Thoughts on Way Of A Superior Man by David Deida?

[ilrein]

I read this book before I was self-acquainted with Ayn Rand and it helped me understand Dominique's character with remarkable accuracy immediately.

Randomly, I felt the urge to reread it (although I skip the fruity text and just read the laws), and now I am curious as to the opinions and reviews of the many respectable members of this forum. Personally, I think combined with Ayn's ideals the two works synergize for a very healthy view of masculinity. My understanding of these values has brought me new freedom in my sexual life and I couldn't be happier. I whole heartedly recommend reading the book.

PS. Link here: http://smilyanov.net/download/pdfs/The%20Way%20of%20the%20Superior%20Man.pdf

[whYNOT]

Only skimming the Contents, there sure is much interesting stuff.

(Some I immediately agree with).

I'll have to read it - thanks a lot.

[dream_weaver]

The Contents looked interesting enough to add to my Kindle for future consideration.

Thanks.

[ilrein]

Enjoy guys!

Just to note a few similarities of tantamount importance:

"For a woman qua woman, the essence of feminity is hero-worship--the desire to look up to man." - Ayn Rand

"If you have a more feminine sexual essence, your professional

life may be incredibly successful, but your core won't be fulfilled

unless love is flowing fully in your family or intimate life." - D.D.

Both authors share the same ideal of masculinity and its opposite.

Another quote by D.D:

A woman often seems to test her man's capacity to remain unperturbed

in his truth and purpose. She tests him to feel his freedom and depth of

love, to know that he is trustable. Her tests may come in the form of

complaining, challenging him, changing her mind, doubting him, distracting him,

or even undermining his purpose in a subtle or not so

subtle way. A man should never think his woman's testing is going to

end and his life will get easier. Rather, he should appreciate that she

does these things to feel his strength, integrity, and openness. Her desire

is for his deepest truth and love. As he grows, so will her testing.

The imagery of Dominique is perfect here, and Rand's characterization of how Roark responds to her is just so consistent. That in Dominique's most brutal "testing" her secret desire was that Roark could not be broken...the harder she pushes for hurting Roark, the more she admits to herself of the depth of her love for him, that even when she succeeded she still could not hurt him and that he still completely dominated her in mind and body.

And the later part of the book when Dominique leaves Roark and returns to test him and see if he will abandon his purpose, in that moment truly acting as if she wanted just that, and Roark of course knowing that deep down it would be a betrayal of his own values, and that Dominique would grow to resent and hate him for it if he would submit to her impulse...

Edited January 15, 2012 by ilrein