Understanding Seduction: Insights from Robert Green
Exploring Power, Relationships, and Purpose with Robert Greene
Greene defined power as the innate human need to have control over one’s environment. He emphasized that this desire is deeply wired in us, and that the lack of control can be deeply distressing. However, he clarified that the goal is not to have complete control, but rather to have the ability to influence people and circumstances in a positive direction.
Greene pointed out that navigating power dynamics in relationships can be challenging, as people often wear masks and resist overt attempts at control.
He stressed the importance of learning psychology and the art of subtly moving people without them realizing it. This, he argued, is essential for anyone interested in practical action and results.
Huberman shared his own experiences of trying to find his place within his peer group, not in terms of a hierarchy, but rather in terms of where he could do the most good for himself and others.
He noted the peace that comes from knowing one is in the correct place, both professionally and interpersonally.
Greene connected this idea to the concept of mastery and finding one’s life purpose. He shared his own journey of veering towards intellectual pursuits as a way of compensating for physical weaknesses and finding his niche.
He emphasized the importance of finding what one is so good at that they have a sense of power and can’t be bullied.
Seduction, Vulnerability, and Childhood
Greene suggests that the desire for seduction may have originated from ancient taboos, particularly the prohibition of incest.
He argues that the very act of forbidding something can paradoxically stir a desire for it, as humans are prone to perverse impulses. This idea is echoed in the difficulty of suppressing thoughts, even when explicitly told not to think about them.
Seduction, according to Greene, involves a level of vulnerability. The person being seduced must allow the seducer to enter their psyche and inner space. This vulnerability, he posits, has its roots in early childhood experiences, particularly in the way parents “seduce” their children through their energy and the element of surprise.
Huberman agrees with the significance of childhood experiences in shaping our susceptibility to seduction. He also suggests that being open to seduction implies a level of confidence, as it requires the ability to let go and trust that one can return to oneself afterward. However, he notes that attachment systems, also rooted in childhood, can sometimes overwhelm the ability to disengage from unhealthy relationships.
The discussion also touches on the gender dynamics of seduction. While Greene mostly hears from women complaining about men’s manipulative tactics, Huberman points out that female-to-male seduction is equally prevalent, albeit less often physically abusive.
Both acknowledge that society coaches both genders on various seductive tactics from an early age.
Exploring the Interplay of Power Dynamics
Greene explained that women developed the art of luring powerful men into their world through various theatrical effects, with Cleopatra being the archetype.
In these situations, the man may have the illusion of pursuing the woman, but in reality, she is the one controlling the dynamic. This interplay of power and control can be difficult to discern, as the person who appears to be the weaker one in the relationship may actually be inviting the pursuit.
Huberman brought up a recent scientific publication by David Anderson, a neurobiologist at Caltech, which showed that there are separate neural circuits in the brains of animals (and presumably humans) that control sexual mounting behavior and non-sexual mounting associated with physical power.
This discovery suggests that there are primitive circuits in the brain that define who is on top, both literally and figuratively, independent of sexual behavior.
Greene then discussed a chapter in his upcoming book about love, which he believes can exist outside of power dynamics.
He referenced a French biologist who studied paramecium and found that these single-celled organisms would couple together, absorbing one another’s membranes before sinking to the bottom of the pond.
This behavior, Greene argued, demonstrates a biological desire for love and connection that is wired into us and transcends power hierarchies.
The conversation also touched on the concept of “love sublime,” a state in which individuals surmount their own physiology and engage in a deep, equal connection with another person.
Greene maintained that this state is triggered by physical intimacy, which releases powerful chemicals in the brain and makes the body permeable to the other person’s energy.
When this physical connection is not met with fear or resistance, it can lead to a mental connection that creates a spiraling effect, resulting in a deeply satisfying sense of unity.
While acknowledging that this ideal of love sublime may be rare in today’s world, Greene believes it is a biological necessity for humans to feel a profound sense of connection, one that is typically ascribed to religion or a higher power.
The Power of Eyes, Voice, and Intuition in Seduction
Huberman, emphasized that the eyes are essentially two pieces of the brain located outside the cranial vault. The dynamics of the pupils, such as dilation and constriction, reflect not only the brightness of the environment but also the individual’s level of arousal on a millisecond timescale.
Expressions of glee cause the pupils to dilate, while moments of despair lead to pupil constriction. These subtle changes in the eyes are often picked up by others at an unconscious level, contributing to the perception of “dead” or “alive” eyes.
Greene pointed out that while we may register these unconscious signals, we often fail to trust our intuitions about people, instead relying on words and rationality. He stressed the importance of paying attention to the initial gut feelings we experience when meeting someone new, as they can provide valuable insights into the person’s character.
In addition to the eyes, the voice plays a crucial role in seduction. As actors know, the voice is one of the most challenging aspects to fake convincingly.
Genuine excitement, confidence, or nervousness can be detected through the tone and quality of a person’s voice.
Greene highlighted the profound impact of a woman’s voice on men, tracing it back to the early childhood experience of being soothed by a mother’s singing or speech.
The voice has the power to evoke deep-seated emotions and memories, making it a potent tool in the art of seduction.
Huberman introduced the concept of “subcortical courtship,” referring to the hardwired and unique desires that reside below the level of conscious awareness.
While we may express ourselves with words and perceive the world through our cortex, the subcortical realm holds the key to our deepest loves and desires.
Finding Vulnerability and Connection in a Divisive World
Greene expressed concern about the impact of hookup culture, pornography, and social media on young people, suggesting that these factors are hijacking the hardwiring of the human brain and leading to a loss of vulnerability and genuine connection.
He emphasized the need for individuals to escape the “prison of the ego” and open themselves up to others, despite the potential risks of being hurt.
According to Greene, the ability to be vulnerable is not only crucial for romantic relationships but also for mental health, creativity, and overall success in life.
He argued that creative people are inherently vulnerable, open to ideas and the environment around them, and that closing oneself off in one’s own ego is akin to being trapped in a prison.
Huberman pointed out that the overindulgence in pornography and masturbation among young people may be a way to avoid the understandable fear of interrelational dynamics.
Greene agreed, stating that he aims to portray the pleasures and therapeutic benefits of letting go of defenses and opening oneself up to others, not just in romantic relationships but in all aspects of life.
The discussion also touched on the role of social media in fostering feelings of disconnection and alienation.
Greene expressed hope that the human spirit would eventually triumph over the negative effects of technology, with people becoming fed up with the lack of genuine interaction and seeking more communal and real experiences.
Huberman added that the constant bombardment of injustices on social media is also contributing to the problem, hijacking people’s creativity and distracting them from their deeper purpose.
He emphasized the importance of determining when to take action against injustice and when to focus on one’s own growth and vulnerability.
Other Posts from this Episode
Losing Social Skills in a Virtual World: Greene
Harnessing Anxiety for Creative Success: Greene
Masculine & Feminine Roles in Modern Society: Greene
Finding Your Life’s Purpose: Insights from Greene and Huberman