The Power of Persuasion by Robert Levine rehashes some concepts of persuasion that marketers, salesmen (especially car salesmen) on unwitting consumers like you and me. Totally enjoyed some of jokes he inserts in between the lines, but more so his easy writing style giving cases of how we are manipulated by gullibility. I did not particularly like the chapter on the cults, but it does showcases how cults uses the brainwashing which I think is not really an art of persuasion. To me, its like a form enforced persuasion.
However, what stood out was the part of a MLM company selling knives and the woman who sold aromatic candles to friends/families. It does show how people are subtly manipulated to make people buy stuff that they do not need but they were made to feel that its a must-have.
Utimately, i think self-control and mental toughness plus awareness of such techniques that are employed by marketers and salesmen alike will definitely prevent us from overconsumption.
I referenced a link here to cuppakopi.com in which Roddy speaks of his techniques to fight off hard-sell tactics of a beauty salon.
"NOTHING IS MORE COSTLY THAN SOMETHING GIVEN FREE OF CHARGE"
A Japanese saying.... (quoted in the book)
I am starting a star rating: **** 4/5
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