Robert Greene: How To Seduce Anyone, Build Confidence & Become Powerful | E232

The video is an interview with author Robert Greene about his book on seduction and how to build confidence and power.

The video features an interview with Robert Greene, a bestselling author and expert on power strategies. He discusses his book on seduction and how understanding the language of seduction can lead to more power and success. He also talks about the importance of body language and confidence, and shares his personal journey to becoming a writer. The interview touches on his stroke and how it affected his perspective on life. The video ends with a call to action for viewers to subscribe to the channel.

• Seduction is a form of power that can be learned through understanding body language and building confidence.
• Adversity can strike at any moment, and it's important to be prepared and grateful for what you have.
• The success of the show and the growth of the team is due to the support of the community.
• Robert Greene's background includes various unrelated jobs before writing his first book, The 48 Laws of Power.
• Building confidence and power requires understanding human nature and power dynamics.
• Power is a feeling and a human need and desire that can be understood through knowledge of power dynamics.
• Understanding our evolutionary roots can help in understanding human behavior and power dynamics.
• Robert Greene's philosophy is to never look back and regret anything, and his books focus on power dynamics, human nature, and mastery.
• Robert Greene's book, The 48 Laws of Power, has sold over 2 million copies in the US and is still relevant today.

Robert Greene: How To Seduce Anyone, Build Confidence & Become Powerful | E232 - YouTube

Why Seduction is a Form of Power

• Seduction is a form of power because people will do what you want without realizing it.
• Understanding the language of seduction gives you more power and success than anyone else.
• Body language is a key component of seduction and can help you decipher what people are really thinking.
• Confidence is a crucial aspect of seduction and can be built through practice and experience.
• Seduction is a mating ritual that cannot be achieved through dating apps or swiping.

Dealing with Adversity and Loss of Power

• Robert Greene had a stroke in 2018 that left the left side of his body paralyzed.
• He had to find a strategy to deal with the loss of power and ability.
• He emphasizes the importance of not taking your abilities for granted.
• Adversity can strike at any moment and it's important to be prepared to deal with it.
• Gratitude for what you have is crucial in dealing with loss and adversity.

The Importance of Community and Support

• The success of the show and the growth of the team is due to the support of the community.
• Viewership, subscriptions, and engagement are crucial to the growth and success of the show.
• Supporting the show by subscribing and watching helps to diversify the guest selection and expand the reach of the show.
• The team is grateful for the support and is committed to scaling the show to every corner of the world.
• The community is the greatest honor of the host's life.

Robert Greene: How To Seduce Anyone, Build Confidence & Become Powerful | E232 - YouTube

Robert Greene's Background and Journey to Writing

• Robert Greene grew up in Los Angeles and had a middle-class upbringing.
• He was an introvert and became an avid reader at an early age.
• He got heavily into drugs in high school and college.
• He had a lot of different jobs in different industries before writing his first book, The 48 Laws of Power.
• He was not a psychology graduate and did not have a lot of power before writing the book.

Robert Greene's Journey to Writing

• Robert Greene had various unrelated jobs such as construction, detective agency, tour guide, encyclopedia writer, and English teacher in Spain.
• He was searching for experiences to become a writer.
• He was ambitious but never stuck to any job.
• At 37-38, he was getting depressed and had suicidal thoughts.
• He met a man in Italy who asked him for book ideas, and he pitched the idea of writing about power and manipulation.

Success of "The 48 Laws of Power"

• The book has sold over 2 million copies in the US.
• It is selling more now than ever before.
• It started off slowly but became a cult thing through word of mouth.
• It got into mainstream media through a few television shows and reality shows.
• It got into the hip-hop stream through Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Drake.
• It has become a bigger and bigger thing over time.

Evolution of Feelings Towards the Book

• Robert Greene's feelings towards the book have not changed over time.
• He still believes in the principles of the book.
• He thinks the book is timeless and relevant to any era.
• He has received criticism for the book, but he thinks it is because people misunderstand the book's purpose.
• He thinks the book is about understanding power dynamics and not necessarily using them for evil purposes.

Advice on Building Confidence and Power

• Building confidence and power requires understanding human nature and power dynamics.
• It requires being aware of your weaknesses and vulnerabilities.
• It requires being strategic and thinking long-term.
• It requires being adaptable and flexible.
• It requires being able to read people and situations.

Robert Greene's Philosophy and Books

• Philosophy is to never look back and regret anything.
• His book on seduction and power was an effort to create something timeless.
• He wrote a book on mastery to counter the idea that life is all about politics and manipulation.
• He believes his book on power dynamics in business is still relevant today.
• He wrote a book on human nature and how it affects our behavior.

What is Power?

• Power is not just about political figures or great power politics.
• Power is a feeling and a human need and desire.
• Power is about understanding and controlling oneself.
• Feeling powerless is more corrupting than having a lot of power.
• Power is about having a degree of control over events in one's life and future.

The Importance of Knowing Power Dynamics

• Learning about power dynamics can spare oneself from pain and mistakes in the work world.
• Abusing power is not advocated, but knowing about it can prevent naivety and stupidity.
• Understanding human nature is fundamental in knowing how to deal with people.
• People have egos, even those in power, and understanding this can help in influencing them.
• Knowing power dynamics can help in feeling less helpless in the world.

Evolutionary Roots of Power

• Our brains are wired a certain way due to our evolutionary history.
• Raw emotions such as envy, aggression, and worrying about status have not changed.
• Despite technological advancements, our basic human nature remains the same.
• Understanding our evolutionary roots can help in understanding human behavior.
• Our shadow selves, or the parts of ourselves we try to hide, are still present.

Power and Self-Control

• Power is not just about control over others, but also about control over oneself.
• Without self-control, one cannot be a leader or have influence over others.
• Being aware of one's nature and tailoring behavior and appearances is important.
• Appearances matter because humans judge others based on how they look, sound, and act.
• Controlling appearances is a form of wisdom and a game that must be played in life.

Keeping Up Appearances

• Keeping up appearances can have a detrimental impact on happiness and fulfillment in life.
• Some people in the entertainment industry have to wear a mask and always be happy, which can cause harm.
• Wearing a mask can lead to a loss of identity and happiness.
• Playing a role in public used to be a given in the 18th century, but now it can create neuroses.
• It is important to find a balance between playing a role and being true to oneself.

The Game of Life

• Life is a game that must be played, and appearances are a part of that game.
• Playing a role in public is a form of wisdom that used to exist in the 18th century.
• Humans are role players and actors by nature.
• Playing games and putting on costumes is a part of human nature.
• Entering the public realm means putting on a mask and having fun.

Conclusion

• Power is not just about control over others, but also about control over oneself.
• Appearances matter because humans judge others based on how they look, sound, and act.
• Playing a role in public can have a detrimental impact on happiness and fulfillment in life.
• Life is a game that must be played, and finding a balance between playing a role and being true to oneself is important.

Acting and Playing Roles

• Humans are born actors and learn to play roles at an early age.
• Playing a role is part of being a social animal.
• Don't confuse the role you play with who you are in your essence.
• 50 Cent exemplifies playing a role in life.
• People in certain professions, such as presenters or news anchors, have to play a role.

Never Trust Friends Too Much

• When you need to get results, you need to think in practical terms, not in terms of emotions or friendship.
• One of the worst things people do is hire friends in the work world.
• Friends have emotions involved, which can confuse the issue.
• Keep your work world separate from your personal relationships.
• Sometimes the best person to work with isn't your friend.

Using Enemies to Your Advantage

• Approaching an enemy and burying the hatchet can be a powerful move.
• It can turn around emotions and motivate the enemy to prove themselves worthy of your change of mind.
• Don't let emotions get in the way of practical results in the work world.
• Be aware that the work world is different from the realm of personal relationships.
• Context is important when interpreting the 48 Laws of Power.

Building Confidence and Power

• Confidence comes from experience and knowledge.
• Power comes from understanding people and their desires.
• Learn to read people and their emotions.
• Understand the power dynamics in any situation.
• Be aware of your own weaknesses and work to overcome them.

Concealing Intentions

• Depends on circumstances.
• Share vision with team to inspire and get them on your side.
• Revealing everything can be counterproductive in competitive business world.
• Deception can be a powerful technique in some situations.
• Create mystery to keep people wondering and on their heels.
• There are times when revealing intentions is necessary.

Power Games and Manipulation

• Everyone has shadows and darkness in them.
• Mahatma Gandhi was a brilliant strategist who used non-violence and civil disobedience strategically.
• He planned campaigns like the Salt March to have a terrible impact on the public.
• He thought in terms of strategy.

Icons of Human Nature

• Gandhi and Martin Luther King are icons of human nature.
• They reveal what the author is talking about in human nature.
• They had flaws but they were brilliant individuals.
• They had a human flaw outside of their public life.
• These icons set up what the author is talking about in human nature.

Human Nature and Narcissism

• Every single human being has self-absorption traits.
• We all have a touch of narcissism.
• Being a narcissist is not objectively good or bad.
• It is a consequence of being a human to have shadow traits.
• There is a reason why we are narcissists.
• When parents have to not give as much attention to their children, it can lead to narcissism.

Changing Yourself

• The only way to change yourself is to be aware of your issues.
• The author had to come to terms with his own flaws.
• Having awareness of your flaws can help you control them better.
• If you go around in life thinking you don't have any problems, you will never have the awareness to stop them.
• Being humble and not thinking you are exempt from having a dark side is important.
• We are all cut from the same cloth and have the same flaws.

Martin Luther King's Campaign

• Martin Luther King had a campaign of Civil Disobedience.
• There was a campaign in Montgomery or Selma Camp where they were reaching a stalemate.
• He was getting frustrated and an advisor came to him with an idea.
• The idea was to have a massive march with elementary and junior high school students.
• His advisors were shocked by the idea but he went ahead with it.
• The march ended up being one of the most pivotal moments in the Civil Rights Movement.

Developing Self-Esteem and Healthy Narcissism

• Children need to develop self-esteem to avoid becoming a deep narcissist.
• People who were abused or abandoned may struggle to develop self-esteem.
• Without self-esteem, people may resort to narcissistic rage or overly dramatic behavior to get attention and love.
• Self-love can be positive, but it needs to be turned outward into empathy and consideration for others.
• People can use their dark side for positive purposes, such as channeling anger into a cause.

Confronting the Dark Side

• Confronting the dark side is difficult but necessary for self-awareness.
• Some people avoid confronting their dark side because it may negatively impact their self-esteem.
• Early experiences can play a role in a person's relationship with power.
• Attachment theories suggest that the kind of attachment a person had to their parents can impact their development.
• People with comfortable, loving, and secure early experiences may be less likely to become toxic narcissists.

The Art of Seduction

• Seduction is about understanding human nature and using it to your advantage.
• People are attracted to those who make them feel good about themselves.
• Seduction involves creating an illusion of desire and making the other person feel like they are in control.
• People are attracted to those who are confident and have a sense of mystery.
• Seduction is not about manipulation or deception but about understanding and fulfilling desires.

Building Power and Confidence

• Power comes from understanding human nature and using it to your advantage.
• Confidence comes from developing skills and knowledge and using them to achieve success.
• People are attracted to those who exude confidence and power.
• Building power and confidence involves taking risks and learning from failures.
• People who are successful in life have a deep understanding of human nature and use it to their advantage.

Childhood and Resilience

• Children are stronger and more resilient than we think.
• Some children in the worst circumstances end up bringing the best out of them.
• Some people who have everything don't go very far because they don't know how to find things for themselves.
• Life is weird, and some people who have great childhoods are spoiled and never learn how to get things on their own.
• Some people have the shittiest childhoods but learn how to be resourceful and get what they need on their own.

The Art of Seduction

• Seduction is a high form of power because you make people feel pleasure and interested in you.
• Subtler and more seductive approaches are more effective than yelling at people.
• People will do what you want or go in your direction without ever realizing it.
• The Art of Seduction was a sub-theme in the 48 Laws of Power.
• Robert Greene was interested in the psychology of seduction and why some people are good at it while others are awkward about it.

The Qualities of a Great Seducer

• Robert Greene distinguishes between cold seducers and warm seducers.
• A cold seducer is someone who is just after money or sex.
• A warm seducer engages in a back-and-forth quality where it's like a game that you're playing, a mating game, or a courtship ritual where both people are kind of seducing each other.
• What makes for a great seducer is being outer-directed.
• When you meet somebody, you're not having that internal monologue going, but you're listening to them and entering their spirit.
• You're absorbing it, entering into their spirit, and then reflecting it back to them.

Conclusion

• Robert Greene's book on seduction is about building confidence and power.
• Childhood experiences can shape a person's resilience and resourcefulness.
• Seduction is a high form of power that requires subtlety and being outer-directed.
• A great seducer engages in a back-and-forth quality where both people are kind of seducing each other.

Attributes of a Seducer

• Being interested in the other person and their psychology.
• Being absorbed in the other person's world.
• Validating and recognizing the other person.
• Being generous with time, money, and energy.
• Being open and giving of oneself.

Attributes of an Anti-Seducer

• Preaching and moralizing.
• Having a sense of moral superiority.
• Not being generous with spirit, time, or money.
• Being crimped and not wanting to give.
• Being insecure.

Vulnerability and Seduction

• Vulnerability is seductive, but insecurity is anti-seductive.
• Seduction is about being open to the other person and letting go of defensiveness.
• Vulnerability draws people to you because it creates a sense of openness.
• Being vulnerable requires letting go of ego and allowing the other person to enter your world.
• Powerful people who have no vulnerabilities can be frightening.

The Importance of Vulnerability

• Vulnerability creates a sense of needing protection or help.
• Being vulnerable brings out qualities in us that allow for seduction.
• Vulnerability allows for influence by the other person.
• Vulnerability is what makes us want to hug and help others.
• Vulnerability is what makes us fall under someone's spell and be seduced.

The Importance of Vulnerability and Confidence in Seduction

• Vulnerability is important in seduction because it creates a connection between two people.
• Insecurity is the opposite of vulnerability and can make the other person feel awkward and uncomfortable.
• Confidence is attractive and can bring out confidence in the other person.
• Being vulnerable does not mean being insecure.
• Seduction is a form of healing and requires vulnerability.

Advice for Single People on Dating

• Put effort into love and romance, it is almost biological.
• Effort shows that the other person is important to you.
• Think of dating as theater and drama, there is nothing evil about it.
• Dress nicely and put some effort into how you look.
• Be creative with the date location, it doesn't have to be fancy but it should be different and appealing.
• Don't be cheap, it signals a cheapness in your spirit.

The Language of Seduction

• Seduction is a language of gestures, not words.
• Pay attention to body language and actions.
• Discounts on a first date signal a cheapness in your spirit.
• Show that the other person is important to you by putting effort into the date.
• Seduction is a mating ritual and requires effort.

The Power of Seduction

• Seduction is a form of power.
• Power comes from being able to control your emotions and desires.
• Use seduction to get what you want, but be aware of the consequences.
• Understand the other person's desires and use them to your advantage.
• Seduction is a game, but it should not be manipulative.

Struggles of Young Men in Seduction

• Young men are struggling to seduce a partner in the modern world.
• A staggering amount of men haven't had sex in the last 12 months.
• The idea that things must come easy and quick is very prevalent.
• Winning over someone requires effort, thinking, and patience.
• Being with people is a skill that requires practice and rejection.

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Robert Greene: How To Seduce Anyone, Build Confidence & Become Powerful | E232 - YouTube