# The Art of Seduction
Author:: Robert Greene
## Highlights
> Much more genius is needed to make love than to command armies. —Ninon de l‘Enclos ([Location 357](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=357))
> As the first seductresses knew, it is much more effective to create love than lust. A person in love is emotional, pliable, and easily misled. (The origin of the word “seduction” is the Latin for “to lead astray”) A person in lust is harder to control and, once satisfied, may easily leave you. Seducers take their time, create enchantment and the bonds of love, so that when sex ensues it only further enslaves the victim. Creating love and enchantment becomes the model for all seductions—sexual, social, political. A person in love will surrender. ([Location 402](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=402))
> Erotic desire and love lurk beneath the surface of almost every human encounter; better to give free rein to your skills than to try to use them only in the bedroom. ([Location 426](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=426))
> Seduction is a process of penetration: initially penetrating the target’s mind, their first point of defense. Once seducers have penetrated the mind, making the target fantasize about them, it is easy to lower resistance and create physical surrender. ([Location 435](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=435))
> Seducers are never self-absorbed. Their gaze is directed outward, not inward. When they meet someone their first move is to get inside that person’s skin, to see the world through their eyes. ([Location 449](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=449))
> Every seduction has two elements that you must analyze and understand: first, yourself and what is seductive about you; and second, your target and the actions that will penetrate their defenses and create surrender. ([Location 494](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=494))
> There are nine seducer types in the world. Each type has a particular character trait that comes from deep within and creates a seductive pull. Sirens have an abundance of sexual energy and know how to use it. Rakes insatiably adore the opposite sex, and their desire is infectious. Ideal Lovers have an aesthetic sensibility that they apply to romance. Dandies like to play with their image, creating a striking and androgynous allure. Naturals are spontaneous and open. Coquettes are self-sufficient, with a fascinating cool at their core. Charmers want and know how to please—they are social creatures. Charismatics have an unusual confidence in themselves. Stars are ethereal and envelop themselves in mystery. ([Location 531](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=531))
> The Siren never speaks quickly, aggressively, or at a high pitch. Her voice is calm and unhurried, as if she had never quite woken up—or left her bed. ([Location 774](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=774))
> Body and adornment. If the voice must lull, the body and its adornment must dazzle. ([Location 776](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=776))
> Movement and demeanor. ([Location 795](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=795))
> Most important of these was movement—how to move gracefully and suggestively. ([Location 798](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=798))
> Everything was suggestive, hinting at sex or romance. That night she would ponder his words, recalling little in particular that he had said, because he never said anything concrete, but rather the feeling it had given her. ([Location 932](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=932))
> The male is traditionally vulnerable to the visual. The Siren who can concoct the right physical appearance will seduce in large numbers. For women the weakness is language and words: ([Location 989](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=989))
> Most people believe themselves to be inwardly greater than they outwardly appear to the world. They are full of unrealized ideals: they could be artists, thinkers, leaders, spiritual figures, but the world has crushed them, denied them the chance to let their abilities flourish. This is the key to their seduction—and to keeping them seduced over time. The Ideal Lover knows how to conjure up this kind of magic. Appeal only to people’s physical side, as many amateur seducers do, and they will resent you for playing upon their basest instincts. But appeal to their better selves, to a higher standard of beauty, and they will hardly notice that they have been seduced. Make them feel elevated, lofty, spiritual, and your power over them will be limitless. ([Location 1237](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=1237))
> Seduction was and will always remain the female form of power and warfare. It was originally the antidote to rape and violence. The man who uses this form of power on a woman is in essence turning the game around, employing feminine weapons against her; without losing his masculine identity, the more subtly feminine he becomes the more effective the seduction. ([Location 1427](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=1427))
> Natural seducers are people who somehow avoided getting certain childish traits drummed out of them by adult experience. Such people can be as powerfully seductive as any child, because it seems uncanny and marvelous that they have preserved such qualities. ([Location 1677](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=1677))
> Coquettes are never jealous—that would undermine their image of fundamental self-sufficiency. But they are masters at inciting jealousy: by paying attention to a third party, creating a triangle of desire, they signal to their victims that they may not be that interested. ([Location 2262](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2262))
> Coquettes are never jealous—that would undermine their image of fundamental self-sufficiency. But they are masters at inciting jealousy: by paying attention to a third party, creating a triangle of desire, they signal to their victims that they may not be that interested. ([Location 2262](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2262))
> Charm cannot exist without a hint of sexual tension. It cannot be maintained, however, unless sex is kept at bay or in the background. ([Location 2312](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2312))
> Charm cannot exist without a hint of sexual tension. It cannot be maintained, however, unless sex is kept at bay or in the background. ([Location 2312](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2312))
> Make your target the center of attention. Charmers fade into the background; their targets become the subject of their interest. To be a Charmer you have to learn to listen and observe. Let your targets talk, revealing themselves in the process. As you find out more about them—their strengths, and more important their weaknesses—you can individualize your attention, appealing to their specific desires and needs, tailoring your flatteries to their insecurities. By adapting to their spirit and empathizing with their woes, you can make them feel bigger and better, validating their sense of self-worth. ([Location 2333](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2333))
> Make your target the center of attention. Charmers fade into the background; their targets become the subject of their interest. To be a Charmer you have to learn to listen and observe. Let your targets talk, revealing themselves in the process. As you find out more about them—their strengths, and more important their weaknesses—you can individualize your attention, appealing to their specific desires and needs, tailoring your flatteries to their insecurities. By adapting to their spirit and empathizing with their woes, you can make them feel bigger and better, validating their sense of self-worth. ([Location 2333](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2333))
---
Title: The Art of Seduction
Author: Robert Greene
Tags: readwise, books
date: 2024-01-30
---
# The Art of Seduction
Author:: Robert Greene
## AI-Generated Summary
None
## Highlights
> Much more genius is needed to make love than to command armies. —Ninon de l‘Enclos ([Location 357](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=357))
> As the first seductresses knew, it is much more effective to create love than lust. A person in love is emotional, pliable, and easily misled. (The origin of the word “seduction” is the Latin for “to lead astray”) A person in lust is harder to control and, once satisfied, may easily leave you. Seducers take their time, create enchantment and the bonds of love, so that when sex ensues it only further enslaves the victim. Creating love and enchantment becomes the model for all seductions—sexual, social, political. A person in love will surrender. ([Location 402](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=402))
> Erotic desire and love lurk beneath the surface of almost every human encounter; better to give free rein to your skills than to try to use them only in the bedroom. ([Location 426](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=426))
> Seduction is a process of penetration: initially penetrating the target’s mind, their first point of defense. Once seducers have penetrated the mind, making the target fantasize about them, it is easy to lower resistance and create physical surrender. ([Location 435](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=435))
> Seducers are never self-absorbed. Their gaze is directed outward, not inward. When they meet someone their first move is to get inside that person’s skin, to see the world through their eyes. ([Location 449](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=449))
> Every seduction has two elements that you must analyze and understand: first, yourself and what is seductive about you; and second, your target and the actions that will penetrate their defenses and create surrender. ([Location 494](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=494))
> There are nine seducer types in the world. Each type has a particular character trait that comes from deep within and creates a seductive pull. Sirens have an abundance of sexual energy and know how to use it. Rakes insatiably adore the opposite sex, and their desire is infectious. Ideal Lovers have an aesthetic sensibility that they apply to romance. Dandies like to play with their image, creating a striking and androgynous allure. Naturals are spontaneous and open. Coquettes are self-sufficient, with a fascinating cool at their core. Charmers want and know how to please—they are social creatures. Charismatics have an unusual confidence in themselves. Stars are ethereal and envelop themselves in mystery. ([Location 531](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=531))
> The Siren never speaks quickly, aggressively, or at a high pitch. Her voice is calm and unhurried, as if she had never quite woken up—or left her bed. ([Location 774](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=774))
> Body and adornment. If the voice must lull, the body and its adornment must dazzle. ([Location 776](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=776))
> Movement and demeanor. ([Location 795](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=795))
> Most important of these was movement—how to move gracefully and suggestively. ([Location 798](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=798))
> Everything was suggestive, hinting at sex or romance. That night she would ponder his words, recalling little in particular that he had said, because he never said anything concrete, but rather the feeling it had given her. ([Location 932](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=932))
> The male is traditionally vulnerable to the visual. The Siren who can concoct the right physical appearance will seduce in large numbers. For women the weakness is language and words: ([Location 989](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=989))
> Most people believe themselves to be inwardly greater than they outwardly appear to the world. They are full of unrealized ideals: they could be artists, thinkers, leaders, spiritual figures, but the world has crushed them, denied them the chance to let their abilities flourish. This is the key to their seduction—and to keeping them seduced over time. The Ideal Lover knows how to conjure up this kind of magic. Appeal only to people’s physical side, as many amateur seducers do, and they will resent you for playing upon their basest instincts. But appeal to their better selves, to a higher standard of beauty, and they will hardly notice that they have been seduced. Make them feel elevated, lofty, spiritual, and your power over them will be limitless. ([Location 1237](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=1237))
> Seduction was and will always remain the female form of power and warfare. It was originally the antidote to rape and violence. The man who uses this form of power on a woman is in essence turning the game around, employing feminine weapons against her; without losing his masculine identity, the more subtly feminine he becomes the more effective the seduction. ([Location 1427](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=1427))
> Natural seducers are people who somehow avoided getting certain childish traits drummed out of them by adult experience. Such people can be as powerfully seductive as any child, because it seems uncanny and marvelous that they have preserved such qualities. ([Location 1677](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=1677))
> Coquettes are never jealous—that would undermine their image of fundamental self-sufficiency. But they are masters at inciting jealousy: by paying attention to a third party, creating a triangle of desire, they signal to their victims that they may not be that interested. ([Location 2262](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2262))
> Coquettes are never jealous—that would undermine their image of fundamental self-sufficiency. But they are masters at inciting jealousy: by paying attention to a third party, creating a triangle of desire, they signal to their victims that they may not be that interested. ([Location 2262](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2262))
> Charm cannot exist without a hint of sexual tension. It cannot be maintained, however, unless sex is kept at bay or in the background. ([Location 2312](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2312))
> Charm cannot exist without a hint of sexual tension. It cannot be maintained, however, unless sex is kept at bay or in the background. ([Location 2312](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2312))
> Make your target the center of attention. Charmers fade into the background; their targets become the subject of their interest. To be a Charmer you have to learn to listen and observe. Let your targets talk, revealing themselves in the process. As you find out more about them—their strengths, and more important their weaknesses—you can individualize your attention, appealing to their specific desires and needs, tailoring your flatteries to their insecurities. By adapting to their spirit and empathizing with their woes, you can make them feel bigger and better, validating their sense of self-worth. ([Location 2333](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2333))
> Make your target the center of attention. Charmers fade into the background; their targets become the subject of their interest. To be a Charmer you have to learn to listen and observe. Let your targets talk, revealing themselves in the process. As you find out more about them—their strengths, and more important their weaknesses—you can individualize your attention, appealing to their specific desires and needs, tailoring your flatteries to their insecurities. By adapting to their spirit and empathizing with their woes, you can make them feel bigger and better, validating their sense of self-worth. ([Location 2333](https://readwise.io/to_kindle?action=open&asin=B0032BW5DY&location=2333))