By Joe Sare

A Teaspoon of Honey

As well as the current reading list, there are a few other books I’ve slowly been making my way through since spring, some of which aid my mental/creative mind set, but most try to get a deeper understanding of our psychological desires and human interaction skills. As I said in my last SCAB, there were a few people in my life I took for granted and others that I upset. I know that when I’m stressed, I need better ways of dealing with people. As I thought a few of these books were worth sharing, I’ve quickly given a few recommendations.  

Whatever you think, think the opposite – Paul Arden
Not so much a book but a collection of very short stories and anecdotes about some really good examples of people who realised there was a simple, brilliant alternative to the status quo. After reading the first page, ‘the flop’, I just laughed, it was brilliant. It’s a little bit of bitesize inspiration that’s easy to carry around with you, and if you sat down to read it in one sitting you’d fly through it in about an hour. 

Lessons from The Game – Neil Strauss
For anyone who doesn’t know what the game is or have heard about it and haven’t read it, yes- the full book was written for social rejects to understand how to pick up girls. However, the concise lessons are a pretty instructive on building human relationships, building interest and desirability, both for yourself and for your ideas. Although in context it’s a little jarring regarding the sexist language and general disregard for other people’s emotions, there are a few great lessons on human addiction in the book. I’m not sure if all of you will understand it, but give it a go. (yes, that was a neg)

48 laws of power – Robert Greene
Like an updated Machiavelli’s The Prince, this book gives you the tools to understand how power is built and kept, how to deal with conflicts and other people. Like The Prince, it’s also difficult at times to read because it’s so candid. It’s one thing to instinctively act in a certain way because our psyche has learnt from lessons in the past, but when an explanation is in black and white on the page, it can be hard to swallow. Worth a read if you’re trying to build professional people skills or establishing a new cult. 

How to Win Friends and Influence People – Dale Carnegie
A really easy book to read through in a few days, the book goes through in steps how to become a positive influence in others’ lives. Although I don’t necessarily agree with everything in the book (not because I think its incorrect, but because I don’t always want to be liked for everything I do. occasionally I wish to offend) it’s still taught me lot of lessons about arguments (which are, apparently, completely and utterly pointless), as well as finding honest compliments to give to people. Of all the books in my list, this one is the easiest and most informative. And the most palatable. 

Right, now back to the SCA list.