Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion by Robert B. Cialdini

Influence explains the psychology behind what makes us agrees to somethings and not to others. Through real life examples, especially through the study of sales techniques, Cialdini reveals the six principles that are consciously or subconsciously applied to persuade others. It brings these to light so that we are aware and can knowingly decide on our actions. But also teaches us how to use them to our advantage when necessary.

“There is no expedient to which a man will not resort to avoid the real labor of thinking”

This is not the type of book I read, but I still found very interesting. While Cialdini right at the end makes a disclaimer that he does not encourage using these techniques to persuade people. And he finds it wrong to manipulate people willingly for profit, I still found that the book overall does actually work in favour of using these techniques to promote yourself – be it just to improve social status, get ahead in your career or make sales. And of course, there are the benefits of applying these, such as during accidents when people seem to be hesitant on how to help because they are looking at other – just as clueless – witnesses.

I think the main benefit of reading this book is being able to put it in writing what does happen every day. Most of what Cialdini writes about is very clearly observed in everyday events – so much so that he uses simple examples, and his own examples, as a basis for his research. And perhaps, people who are already in sales and have been instructed to operate in such manner, may find this book just repetitive and not of use. But for others, we may have a vague understanding of how we ourselves are influenced by others, but perhaps don’t have something clear to point to, or some signs to be aware of during those times. So sometimes we only realise after the fact. Readers of Influence can gain a better understanding of how the world works, and be able to actually apply a knowledge that was perhaps only in a very basic idea form in their minds.

So I don’t recommend to read this book, it is very useful for people of any career (again, with the exception of perhaps successful salespeople that are quite aware of the tricks of the industry). But here is the summary -->

The Return of History and the End of Dreams by Robert Kagan

“When individuals have the power not just to dream, but to realize their dreams, they will demand a greater say.” – Bill Clinton

The Return of History and the End of Dreams by Robert Kagan is a long ‘essay’ on the study of geopolitics/economy of the ‘great powers’ after the Cold War. Kagan explores the main foreign policies and aims of the United States, Russia, China, Europe, Japan, India and Iran. According to Kagan, “Autocracy is making a comeback.” And, as the world goes back to ‘normal’ the hopes of the modern democratic world that, “wanted to believe that the end of the Cold War did not just end one strategic and ideological conflict but all strategic and ideological conflict” are diminished.

Surprisingly, I quite enjoyed this book. I say surprisingly because I have never read any book of this style. I had a sort of prejudice in my head before reading that I would find this all very dry and difficult to understand, this prejudice all went away when I started reading, and I found I am really interested in the field of geopolitics.

Hana's Suitcase by Karen Levine

“With each loss of a friendship and each new restriction, Hana and George felt their world grow a little smaller. They were angry. They were sad. And they were frustrated.” - Hana's Suitcase

This is the real story of a little Jewish girl, Hannah Brady. When a Japanese women, Fumiko, decided to teach children about the holocaust she contacted many museums until one finally sent her some artefacts, this included Hana’s suitcase. Everyone who visited Fumiko’s museum was very interested in finding out more about Hana and make her really come to life. Fumiko was very determined to find out more and so she kept on contacting museums and people until she finally got hold of a survivor of the holocaust, George Brady – Hana’s brother.

I was very impressed by Fumiko’s determination and found her to be doing an exemplary job. I think this added to the hope mood of the story.