277. Summary: Trust Me, I'm Lying – by Ryan Holiday

<p>In <a href= "https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074VTHH0?tag=kadavyinc-20"><em>Trust Me, I’m Lying</em></a>, <a href= "https://kadavy.net/blog/posts/ryan-holiday-podcast-interview/">Ryan Holiday</a> reveals the media manipulation tactics he used as Marketing Director of American Apparel, and for his PR clients. Meanwhile, he exposes the inner workings of a modern media machine in which incentives make it impossible for the version of reality depicted in the media to come close to resembling the truth. I think it’s Holiday’s best book, and one of the <a href= "https://kadavy.net/best-media-studies-theory-books/">best media studies books</a>.</p> <p>So, here, in my own words, is my <em>Trust Me, I’m Lying</em> summary.</p> <h3>Yes, this book is about lying</h3> <p>Before Ryan Holiday became known as an author of modern stoicism books, he dropped out of college at nineteen to apprentice under <em>48 Laws of Power</em> author, Robert Green. He later was the marketing director for American Apparel, and now has a PR agency, <a href="https://www.brasscheck.net/">Brass Check</a>, where he advises corporate clients and authors.</p> <p>As the title of the book suggests, the tactics Holiday confesses to might make your skin crawl. They involve deliberate provocation, bribery, impersonation, and – since it’s called <em>Trust Me, I’m Lying</em> – making stuff up.</p> <h3>But everyone should read it</h3> <p>This may turn people off to the book, but if you’re an author, marketer, entrepreneur, musician, filmmaker, or comedian, you’re in the business of trying to get your message into the world. So, ignore this book at your own peril. The people with whom you compete for attention are using these tactics. Understanding these tactics is a good way to understand the mechanics of media. You can use this knowledge to get your message out in less nefarious ways (more on that later).</p> <p>And, if you’re someone who thinks it’s your duty to read the news, to “stay informed,” you owe it to yourself to read this book. But be prepared to ha