. These anecdotes bring his arguments to life, making the book not just thought-provoking but also deeply relatable.
That said, the book isn’t without its limitations. Critics might point to Rose’s tendency to lean more on diagnosis than prescription. While he’s brilliant at exposing the flaws in average-based thinking, his guidance on how to implement the principles of individuality can feel broad. For readers seeking a step-by-step manual, this may be frustrating. But for me, this ambiguity works in the book’s favor—it invites readers to think critically and adapt the principles to their own unique contexts.
Another challenge lies in the book’s data presentation. At times, the storytelling overshadows the rigor of the research, which may leave analytically minded readers wishing for more nuance. But for a general audience, this trade-off makes the book approachable and impactful.
Why This Book Matters to My Work—and Yours
Reading The End of Average was a revelation, not just as a reader but as a professional deeply invested in unlocking human potential. My work revolves around helping people and organizations embrace their unique strengths and find innovative solutions to their challenges. Rose’s ideas affirm what I’ve seen time and again: when we let go of rigid, average-based frameworks, we unlock extraordinary possibilities.
For example, in organizations, designing teams or strategies around the assumption of uniformity often leads to missed opportunities and disengagement. By embracing individuality—whether through personalized learning programs, flexible hiring criteria, or adaptive workflows—we create environments where people can thrive. This is not just theory; it’s a tangible, actionable philosophy that can transform workplaces, schools, and communities.
Take the Next Step
If you’ve ever felt trapped by labels, undervalued because you didn’t fit a mold, or frustrated by systems that seem to miss the point—you need to read this book. The End of Average will challenge you to rethink how you evaluate others and, more importantly, how you evaluate yourself. It’s not just a book; it’s an invitation to be part of a movement toward a more individualized, inclusive, and effective future.
I’m passionate about exploring how these ideas intersect with our daily lives and work. If you enjoyed this review, subscribe to my writing for more insights, book reviews, and strategies for embracing individuality in life and business. Follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m reading and share your thoughts on the books that inspire you.
Some that read this know that I read a lot of books, almost 150 last year and a little over 180 the year before.
Profit First is my first 5-star book of the year. To me, 5 stars means that everyone should read it, not just people that are interested in this topic. I enjoyed the whole book. The topic is meaningful. It’s presented in an approachable and understandable manner, and if you listen to the audio version, I think hearing it from Mike himself adds an element that I believe I might feel is missing if I went to the written word version.
The Fundamentals of Profit First
The basic idea behind Profit First is that many businesses budget ineffectively and would be better served by budgeting for their profit (and as the book explains, several other things) immediately upon receipt of funds rather than for example waiting until the end of a month, quarter, or year and hoping that there is some money left in the bank account that we can call profit. Mike makes the argument that businesses should determine how much they want to allocate to profit (and again, other things as well such as operating expenses, taxes, etc) and then have those funds immediately–and ideally automagically–sequestered into bank accounts dedicated to each specific use.
In the book, Mike points out that many businesses think of their money management like this:
Sales – Expenses = Profit.
When, they should think of it like this:
Sales – Profit = Expenses
There are numerous arguments for this, all of which I found compelling, but the one I will share is that business owners often put in the investment of blood, sweat, tears, time, heartbreak, anxiety, etc and then also typically take home the smallest paycheck. If you are putting in all of that effort, and especially when you are commonly the most valuable employee that will work nights, weekends, and whatever else without thinking twice about it, you deserve the benefit of knowing you’re going to get paid.
Many business owners object to this initially in that they feel that you have to make investments to grow and so on or that they cannot afford to set aside profit first because they won’t be able to pay for other things, but instinctively, I align with Mike’s argument that–if you can’t afford it–you don’t have a viable business. And, one of the things you need to be able to afford is profit.
You can have $100 million per year running through your business, and maybe you impact a lot of people because of that, but if you can’t take home a profit because your expenses eat up everything, can we really call you successful? Even if you say that you’ll make up the money when you sell, think about what will happen when someone buys your business. If the profit margins aren’t there, they are going to have to make some changes in order to recoup their investment, and it’s easier to cut from the bottom line than it is to grow the top line generally, so whoever buys your business will simply do some of the things that you should have done in the first place in order to make your business more profitable.
Why wait? Why not make your business more profitable today and enjoy the benefits that go along with creating opportunities, giving people jobs, realizing a mission, working for yourself, and more?
Odds and Ends
Most of the books I go through are audiobooks, and Mike calls out in the audio version of this book that he has added some things that you won’t get in the paper or ebook version. Having not seen the written word version, I cannot say for sure, but it seemed pretty obvious what the additions were, and I enjoyed them, so I suggest the audio version. I also enjoyed that Mike read it himself. It’s nice to hear the intonation and energy he brought to his own book.
Note: These are the best books I read, not the best books that I read that came out in 2022. I typically read books in order of publication date, and my list of books to read as of this writing stands at 265. So when I add a new book that was published in let’s say 2010, I’m going to end up reading it before a book that has been on my list longer, but was published in 2015. So, if you’re looking for my opinion on the best books of 2022, maybe come back in a year or two.
I started to get serious with tracking my reading in Goodreads a few years ago. In recent years, I’ve read a substantial amount. This is due in large part to the fact that I tend to have 3-5 hours every morning before work in which I can listen to audiobooks. So between doing that at double speed, reading the occasional ebook and paper book, and reading to my children every night, I’ve gotten a few pages put away over time. Last year, it was 184 books and over 63,000 pages. This year, 146 books and over 50,000 pages so far.
The New Common Denominator of Success is a speech given by Albert E.N. Gray numerous times throughout his career. You can actually find the speech online for free if you just search for it.
I first read it online and then was motivated to purchase a copy because I felt it was so powerful.
One of the key concepts in Gray’s speech is that there are things in our jobs that no one likes doing. If you are–like Gray–a salesperson, you very likely do not enjoy cold calling or following up with unresponsive leads. One of the primary things that separates successful from unsuccessful people though is that successful people do the things that are hard, the things that they do not like to do, because they know that is what it takes to succeed.
In essence, this is similar to the 10,000 hours of deliberate practice idea popularized by Malcolm Gladwell. The very top echelon of people in any field might actually spend less time practicing their craft, but they are more deliberate and they do the things that are hard because they know that is what it requires to achieve their goals.
Gray’s speech takes maybe 10 minutes to read and is a great way to communicate what success requires.
The name speaks to the central argument, which is that the growth of communications, civilizations, and even globalization to some extent create value and accelerate value creation. For example, when you live in a village of 150 people and have no communications or trade with people outside, you benefit only from the knowledge, thinking, innovation, work, etc of those 150 people. But when your 150-person village communicates and trades with the next 150-person village, you benefit from the fact that they can produce and sell something to you for cheaper than you can produce it, that some of their people might develop an innovation that you could not have come up with on your own, and more.
Fundamentally, this is a history book that argues that there is a non-zero-sumness to human development that results in greater and faster transformations of everything from technology to morality and beyond.
Competing Against Luck is not as intriguing of a book as those above, but you should read it simply because it introduces Jobs to Be Done research, or what they call Jobs Theory quite a bit in the book.
Jobs Theory posits that every product is a service because people do not buy a product because they want to own that product. They buy a product because it does something for them. Or, as Harvard Professor Theodore Levitt put it, “People don’t want to buy a quarter-inch drill. They want a quarter-inch hole!”
Ultimately, when you connect with people on the job they need to get done rather than for example features, benefits, personas, or any other common marketing, sales, and strategy frameworks, you can better succeed in selling your product or service because people need hydration, they need to feel like others want to look at or be them, they need to make their children happy. They don’t simply need water bottles, fancy watches/clothes/cars, or McDonald’s milkshakes simply to own them. They have a job they need the product to help them get done.
The core of the argument is that we often fail to change because we misdiagnose the challenges we face as needing technical rather than adaptive solutions.
For example, every year in the United States, millions of people commit to lose weight in the New Year, and on average 107% of the weight that is lost is gained back. So if you and your family all lose 100 pounds, you as a collective gain back 107 pounds.
The reason for this is that most people that commit to change identify the solution as a technical one. For example, Lose Weight = Don’t Eat M&Ms or Go On The Mediterranean Diet. For the hustle bros, it might be Become A Success = Take Cold Showers.
The reality of many things that are difficult to change though is that our behavior (eg. an unhealthy diet or lifestyle) likely gives us benefits that we might not recognize. As in, perhaps you hate your job, but cannot find another one, and you and your spouse disagree on how to parent your children and are not getting along well as a result. So everyday when you get home from work, you don’t want to fight anymore. Your day was already terrible, so you open a 6-pack, grab a bucket of KFC, and sit in front of the TV for a few hours–while your children run wild in the background–before you eventually fall asleep and repeat the cycle the next day.
In this case, what is your unhealthy lifestyle doing for you? It might be helping you find some peace and relaxation that you need as a result of not getting it in other places. So, you can say you’re going to start running or eating healthy or whatever else, but as soon as you have that next bad day and you find yourself needing some peace and relaxation, you will go back to the unhealthy lifestyle.
To solve problems like this, you need not a technical solution like Do X or Don’t Do Y, but rather an adaptive solution that takes into account the needs your behavior serves. In the example above, you would need to find a solution that helps you still get that peace and relaxation while also serving the desire to lose weight.
At work, if you’ve ever tried to guide someone that was a bad communicator or couldn’t stick to deadlines and found that they just wouldn’t change no matter how much they said they would, it is likely because they needed an adaptive rather than technical solution.
Alan Fine is the co-creator of the G.R.O.W. model, which was initially developed based on Timothy Gallwey’s Inner Game. The basic concept is that most guidance is provided from the outside in. Coaches and bosses say, “Next time the client talks to you like that, do this.” As in, “I (someone or something outside of you) know better than you do, so listen to me.” So rather than focusing on what you know and how you feel when you’re in the arena performing, you’re instead trying to think about what someone else told you and how and when to use that information. Instead, the G.R.O.W. model takes an inside out approach in that it asks the performer to focus on what they already know, feel, and experience and to use that to improve their performance.
For example, rather than telling a colleague that delivers a bad report, “Just do it like this next time,” I might ask them what they notice when reports go well or poorly and then have them focus on the things that they do when the repots go well so that they can improve and accentuate those.
Using this model helps to shift responsibility for success and failure from the coach to the performer and is a powerful way to get people motivated about change and improvement.
Free is an excellent discussion of the move to freemium, open source, and all around free products.
Best Quote
Piracy happens when the marketplace realizes that the marginal cost of reproduction and distribution of a product is significantly lower than the price asked. In other words, the only thing propping up the price is the law protecting intellectual property. If you break the law, the price can fall, sometimes all the way to zero.
Review
I really enjoyed Chris Anderson’s Free. It jibed with what I feel has been a predominant change in many markets. At the same time though, I have read several biting critiques of the book and been told by an equal number of people, “That’s crap,” so apparently, the market is divided on this book.
For my part, I do not see it as particularly difficult to swallow that companies are able to offer something free because the unit cost is essentially so low that it’s not worth tracking anymore or because the value of the growth they get for being free can be traded for something like advertising revenue or the revenue from a complimentary, non-free product. Nonetheless, many of the critiques that I have read seem to not be able to draw the distinction between free and non-free products from one company. For example, Anderson talks about how Google can offer free services – search, YouTube, etc – and monetize the eyeballs on the free product with advertising dollars. Most of the criticism leveled at Free appears to be of the “if you’re not the customer, you’re the product being sold” type, which makes sense, but seems inappropriate here.
Last Word
I would recommend this book to anyone in business, but also anyone that is interested in how societies, markets, and the world change. I really like The Long Tail, and I think that Free is better. I believe you will too.
Does mastering the art of seduction make you a better leader—or just a more effective manipulator? Robert Greene’s The Art of Seduction is a provocative exploration of influence, power, and the subtle psychological dynamics that govern human relationships. Blending historical anecdotes with bold strategies, Greene positions seduction not merely as a romantic tool but as a broader mechanism for persuasion. Yet, I was left with this question: Can these lessons elevate your ability to connect with others, or do they risk encouraging a manipulative mindset?
This review dives deep into the book’s lessons, highlighting its strengths, uncovering its ethical quandaries, and exploring its practical applications. By the end, you’ll know whether The Art of Seduction deserves a place on your shelf—or if it’s a title best skipped in favor of Greene’s more universally applicable works like The 48 Laws of Power. Let’s untangle the allure of this book and uncover whether it truly delivers on its promise to teach the ultimate art of influence.
Who Is This Book For, and When Should You Read It?
Robert Greene’s The Art of Seduction isn’t for everyone, but for the right reader, it offers insight into human nature and influence. If you’re an aspiring pickup artist, this book might feel like a goldmine of strategies. I am however not in that group. For those like me interested in broader applications, such as business or professional networking, the value is more nuanced, requiring a discerning eye to extract lessons that go beyond the realm of romantic manipulation.
Who?
Aspiring Pickup Artists: Those looking to enhance their romantic appeal and charisma.
Power Players and Strategists: Professionals aiming to refine their ability to persuade and influence others in business or leadership.
History Enthusiasts: Readers who enjoy learning through vivid historical examples of power and intrigue.
When?
Early in Your Career: If you’re just beginning to explore the dynamics of influence and persuasion, this book provides a foundational understanding—albeit one skewed toward romantic seduction.
In College or Young Adulthood: Particularly for readers who find the archetypes and strategies applicable to personal relationships or creative ventures.
While Greene weaves an engaging narrative filled with historical figures and timeless lessons, it’s important to approach this book with clear intentions. If you’re looking to sharpen your professional skills, you may find yourself wading through a heavy emphasis on romance that doesn’t always align with the modern workplace. That said, those who sift through these sections may uncover principles of persuasion that are applicable far beyond the confines of seduction.
Why Read The Art of Seduction? (WIIFM: What’s In It For Me?)
The Art of Seduction promises a fascinating dive into the psychology of influence, seduction, and power. But does it deliver on its promise? For readers willing to navigate its romantic-heavy themes, Greene’s work offers a treasure trove of insights into human nature—if you know where to look.
What Makes It Worthwhile?
Historical Depth: Greene excels at weaving together stories from history, featuring figures like Cleopatra, Casanova, and Napoleon, to illustrate his strategies. These narratives add richness to the text, making it more than just a self-help manual—they offer lessons rooted in real-world outcomes.
Psychological Insights: The book delves into how people’s emotions and desires drive their actions. Greene outlines how to tap into these drives through archetypes and strategies that blend observation with action.
Universal Principles: Beneath the surface, Greene presents ideas about human connection that apply to more than romance. Concepts like building intrigue, playing to others’ desires, and creating emotional resonance are just as relevant in professional settings.
The Caveats
While the book shines in its storytelling and psychological depth, there are aspects that can detract from its value:
Romantic Bias: A large portion of the book is dedicated to romantic seduction, which may alienate readers looking for insights into broader influence.
Ethical Concerns: Some strategies flirt with manipulation, making it essential for readers to approach the material critically.
Practicality for Modern Readers: Not all lessons translate seamlessly into today’s workplace or social settings, especially for those prioritizing authentic relationships over calculated influence.
Who Will Benefit Most?
If you’re intrigued by the psychology of persuasion and enjoy learning through historical case studies, The Art of Seduction delivers in spades. However, if you’re looking for actionable advice tailored to modern leadership or business, this may not be your first pick.
Ultimately, what you gain from this book depends on your ability to filter its content through your own ethical lens. If you’re willing to engage with its ideas critically, you may find surprising lessons that transcend its romantic facade.
A Closer Look at the Content: Themes, Archetypes, and Lessons
At its heart, The Art of Seduction unpacks the art and science of influence by exploring both the psychology and tactics of seduction. Greene divides his work into two main parts: the seductive archetypes and the seductive process. Together, they form a roadmap for captivating, influencing, and persuading others—though the tone and context often lean heavily toward romantic manipulation.
Key Themes
Seduction as Power: Greene positions seduction as a form of soft power—an alternative to force or authority that operates by appealing to emotions and desires. He argues that understanding seduction makes one more adept at navigating relationships, whether personal or professional.
The Interplay of Desire and Control: Much of Greene’s philosophy hinges on the balance between sparking desire and maintaining control. The strategies he outlines are designed to create intrigue, cultivate dependency, and subtly guide others toward your goals.
The Seductive Archetypes
In the first section, Greene introduces several archetypes, each representing a distinct style of seduction. These figures provide a framework for understanding how seduction works and how to adapt it to different contexts:
The Siren: Charismatic and alluring, the Siren captivates through charm and magnetism.
The Rake: Intensely passionate, this archetype wins hearts by pursuing their targets relentlessly.
The Charmer: Masterful at creating harmony, the Charmer knows how to disarm others with warmth and kindness.
The Enigma: Mysterious and elusive, the Enigma keeps others intrigued by remaining unpredictable.
Each archetype is illustrated with historical examples, from Cleopatra’s mesmerizing appeal to Casanova’s relentless pursuit. While these characters provide vivid lessons, they also highlight the book’s focus on romantic contexts, which may feel limiting for readers seeking professional insights.
The Seductive Process
The second part of the book focuses on the steps involved in seduction, from setting the stage to cementing influence. These stages include:
Creating Intrigue: Drawing others in by being mysterious or appealing to their curiosity.
Building Emotional Connections: Playing to others’ desires and needs, often by mirroring their mood or indulging their interests.
Cultivating Dependency: Encouraging others to rely on your presence and attention.
Sealing the Connection: Ensuring loyalty or compliance through moments of shared intimacy or understanding.
Strengths of the Content
Rich Historical Context: Greene’s use of historical figures to illustrate his points makes the book both educational and entertaining. These examples give his strategies a timeless quality, grounding them in real-world success stories.
Psychological Depth: The book provides a nuanced exploration of how human emotions and desires can be influenced, making it a valuable resource for anyone looking to better understand interpersonal dynamics.
Weaknesses of the Content
Overemphasis on Romance: Many of the examples and strategies focus on romantic seduction, making the book feel less relevant to readers seeking professional or platonic applications.
Ethical Concerns: Some strategies can come across as manipulative or exploitative, particularly when Greene encourages emotional dependency or control. Readers must approach the material with a critical eye.
Relevance in Modern Contexts: While the historical examples are compelling, they can feel disconnected from today’s workplace dynamics, where authenticity often trumps calculated influence.
Despite these limitations, the book provides a fascinating lens through which to view seduction as a universal tool for influence. Whether or not readers embrace all of Greene’s advice, the themes and archetypes he presents remain thought-provoking and ripe for adaptation in various contexts.
Personal Reflections: A Balanced Perspective
Reading The Art of Seduction by Robert Greene left me with mixed feelings—fascination at its depth of research and storytelling, but also discomfort with its overemphasis on manipulation and romantic seduction. As someone drawn to books for professional and personal growth, I couldn’t help but feel this book falls short in offering practical guidance for those seeking influence beyond the realm of romance.
What Resonated
Greene’s ability to distill complex psychological dynamics into accessible lessons is undeniable. His detailed exploration of archetypes, like The Charmer or The Enigma, offered valuable insights into different styles of influence and how they can be tailored to various situations. The historical anecdotes were particularly compelling, providing both entertainment and an understanding of how these principles have been applied successfully in the past.
Additionally, Greene’s writing shines in its ability to highlight the subtleties of human interaction. Concepts like mirroring someone’s mood or creating intrigue through calculated mystery are universally applicable. If approached thoughtfully, these lessons can be adapted to modern contexts, such as professional networking or leadership.
What Fell Flat
For me, the book’s heavy emphasis on romantic seduction overshadowed its broader applications. While Greene occasionally gestures toward professional settings, the romantic lens is ever-present, making it difficult to extract lessons for business or leadership without significant reinterpretation. At times, the tone even felt exploitative, like a handbook for manipulation rather than genuine connection.
The ethical implications of some strategies also gave me pause. Encouraging emotional dependency or indulging someone’s whims to gain influence may achieve short-term results but could easily erode trust in the long run. As someone who values authentic connections, I found myself questioning whether these tactics align with modern relationship-building practices, both personally and professionally.
Final Thoughts on Greene’s Style
Greene’s work is undeniably engaging, but it often feels like style over substance. While the book is rich in examples and historical context, it lacks a clear framework for translating these lessons into actionable, ethical strategies for the reader. Compared to his other works, like The 48 Laws of Power, The Art of Seduction feels narrower in scope and less relevant to a modern audience.
Would I recommend it? That depends. If you’re a history buff or intrigued by the psychology of persuasion, there’s value to be found here. But for anyone looking for practical, actionable insights into influence—especially in professional contexts—I’d recommend Greene’s other books first.
Actionable Takeaways: Applying The Art of Seduction in Modern Life
Despite its romantic-heavy focus, The Art of Seduction offers lessons that can be thoughtfully adapted to modern contexts. Below are some actionable takeaways for applying Greene’s principles in ethical and practical ways—whether you’re looking to refine your professional influence, improve interpersonal dynamics, or simply gain a deeper understanding of human behavior.
Understand the Power of Archetypes
Greene’s archetypes—such as The Charmer, The Siren, and The Enigma—illustrate different ways people can wield influence.
Modern Application:
In professional settings, embody The Charmer by using warmth and harmony to create trust and collaboration.
Adopt The Enigma’s air of mystery in negotiations by keeping some cards close to your chest, sparking curiosity without revealing everything at once.
Build Emotional Resonance
A key theme in Greene’s book is connecting with others by understanding their desires and adapting to their emotional states.
Modern Application:
Practice active listening in conversations to understand what motivates others.
Mirror a colleague’s or client’s mood to create rapport without being disingenuous.
Cultivate Intrigue
Greene emphasizes the importance of creating an aura of mystery to draw people in and maintain their attention.
Modern Application:
In professional storytelling or presentations, share just enough to pique curiosity, then let your audience ask questions or engage further.
On social media or in personal branding, be intentional about what you reveal, creating a sense of anticipation around your expertise or offerings.
Avoid Manipulation and Foster Authenticity
Many of Greene’s strategies, such as cultivating dependency or playing to someone’s narcissism, can feel ethically dubious. Instead, focus on influence strategies that prioritize mutual benefit and trust.
Modern Application:
Use seduction principles like charm and intrigue to enhance authentic relationships, not to manipulate.
Be transparent about your intentions to build trust and long-term rapport.
Take a Selective Approach
Not every principle in The Art of Seduction is applicable—or advisable—in today’s social and professional dynamics. Learn to separate the timeless lessons from the outdated or overly manipulative ones.
Modern Application:
Focus on Greene’s lessons about understanding people’s motivations and crafting compelling narratives.
Skip the tactics that rely on creating emotional dependence or exploiting vulnerabilities.
Final Note on Practicality
The lessons in The Art of Seduction work best when adapted thoughtfully. Rather than seeing the book as a strict guide, view it as a collection of ideas to explore and reinterpret in ways that align with your personal values and professional goals. By doing so, you can harness the art of influence without compromising authenticity or trust.
Final Verdict: Should You Read The Art of Seduction?
Robert Greene’s The Art of Seduction is a polarizing book—provocative, insightful, and at times, unsettling. It offers a fascinating exploration of influence through the lens of seduction, blending historical anecdotes with strategies designed to captivate and persuade. But whether or not it’s worth your time depends largely on what you’re hoping to gain from it.
Who Will Enjoy This Book?
If you’re a fan of historical storytelling or intrigued by the psychological dynamics of influence, this book is a captivating read. Its vivid examples of figures like Cleopatra, Casanova, and Napoleon provide timeless lessons on human interaction, making it a rich source of inspiration for anyone interested in persuasion.
Who Should Skip It?
For those looking for straightforward, actionable strategies for modern leadership or business influence, The Art of Seduction might feel too niche or ethically ambiguous. Its heavy emphasis on romantic manipulation overshadows its broader applicability, and readers seeking Greene’s trademark insights might find his other works, such as The 48 Laws of Power, more universally relevant.
The Bottom Line
The Art of Seduction is best approached as a thought experiment or philosophical exploration of influence, rather than a practical guide.
It offers moments of brilliance but is bogged down by a tone that can feel exploitative or disconnected from modern ethical standards.
If you’re curious and have time to engage with its themes critically, the book may challenge and expand your perspective on power and persuasion.
My Recommendation
If you’re short on time or prefer content that is actionable and relevant to today’s professional landscape, skip The Art of Seduction and explore Greene’s other works instead. But if you’re intrigued by the psychological underpinnings of influence and don’t mind sifting through the romantic emphasis, this book might just spark some unexpected insights.
Stay Connected
I’m passionate about exploring how these ideas intersect with our daily lives and work. If you enjoyed this review, subscribe to my writing for more insights, book reviews, and strategies for embracing individuality in life and business. Follow me on Goodreads to see what I’m reading and share your thoughts on the books that inspire you.
Anyone interested in face-to-face communication and anyone that might think they could improve there.
When?
Put it in your queue.
Why?
It is a simple and straightforward book about body language.
Best Quote
The problem is that most people spend their lives looking but not truly seeing, or, as Sherlock Holmes, the meticulous English detective, declared to his partner, Dr. Watson, “You see, but you do not observe.”
Review
Joe Navarro’s What Every BODY is Saying is a very good book on nonverbal communication – how you use your hands to convey something or protect yourself, what you feet say about what you’re really thinking, the meaning of arm or facial movements, and more. Navarro goes just in depth enough to make you feel that you have a good beginner’s understanding of body language. Unfortunately, the book suffers a little bit from covering too many topics honestly, so it did drag for me in a few parts.
Some of the things you’ll learn in Navarro’s book are already well known – how people shield their bodies or avert their eyes in certain circumstances. Other things, like how your feet often are a solid giveaway of how you’re feeling, were new and very interesting to me, and in the high points of the book, Navarro had me completely engaged.
Last Word
I recommend this book more as a piece of entertainment for business people than as a must-read business book. Certainly, it has applications for both your personal and professional life, but ultimately, I think you’ll get the most out of What Every BODY is Saying just by taking a step back from your standard business book and enjoying something a little different for a change.
This book should be required reading for every business student.
Best Quote
The purpose of bureaucracy is to compensate for incompetence and lack of discipline.
Review
I first read this book a few years ago. Then, I revisited it recently and was impressed the second time as the first.
The main thrust of this book is that many companies never become great simply because they are good, and good is good enough. They lack the discipline, vision, and leadership to make that leap from merely good to clearly great. This is something that you can learn a lot from, especially when you recognize that it is all too common for us to want to change things and to want to do great, but then to compromise and accept good instead.
Collins addresses several characteristics of great companies in his book, and you can learn a lot just from reading about them:
Level 5 Leadership – There is something that separates the best leaders from everyone else. These people are necessary for a company to become and remain great.
First Who… Then What – I can’t tell you how much in my career I have stressed to others to focus on hiring, or gathering, the right people and only then training them to do the things you need or even leveraging the skills they have, but what happens? They always hire for skill first and fit second, and things fall apart. Great companies gather the right people first.
Confront Facts – You have to have unwavering faith to realize greatness.
The Hedgehog – If you can’t be the best at something, then that something can’t be the basis of your business.
A Culture of Discipline – Great companies and great people have discipline. When your people have discipline, you don’t need a hierarchy.
Technology as an Accelerator – Great companies use technology to facilitate greater improvements and growth. They never use it as the primary means of a transformation though.
The Flywheel – When you first start pushing a flywheel, it takes a lot of work. If you give up, it slows down and stops, but if you keep pushing, it slowly speeds up until you’re barely pushing anymore. This is how great companies maintain greatness. They push hard on the flywheel, and while they don’t stop once it’s moving, they recognize that they’ve already invested the time in getting it working for them.
Last Word
Good to Great was referenced by a lot of people when I was studying for my MBA, and for some stupid reason, I didn’t read it. I should have, and if you haven’t read it, you should by it now and get started. In fact, get the ebook or audio version so that you can get started now. Jim Collins’ book is worth that much.
Business people and people that enjoy intellectual media.
When?
Just put it in your queue above Twilight and 50 Shades of Grey.
Why?
It might change the way you think about building to success.
Best Quote
Practice isn’t the thing you do once you’re good. It’s the thing you do that makes you good.
Review
Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers was good enough that I have now read it twice, which is unusual for me because I have such a large reading list.
In his book, Gladwell examines many aspects that work together to create the outliers that become truly great. What does it take to be Michael Phelps, Bill Gates, or another high performer?
Putting in 10,000 hours on that task.
Being born at just the right time.
Being in the right group of people.
Being in a field that does not lock you out.
And more of course.
Last Word
Mostly, I find this book fascinating. I believe that Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin is a book better suited to applying to your daily life. Nonetheless, Outliers is a great book that I believe it well worth the read.
Anyone interested in how society and movements grow, change, and decline.
When?
You’re probably gonna to miss out on some of the significance of this if you’re under 20 or so. That’s not to say that there aren’t some 15 year olds out there that wouldn’t completely get this book of course. I just believe that an older mind would probably appreciate this more on average.
Why?
The Tipping Point is fascinating.
Best Quote
A study at the University of Utah found that if you ask someone why he is friendly with someone else, he’ll say it is because he and his friend share similar attitudes. But if you actually quiz the two of them on their attitudes, you’ll find out that what they actually share is similar activities. We’re friends with the people we do things with, as much as we are with the people we resemble. We don’t seek out friends, in other words. We associate with the people who occupy the same small, physical spaces that we do.
Review
Coming from a marketing background, this book is very interesting because it gives you some idea of how you might be able to take advantage of, or even create, a movement or a viral success. Malcolm Gladwell gives several examples of how ideas, diseases, crime, and more have spread through society and then abruptly stopped. He attributes these to the work of three different types of people:
Connectors – These are the people that know everyone and are naturally able to bring others together.
Mavens – These people have their fingers on the pulse of their fields. When you need to buy a new car, the car maven knows everything that anyone would ever need to know. When you want to know what’s been going on in the world recently, the current events maven can fill you in better than anyone.
Salesmen – These folks are the most persuasive people you could meet. They can sell ideas, products, and more.
When you combine these people with the right ideas in the right circumstances and with the right surrounding events, the only thing they need in order to ensure success is stickiness. The ideas, products, or whatever else their selling has to stick with people. It has to be such a different or compelling idea that it grabs people’s attention. If it has that, the right combination of Connectors, Mavens, and Salesmen can make it successul.
Last Word
The tipping point is the moment of critical mass when something crosses the threshold from indie trend to mainstream movement. You should read The Tipping Point if only for the fact that you need to be able to recognize societal changes that might affect you or your business…if not also being able to use them to your advantage.
Anyone that is interested in ever improving themselves in anything and anyone that might ever want to be a parent.
When?
Now.
Why?
This book left the strongest impression on me of almost any book I have read in the last few years.
Best Quote
Research confirms that merely putting in the years isn’t much help to someone who wants to be a great performer.
Review
Geoff Colvin’s Talent is Overrated is the perfect companion for Malcolm Gladwell’s Outliers. They discuss very similar topics, while Colvin’s book goes much more deeply into the hard work aspect of becoming great. Colvin’s thesis is that the truly great get there not just by putting in the time, but by putting in the time deliberately. Great violinists don’t practice just the things that are fun. They practice the things that need practiced most whether they are fun or not, and they do this over and over until they become masters. The same goes for athletes, business people, and more.
I was so impressed by Talent is Overrated partially because it is extremely well researched and written, but even more so because it made me wonder how great I could be at something if I was more deliberate or maybe even how great my children could be if I helped them to be more deliberate. Think about it. If success is a determiner of happiness and success could be achieved with dedicated and deliberate practice, wouldn’t you go out of your way to do that for yourself and your family?
Last Word
I wholeheartedly recommend Talent is Overrated to anyone that thinks they might be even remotely interested. Even for non-business people, I really believe that you will find this fascinating simply when looking at it through the lens of your personal life and your family’s.
