⭐⭐⭐⭐ Influence by Cialdini
| Full Title | Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion |
|---|---|
| Authors | Robert B. Cialdini |
| Year Published | 2006 |
| Date Read | April 30, 2022 |
| Rating | 4/5 stars |
This is what pop-sci should be. Unlike most other books in this genre, which spend a laborious 200 pages talking about a single concept that could really be communicated just as effectively in a 10-page essay, Influence opts to approach persuasion from many different angles. Cialdini goes through a wide variety of topics; discussing anecdotes like the Jonestown cult or retailers specifically under-stocking advertised items, and studies like Milgram’s experiment or general suicide trends following the publishing of a suicide story.
I was familiar with many of the tactics discussed but hadn’t experienced them explained so clearly before. Listening to the book made me notice a bunch of them in practice, in places where I previously hadn’t paid much attention. I also found the author’s inclusion of potential “defenses” against the ‘influencers’ useful.
In general I think it’s worth a read, especially for those that have an interest in the pop-sci / self-help
categories.