Dark psychology deals specifically with things like influence, manipulation, and persuasion.
It’s called that because it represents the dark side of the human mind.
You are reading: Best dark psychology books
While some may use this for unethical reasons, much of the literature on the topic focuses on noticing these behaviors in others and how to deal with them.
then if you want to learn how to identify and deal with the manipulative behavior of others, here are some of the best books on dark psychology to start with.
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best books on dark psychology
1. the art of seduction by robert greene
robert greene’s book focuses on seduction as a form of social power. he identifies nine types of seducers and explains how they gain power. the book also features an anti-seducer profile and 18 types of victims.
its purpose is to label and describe different types of seducers so that the reader is armed against their tactics. the book features historical figures as examples of each seducer and explains how they became powerful. More importantly, this is not a book for learning seduction tactics, as it doesn’t read like an instruction manual.
Although the book is written in a clear and informative style, its examples are somewhat disconnected. For example, learning how Madame de Pompadour seduced people isn’t exactly helpful in understanding modern seduction techniques.
advantages
- clearly identifies and describes different types of seducers.
- also includes types of victims.
- well researched and thought out.
cons
- historical examples are disconnected from a modern setting.
2. in sheep’s clothing: understanding and dealing with manipulative people by george simon
The title tells you everything you need to know about this book. explains how manipulative people work and how you can protect yourself from them.
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there are several examples of manipulation. these include abusive relationships and power tactics in the workplace, among others.
More importantly, the book also helps the reader identify weaknesses in their own personality that are ripe for manipulation. then provides 12 clear tools to improve your emotional strength to create better relationships.
While the information in the book is useful, it does not provide strategies for dealing with manipulators. readers are left to develop their own methods, which can be problematic.
advantages
- clear examples of manipulative behavior.
- provides empowerment strategies.
- logical structure and language.
cons
- does not provide coping strategies.
3. 30 Covert Tactics of Emotional Manipulation: How Manipulators Take Control in Personal Relationships by Adelyn Birch
This is another book with a self-explanatory title. describes manipulation as a game, and like any other game, learning its strategies allows you to beat it.
You’ll find 30 clear manipulation tactics, including early warning signs. focuses on covert emotional manipulation, which can be much harder to detect.
He uses the general term “personal relationships,” but his advice is specifically geared toward romantic relationships. That said, many of the tactics carry over to other relationships.
Birch’s book is entry-level, and his language and information reflect that. therefore, if you have prior experience in manipulation and dark psychology, it might be worth looking elsewhere to delve deeper into the topic.
advantages
- covers 30 emotional manipulation tactics.
- the language is clear and concise.
- helps the reader improve their boundaries in relationships.
cons
- aimed at romantic relationships, but includes transferable information.
- a basic look at the topic.
4. Beyond Persuasion: How to Recognize and Use Dark Psychology, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, and Mind Control in Everyday Life by Rebecca Dolton
While this sounds like a potentially unethical book, it actually focuses on the positive aspects of manipulation and persuasion. for example, it helps you identify personalities and situations that would normally dominate you.
As the book suggests, this can be useful in the workplace to improve motivation within a team.
also offers tips for identifying and dealing with manipulators in all areas of your life, which means it covers both sides of the equation. if you are concerned about the ethical implications of the book, it offers a section on responsible use of its techniques.
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This book is a simple introduction to concepts such as body language, manipulation, control behaviors and more. so if you’re new to dark psychology, this might be a great book to cover it all.
That said, the book’s main flaw is that it doesn’t reference the scientific research it discusses. This might not bother most readers, but it does mean you’ll have to spend time looking up the studies yourself if you want more details.
advantages
- offers good background information for anyone new to dark psychology.
- provides ethical ways to persuade.
- well written and easy to read.
cons
- does not refer to scientific studies.
5. influence: the psychology of persuasion by robert cialdini
robert cialdini is a professor of psychology and has managed to write a book that is scientific yet accessible to the common reader. he explains the concept of influence in relation to “compliance professionals” (handlers).
The key message is that people become overloaded with information and resort to generalizations to make their decisions. compliance professionals can manipulate these generalizations to their advantage.
Within this premise are the six principles of influence; each includes examples. it also explains how you can use these principles in everyday situations. ethically, of course.
All information comes from cialdini’s own research, which has spanned over 35 years. plus, everything has been peer-reviewed and has good credibility.
Perhaps the biggest problem with this book is that its examples are geared toward American marketing psychology. as a result, it can be difficult for readers from other countries to connect and understand its meaning.
advantages
- information supported by research.
- includes six principles of influence.
- accessible to the everyday reader.
cons
- Examples may be difficult for non-Americans to identify.
conclusion
Dark psychology easily has the potential to become unethical. but, the best books on this topic understand this and address the concerns appropriately.
Learning more about dark psychology certainly has the potential to make you more authoritarian and less impressionable. so click here to read my essential guide on the subject.
Explore more best books and recommended reading.