In THE ART OF HUNTING HUMANS: A Radical and Confronting Explanation of the Human Mind, author Sidney Mazzi explains the foundations of human behavior. He argues that once one understands why humans behave the way they do, they will be easier to control. More importantly, understanding the unconscious impulses of the mind allows us to avoid being manipulated—either by others or by our own desires and fears.
THE ART OF HUNTING HUMANS begins by exploring how human communication and perception are often clouded. According to Mazzi, human communication is not only “highly inefficient,” it also reveals a lot about an individual. Paying careful attention to how a person communicates can divulge a lot of information to the observer—information which can be used to the observer’s advantage.
Like human communication, human perception is also often distorted and unreliable. Mazzi employs the metaphor of the “Captain in the Cabin” to show how a person’s perception controls his or her behavior. This perception can become muddled and confused by individual assumptions, subconscious associations, and defense mechanisms.
THE ART OF HUNTING HUMANS also shows how our emotions and desires influence nearly everything we do. Mazzi applies the concept of a “Holy Grail” to illustrate the goal that each person pursues, whether consciously or unconsciously. Understanding someone’s “Holy Grail” is essential to influencing his or her behavior.
A great resource for those interested in human psychology, THE ART OF HUNTING HUMANS explores how human weaknesses (such as fear, ignorance, vanity, and pride) drive an individual—often without his or her knowledge. Readers can learn to exploit these weaknesses in others and attempt to eliminate them in him- or herself.
While THE ART OF HUNTING HUMANS presents a lot of information on human psychology, it does so in a humorous way. Readers need not worry about information-overload as Mazzi illustrates psychological concepts using easily understood metaphors and maintains a humorous tone. The result is a fun, absorbing and satirical read that entertains as it informs, resulting in a self-help book that offers humor, psychological insight, and practical application.
A satirical take on self-help books, THE ART OF HUNTING HUMANS provides a unique and humorous way to understand human psychology—and how readers can use it to their advantage.
~Jennifer Noll for IndieReader