In an environment where information flows constantly and influences are omnipresent, strengthening our critical thinking and understanding the mechanisms of persuasion is more important than ever. In this article, Professor of the Professional Master in Intelligence Analyst and of the Intelligence Analysis Techniques and Methods Course (Level 1) From the LISA Institute, Hugo Zunzarren, presents us with his top seven essential books.
A short treatise on manipulation for good people
Robert-Vicent Joule and Jean-Léon Beauvois
Year of publication: 1987
In «A short treatise on manipulation for good people»Robert-Vincent Joule and Jean-Léon Beauvois offer an in-depth exploration of the art of manipulation from a practical and ethical perspective. The book examines how, in a variety of everyday situations, manipulation can serve as a powerful tool to influence others, whether it is getting a neighbor to take care of a dog, a child to adopt a new interest, or employees and customers to commit to new activities.
The authors break down how manipulation techniques are employed by professionals such as salespeople and advertisers, providing strategies both for applying these techniques effectively and for identifying and resisting manipulations. This treatise becomes a Essential guide for those looking to improve their persuasion skills while protecting their own interests from manipulative influences.
Never Eat Alone: Networking to Optimize Your Personal Relationships
Keith Ferrazzi y Tahl Raz
Year of publication: 2015
In «Never Eat Alone: Networking to Optimize Your Personal Relationships»Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz present a strategic approach to the professional and personal growth based on the power of authentic connections. The book highlights the importance of cultivating genuine and generous relationships, offering methods to transform mere acquaintances into close friends and get others interested in your success. Ferrazzi and Raz teach how to approach others with empathy and strengthen your network of contacts to advance in your career and personal life.
The book argues that nothing happens in isolation; everything is interconnected. Every interaction and relationship contributes to shaping your personality and your achievements. The notion of the “self-made man” is a myth, as we are the result of our interactions with others. Nurturing these relationships is the key to networking and essential to achieving shared and sustainable success.
➡️ You may be interested in: The best books on Geopolitics in history
Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion
Robert B. Cialdini
Year of publication: 1984
Robert B. Cialdini’s “Influence: The Psychology of Persuasion” is a seminal work on techniques of influence and persuasioninternationally recognized and with more than five million copies sold. In this revised edition, Cialdini, a leading expert on the subject, explores the psychology behind the why people access influences and how to apply this knowledge ethically in a variety of situations, both in the workplace and in everyday life. Through practical examples and stories, the author breaks down the universal principles of influence in an accessible way.
The book presents the Cialdini’s six key principles of persuasion: reciprocity, commitment and consistency, social proof, agreeableness, authority, scarcity, and the most recent principle, unity. Each of these principles is detailed with new research and practical applications, offering tools for Becoming a more effective persuader and protect yourself against dishonest influence. Backed by 35 years of scientific research, Influence provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using these principles to influence the behavior of others.
Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust
Chris Brogan y Julien Smith
Year of publication: 2009
«Trust Agents: Using the Web to Build Influence, Improve Reputation, and Earn Trust» de Chris Brogan y Julien Smith es una Key Guide to Mastering the Use of Social Media to Build Influencereputation and trust in today’s digital environment. In this revised edition, the authors update their strategies to reflect the latest trends and tools in the online environment. The book details How businesses can use social media to strengthen their brand and increase your profits by offering a combination of advanced theory and practical steps to create an effective digital presence.
The work provides Specific strategies for different types of organizationsincluding small businesses, educators, travel and hospitality companies, nonprofits, and large corporations. Through case studies and concrete advice, Brogan and Smith demonstrate how Social tools can be used to positively impact businesshighlighting the importance of becoming a “Trust Agent” to thrive in the digital age.
➡️ You may be interested in: 5 books to become an expert in HUMINT
Living in Networks: The Dynamics of Social Relations
Alain Degenne, Claire Bidart and Michel Grossetti
Year of publication: 2020
«Living in Networks: The Dynamics of Social Relations» es una obra clave que examines the formation and evolution of personal networks throughout life. Based on a classic French text, the work extends social network analysis to personal relationships and significant events, addressing how networks emerge, are maintained, connect and break over time.
The work, based on two extensive surveys carried out in France, offers a innovative theory on relational dynamics. It provides a new perspective on how individual social networks influence access to resources and inequalities, and how these networks shape opportunities and challenges throughout life. It is essential to understanding how social relationships intertwine with life events and affect personal development.
The Internet Galaxy: Reflections on the Internet, Business, and Society
Manuel Castells
Year of publication: 2001
En «The Internet Galaxy: Reflections on the Internet, Business, and Society», Manuel Castells examines the profound impact of the Internet on modern societydescribing it as the backbone of the new economy and the network society. Castells, known as the first significant philosopher of cyberspaceexplores how this technology has transformed key aspects of our lives, including work, politics, media, and privacy at home, and immerses us in the era of the “Internet Galaxy,” characterized by informed uncertainty.
Castells highlights both the liberating and connecting potential of the Internet and its ability to marginalize those without access to it. While offering no easy solutions, the author challenges us to take responsibility for the future of this digital age by understanding its language, logic, limitations, and freedoms. “The Internet Galaxy” is fundamental to understanding how the Internet has become the driving force of the economy and society of the 21st centurytransforming our daily lives and our social relationships.
➡️ You may be interested in: A selection of books written by hackers… and a bot
Treaty of liberal servitude
Jean-Leon Beauvois
Year of publication: 1994
«Treaty on Liberal Servitude,» written by Jean-Léon Beauvois, offers a deep analysis of how the notion of freedom in modern societies often hides subtle forms of submission and control. Based on Étienne de La Boétie’s reflection on voluntary servitude, the book questions true freedom in liberal democracies and explores how people accept and justify their subordination through suggestions and pressures from superiors.
Using techniques from experimental social psychology, Beauvois reveals how the freedom promoted in these societies can mask inequality and exclusion. With a foreword by Slavoj Žižek and commentary by Nicole Dubois and Robert-Vincent Joule, the book provides an in-depth look at the role of freedom in society. rigorous analysis of freedom and powerchallenging traditional conceptions of the individual in liberal democracies and offering an incisive critique of liberal illusions in our social structures.
➡️ If you want to enter the world of intelligence and acquire professional skills, we recommend the following training programs:
