The Confidence Game cover art

The Confidence Game

The Psychology of the Con and Why We Fall for It Every Time

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The Confidence Game

By: Maria Konnikova
Narrated by: Maria Konnikova
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About this listen

Con men are artists of persuasion and exploiters of trust. They hold a deep, enigmatic fascination for us. But how do they do it? Whether it's a suspicious-looking email or a multimillion-dollar global swindle, Maria Konnikova investigates the psychological principles that underlie each stage of the confidence game and the profile of both the con artist and his mark.

We learn how grifters can be so persuasive, even to those of us who consider ourselves immune, and how we can train ourselves to discern the signs of a story that isn't quite what it seems.

Insightful and entertaining, telling fascinating stories about some of the most seductive imposters in history, The Confidence Game takes us into the world of the con to examine not only why we believe in confidence artists but how our sense of truth can be manipulated by those around us.

©2016 Maria Konnikova (P)2015 Canongate Books Ltd Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Social Psychology & Interactions Inspiring Thought-Provoking Game

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All stars
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An enjoyable, well researched and presented book full of interesting stories that help to bring to life the key themes. Entertaining and thought provoking !

The audio book benefits from the author's own narration although some may find the delivery a little flat / expressionless.

Interesting and enjoyable listen

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I’m interested in how people make decisions, particularly under pressure.

This book tells the story and the structure of the con in a massively interesting way. It is one of the most enjoyable audible books I have ever listened to.

It didn’t deal directly with my core interest but added so much more to how I now try to think about it.

Great book

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Great story for self realisation! A bit on a scary side. grear examples mixed with science behind the confidense game.

Great book for anyone who wants to understand con

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Mark Manson recently wrote : we're just monkeys in front of colourful screens. Confirmed. Very interesting book on the limitations and vulnerabilities of human psyche.

Primal instincts

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I know people said it should have been read by a professional and not by the author, well I was alright with that. It sounds a bit unusual at first but soon enough you get used to it. Then someone else said it's a collections of stories. Of course it is, why should contain some of the most famous con artists deeds!? But it is also more than that, it deconstructs the confidence game and it explains the psychology behind each step. I absolutely loved it and I absolutely recommend it!

Excellent

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Absolutely fantastic. Inoculation against those who wish to take advantage of us…or a guide book for those who wish to take advance of us!

First class!

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it was a good book but took a long time to complete. very interesting but you need to be in the right head space for it

good but tough read

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Great research and storytelling, but she's pitching her voice below its natural pitch and growling along in an unnatural (for her) key, which means you can hear her vocal chords getting tired and strained at times. Can be a bit hard to listen to for long periods 😬

Vocal issues make it hard to listen at times

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I wanted to re-read this book and it was every bit as good in this version read by the author.

So much fascinating information and much to think on. I know I'll listen to it another time. I rarely do this, but this really is so full of great information. Thoroughly recommend

Enjoyed the book and loved the audio version

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I particularly liked the author's narration and found her voice struck just the right tone. It is quite a long book, but it is full of very interesting stories and observations, and I didn't find any of it boring. I found myself worrying about how I was going to remember all the information to stop myself being conned, but it was just too difficult! Some cons are just so intricate and can go on for years, which must require an awful lot of energy by the con artist. Serious cons are obviously a breed apart. I'm hoping some info has sunk in to enable me to be pre-warned and pre-armed.


A Brilliant Book-Packed Full of Information.

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