Jeffst1980
Master Don Juan
- Joined
- Apr 22, 2008
- Messages
- 835
- Reaction score
- 130
Most of us here are familiar with Robert Greene's 48 Laws of Power...it may as well be required reading on this board. Regardless on whether or not you choose to implement these laws in your own life, it is a fascinating and entertaining read. It also raises a few questions about the way we define "masculinity." The ironies abound here...
"Court Attention at All Costs"
"Make Other People Come to You--Use Bait if Necessary"
"Use Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victims"
"Think As You Like But Behave Like Others"
"Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power"
--Whoa..I think I've dated girls that have read this book!
And that's but a few of the laws, all of which seem to be aimed at modern day courtiers and courtesans...namely, PUA's and AW's.
Indeed, much of the book seems to be at odds with traditional ideas of masculinity. The emphasis is not placed on strength, courage, honor, or any of the typically male elements of power, but is instead placed on subterfuge, manipulation, and covert communication. The ancient Greeks termed these elements "dolos" and saw them as feminine traits, in clear contrast to the traits personified by Homeric warriors.
There are, of course, a few chapters that detail behavior that we could consider to be "alpha." However, a greater importance is placed on the superficial appearance of such acts, rather than a true embodiment of alpha-ness. It's less Natural Game and more Mystery Method, in PUA-speak.
My question is: How does this change our definition of modern masculinity, if it all? We lament the rise of the modern feminized male--but is implementing 48 laws of power into our lives really akin to a return to traditional masculinity? Or is it just a necessary case of fighting fire with fire?
Let's see where this goes.
"Court Attention at All Costs"
"Make Other People Come to You--Use Bait if Necessary"
"Use Selective Honesty and Generosity to Disarm Your Victims"
"Think As You Like But Behave Like Others"
"Use the Surrender Tactic: Transform Weakness into Power"
--Whoa..I think I've dated girls that have read this book!
And that's but a few of the laws, all of which seem to be aimed at modern day courtiers and courtesans...namely, PUA's and AW's.
Indeed, much of the book seems to be at odds with traditional ideas of masculinity. The emphasis is not placed on strength, courage, honor, or any of the typically male elements of power, but is instead placed on subterfuge, manipulation, and covert communication. The ancient Greeks termed these elements "dolos" and saw them as feminine traits, in clear contrast to the traits personified by Homeric warriors.
There are, of course, a few chapters that detail behavior that we could consider to be "alpha." However, a greater importance is placed on the superficial appearance of such acts, rather than a true embodiment of alpha-ness. It's less Natural Game and more Mystery Method, in PUA-speak.
My question is: How does this change our definition of modern masculinity, if it all? We lament the rise of the modern feminized male--but is implementing 48 laws of power into our lives really akin to a return to traditional masculinity? Or is it just a necessary case of fighting fire with fire?
Let's see where this goes.