(Edit by admin: the opening thread about the book is here):
http://www.naturalfreedom.info/viewtopi ... =17&t=1288
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This is a long read.....
I have just finished reading the Manipulated Man (I'm in progress with the other 2 books: The Female Con & the Polygamorous Sex) & I don't feel I've read a book that has affected me like this book has. I've read quite a few more books than the average, single man in his 20's among differing topics.
It has tore down (or made me question) everything that I thought to be true & has made me take a close look at myself, my thought patterns, and my gut instinct for doing things. If I'm doing stuff to try to get something, for approval, for attention, etc. I'm sure other subconscious stuff will brew up to the surface as I'm ready to accept it. In due time, patience, grasshopper.
My biggest realization in light of the fact that I now know that women are not the be all end all of the universe, is that most of actions during my adult life have been indirectly or directly trying to get attention from women to gain an advantage with them. Whether it be sex, dating, contacts with her friends, an ego boost. I'm not ashamed to admit this, I see this as part of the growth process. I was caught up in the matrix, thinking that an idealized life with tons of women would be the ultimate.
The reason I'm not ashamed to admit this is that in his book, The Ultimate Secrets of Total Self Confidence, Dr. Robert Anthony says, "You're doing the best you can given your level of awareness. If you were more aware, you'd do better."
Usually what happens, is I get excited about a new topic or whatever, spend cash, get disillusioned after a while when it doesn't work, quit, and then move onto the next new fad.
It's buy this or do this, this will solve your problem.
Here are some examples:
I've taken private salsa lessons, why? To impress women with my dancing skillz, because I thought getting women would make me happy. Result - I quit the lessons after 2 lessons, my heart was not in it.
Took a bootcamp with Juggler in San Francisco. Ahh, this is it, put down $1600 and these guys will solve my woman problems. Result - somewhat insightful at the time (I was completely oblivious then), mostly weird, these guys don't seem suave to me. They seem dumb. Cost with airfare and expenses around $2400.
Lifting weights. Oh yes, get buff and the ladies will want me. Result - blood, sweat, and effort. I did get results, but I quit because my primary reason was attention & approval, not to be healthy and look good for myself. Needless to say, it did not increase my attractiveness towards women. I'm on and off at the gym now-a-days.
Buying all these damn PUA CD's & Programs: David D., Brad P., Stephane Hemon, Paul Janka, Mystery, Rion, Etienne, Tony Ryan. Much of the same regurgitated garbage, waste of cash on an occasional insight. But all come from the same frame of mind.
But my personal favorite: PURSUING WOMEN!!! I can't tell you how many times that THIS has NOT worked FOR me!!!
Listen, Paul Janka seems like a highly intelligent cool guy, but how the hell do I have the time or energy to approach all these women and he estimates he has sex with 11% of the girls he gets numbers from! And he is an expert! Seems like way too much work for me.
I enjoy a beer of 2 and partying with friends just as much as the next guy, but generally speaking (90%) I would go out with guy friends to a bar or club at night to "Sarge." Normally what happens is that we are anxious because we are in pursuing mode, don't do anything, or make an ass out of ourselves.
I used to go out during the day looking for women to approach & I won't see any or if I do I'll be too nervous to do anything because I'm in the pursuing mode.
Ultimately, I've spent a boat load of cash on pursuing women, instead of what The Kidd says to spend it on MYSELF!
Do things you want to do, because you want to do them. If you like to cook, take a cooking class.
If you want to learn yoga, do yoga. If you like bowling, join a bowling league.
Another insight: is pussy really worth all of this effort? Is/was my self worth so low that I felt I had to spend all this shit just to get a shot to sleep with her?
Shake my head in disgust.
Better late than never.
1 Quote that I do remember from one the CD's, "Don't make women the focal point of your life. Develop hobbies."
After reading the Manipulated Man, I finally understand what he meant.