The Art of Persuasion, written by Bob Burg, is a book full of tips, tricks, and general philosophy on how to persuade people without using intimidation. I really like not just the book’s content, but how the author conveys his advice, using personal anecdotes about himself or his acquaintances. His stories were exciting, as there was sometimes tension between him and the people he had to persuade, but they were generally peaceful and pleasant to read.
Although I sometimes felt that some points, such as the effectiveness of being polite and respectful, were repeated, I understand the author’s beliefs and feel re-encouraged to be a respectful human being. After reading this book, I feel that I now deeply understand the importance of sincerity, respect, and politeness. These elements were what the author emphasized the most, and I like these ideas because they are sincere and not manipulative. These ideas added to how good persuaders are benevolent people, rather than ill-desired manipulators. To emphasize this, the author concludes his book with an encouragement to the readers and an unreached message to non-readers that if people consistently practiced respectful manners, society would become a better place where everyone, even on opposing sides, can gain the most out of any situation.
Some other important things I learned from this book are to appreciate, apologize, concede, and be humble, calm, sincere, understanding, and inclusive—all shaping how we can take the role of the adult instead of the child or parent, and respond instead of react. I really appreciate how much this benevolent wisdom and useful tips this book offered, and I am excited to utilize these in my daily life, for win-win situations for both me and others.