The Confidence Game: Why We Fall for It . . . Every Time Paperback – 10 Jan. 2017

This is a tricky book to review.On one hand, the information it contains is interesting and useful - a dissection of the psychology behind the con, the hows and whys of both the grifter and the mark, backed by references to scientific research.On the other, disjointed. Each chapter starts with a story that just about reaches its. Jumping to analysis. Flitting back and forth. Perhaps closing the story academically, rather than as a tale.All told, the information is there, but its presentation works against it. At times, it feels more like a stream of conscience than a well-structured analysis, even though ti contains all the material for the latter. It would probably benefit from a structural re-edit.I would give it 3.5 if possible. 3 is too low, but it doesn't deserve 4.

Very interesting read about the confidence game. Arguments are engaging and made really well. I started reading thinking that I would never fall for some of these tricks and finished with the stark realisation that I actually have many times. You dont fall prey to a con because you are stupid, you fall prey to a con because you are human.The anecdotes and insights into the mind, suggestion and influence found in this book are valuable. Plus the brief look into religion and cults will want you to understand these particular human phenomena further!

After reading Matthew Walker's "Why We Sleep", I'd hoped that this would be an equally insightful book into the science behind what makes cons successful and their marks victims. Sadly, there is precious little to be learned from this book, which quickly becomes tedious. The science is very thin and it is based on third party references of already published material. After reading it, I felt that I had rather wasted my time unfortunately.

Well written and interesting book. Working in dysfunctional workplace you can see how the lack of ethical leadership sets the tone and hence the culture that allows the corporate con artist/bulls***ter to prosper. Bad people in bad places result in bad behaviours. Another lens through which to understand people in organisations, especially if you read Andrew Spicer''s articles on corporate bulls*** - highly recommended! Once the scales are lifted from your eyes you'll never see the corporate world in the same way

This was a really interesting and well-written book. It's thought provoking and supports its reasoning with scientific sources, but the writing is not overly dense or ladden with jargon. Highly recommend!

Really interesting read in to the psychology of the con, discussing the mentality of both the con artist and the mark. Interesting to see how our emotions play such a big part in our decision making!

Master the game.

Great!