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by Robin Sharma
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The Art of Seduction summary
Robert Greene
An examination of the amoral game and techniques of seducers
4.1 (601 ratings)
19 mins
8 key ideas
Audio & text
What is The Art of Seduction about?
The Art of Seduction (2001) examines the amoral game of seduction, explaining how seduction always starts in the mind and that the most successful seducers know this very well indeed. It explains strategies for inciting interest, disorientating the target of seduction, stirring desire and kindling emotions. These tactics will lead to the eventual seduction of the target.
About the Author
Robert Greene is a best-selling author. He wrote 48 Laws of Power and The 33 Strategies of War and Mastery. He has a degree in classical studies.
Table of Contents
The Art of Seduction
summarized in 8 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 8
Insert yourself into the target’s environment, but don’t appear too eager.
The true seducer knows that life can be pretty humdrum, an awareness that allows the seducer, through finesse and creativity, to inflame the target’s fantasies and desire. This is no straightforward task. The approach must be oblique, such as to spark the target’s imagination in an advantageous way.
The first lesson of seduction is not to be overeager. Early on, you shouldn’t put your cards on the table and tell your target exactly what you want. You must be indirect and elusive.
If you approach at wholehearted bound, you’re going to appear desperately insecure. You’ll be more successful if you don’t reveal your hand too soon. With seduction, it’s always best to let your target come to you, under the misapprehension that she is the one making the first move.
Try to make an impression of neutrality: you should make yourself noticeable, but you needn’t approach the target.
In fact, that's exactly how the Duke de Lauzun worked his magic on the Duchesse de Montpensier while at Louis XIV’s court.
When the duchess first met the duke, she found herself rather enamored with the notorious lady-killing Lothario.
But during later chance encounters in court, the duke appeared quite blasé. Nonetheless, after a few tête-à-têtes, the duchess began to enjoy his company. Before too long, he became her confidant. All he did was play the part of the friend and keep close by.
The duchess’s curiosity was stirred. Perhaps their friendship could become something more? How could the duke not be interested in one of the most beautiful and noble women in France?
Lauzun’s approach was slow and steady. He was careful not to appear too interested too soon. It was the intrigued duchess who confessed her infatuation to him first – and it wasn’t just the duke she desired, but a marriage as well!
An effective seducer is spider-like, building a strong and sticky – and barely noticeable – web.
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Who should read The Art of Seduction
- People who want to learn the art of seduction
- Historians interested in landmark seductions
- Psychology enthusiasts
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