The Art of Seduction
By Robert Greene
How would I describe the writing style of Robert Greene in this book. Like a history buff with a distaste for the mordern. I recently read recommendation for this book that called his style as “amoral, dispassionate tone” I disagree I feel the Mr. Greene understands that while morals are fluid and change from culture to culture and man to man, human nature is a solid and definable force. He acknowledges that some people may view things a certain way but if you want to achieve your goals there is a way it needs to be done.
As for the way it is written, like the 50th Law each chapter follows the same pattern established in the beginning of the book. Each chapter begins with kind of a descriptive overview and here is where we first see text whose outline form some sort of simple shape like a circle, oval, or triangle. Next we introduce to the concept of the chapter with a bit of information out of the history books. Such as some exploits from Casanova. After that we are presented with a “Key to seduction” Where the general idea presented in the preceding part is explained and elaborated upon so we can employ the lesson in our own lives. So once we have have the idea explained we are given a symbol with which to identify the concept. Again instead of the block text we are used to in book the writing appears in a simple shape. For example in the chapter on Rakes the symbol is fire and the explanation of how that relates to Rakes forms a half circle. Finally each chapter closes with a warning of how applying its concept can bite you in the arse. Now is a good time to point out what I found to be both interesting and annoying about this book. At the start of each chapter in the margins you find quotes and excerpts from old books on the main subject of the chapter. I like them because they were fun and help explain the idea of the chapter but I was annoyed because I found them awkward. O could not read them in tandem with the chapter and would have to go back and re read them after I finished the main section.
Favorite Quote: This desire for a double of the other sex that resembles us absolutely while still being other, for a magical creature who is ourself while possessing the advantage, over all our imaginings, of an autonomous existence. . . .
—ROBERT MUSIL, QUOTED IN DENIS DE ROUGEMONT, LOVE DECLARED, TRANSLATED BY RICHARD HOWARD
Score 8/10 Good book but awkward to read at times.
