I got this book because I've noticed a few of the men that I've dated running a stupid game and I was curious where in the world they had gotten the idea that such behavior would help them to achieve their desired outcome.

Examples of modern day application for the average person seem to be virtually nonexistent, and the whole thing comes off as someone who studies something more than they practice it (for example, learning from someone who writes about professional basketball as opposed to learning from a LeBron James). Other parts give extreme examples of famous figures and celebrities possessing these qualities. Opinions on manipulation aside, there are many examples in the book which point to works of fiction as evidence rather than real world application.

A great book on this is Psycho Cybernetics by Maxwell Maltz (though the audiobook is a bit lackluster - I would recommend getting the book itself). When you sincerely develop qualities there is no risk of being 'discovered' because you genuinely have them. Another issue I have is he states that certain qualities must 'appear' to be such and such, or that certain qualities simply cannot be faked, without instruction on how to sincerely develop these qualities. Though dated, the principles remain true. If you're interested in more win-win people skills books without the risk of being discovered as manipulative (because the praise is both sincere and strategic), I would recommend How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie and also How to Have Confidence and Power in Dealing With People by Les Giblin (both available as great books on Audible). A recurring theme of the book, however, seems to be that you put on an act and make sure they never figure out that you're manipulative and insincere. There's certainly value to be had here - analyzing different personality types and identifying if someone is trying to manipulate you. Incomplete Picture - Take with a grain of salt

The art of seduction audiobook download