Review of Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love

[Unique Ego]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love" by Shepherd Siegel, PhD.]

---

3 out of 4 stars

---

Share This Review

---

The modern-day definition of a trickster could be a con artist, but in this book, Shepherd Siegel tells about how people and cultures draw on a mixture of archetypes, the personality traits that make them who they are: warrior, caretaker, magician, fool, hero, sage—and trickster. Providing a substantial listing of trickster gods like Eshù and the Signifying Monkey, Shepherd describes the trickster in individuals as a conscious or unconscious part of humans that sets out to have fun, and though somebody might get hurt, the motives are never hurt others intentionally. The motive of a trickster is not about causing havoc but about the reconstruction and reform of systems.

The book gives insight into how the genuine heart of the trickster and his determined commitment to fun and laughter are worth contemplating and experiencing. With a further description of the attributes of a trickster, examples of individuals and movies like that of the Marx brothers, who use slapstick ability to connect the play of the child with adult concerns, are given. This ability makes it vital to understanding the trickster in politics and culture. Find out more about how political and corporate figures gain and lose power through trickery.

Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love is a book written by Shepherd Siegel about how commerce and consumerism are held to a high standard and wealth is not evenly distributed. In this book, the author shows how humans with trickster personalities sometimes spite the anomalies in our politics and economy and lead to reforms. He also explains how the trickster is gender indeterminate, although they are always drawn to sex. Filled with illustrations, this book teases the imagination and feeds the eyes with art related to Shepherd's descriptions.

I especially enjoyed Shepherd’s presentations about the trickster’s role, which opened my eyes to the real possibility of advancing to a more perfect and playful society. I was intrigued by how the archetypal traits of a trickster could make such a difference in society. I must admit that I didn't like how Shepherd beat around the bush before getting to his point. Still, I bought his idea of change through an artistic form of society that relies on only the most necessary tools of commerce and consumption.

There was a lot to unpack in this book, making it easy to get lost in its many explanations. It was a good idea that the author provided further insight and context in the footer of some pages. This helped me better understand his explanations and descriptions. It also highlighted the depth of historical research the author did in penning this book.

Initially, I thought the book was a bit of a bore because it took a while to understand the role of the trickster, but in the end, it was worth the read. It was also professionally edited. I rate it 3 out of 4 stars because of the wordiness in many parts of the book. I recommend it to individuals interested in social change.

******
Tricking Power into Performing Acts of Love
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Mbenma Esther 080]

Influence and social change are paramount aspects of general growth. Thanks for the review.

[Aisha Yakub]

I'm not sure this is within my wheelhouse, so I'll pass. Thank you for the review.

[Blessing Odii]

A book like this is going to be fascinating to read. I can't wait to read this trickster book.