5 stars (Most Useful Book You Will Ever Read) - I loved this book, it teaches you that getting what you want isn't always bad and how you can make other peole happy to help you out. The book has a good mix of interesting anecdotes mixed in with scientific fact. I think it's great for anyone who is tired of getting pushed around.
5 stars (It is so simple) - Once you understand the various systems and programs that make us up, the whole ordeal of being human becomes so much easier. This book can take you a long way towards that goal.
5 stars (A well researched study on human behavior) - I have long been a student of human behavior. It fascinates me. Naturally, I found this book to be fascinating as well.
The book is well researched and does more than present one person's opinion. It summarizes actual reserach results from many, many studies that demonstrate the behaviors under discussion.
Reciprocity? Consistency? These are some of the concepts discussed and are immediately applicable both as a tool of influence as well as an understanding of our own behaviors and how to protect ourselves from "forced" behaviors that we are programmed to do even when we don't want to. Yes, we are programmed to perform certain behaviors, and when we don't, we suffer socially. Naturally, this provides a means for some people to take advantage of us. This book gives us an understanding of the behavior and therefore a reasonable defense.
So, you don't believe we have automatic programmed responses? Then explain how the Chinese so effectively pursuaded American P.O.W.'s to defend communism during the Korean War. Then explain how Moonies got so many people to contribute to their religion when people just didn't want to. And explain why the effectiveness of that technique waned over time. Can't? Cialdini can. And convincingly. |
