# The Branden Tapes: Discussions of Man-Woman Relationships By Nathaniel Branden **URL:** **By** Karl T. Pflock **Published:** April 1, 1974 --- “But perhaps most important is his discussion of the problem of intellectual distance between man and wife which so often results when she stays home with kinder and cooking while he spends his days out in the world.” Everything you always wanted to ask Nathaniel Branden about “sex, man-woman relationships, marriage and the various problems that men and women encounter in the process of dealing with and relating to one another.” This is what you will find on these interesting, informative and thought-provoking cassettes. The first set of two cassettes has Branden fielding questions from six men, and the second set of four (whatever happened to equal time?!) has him handling queries from a distaff as-semblage. Throughout both, he deals with each issue in considerable depth, pulling no punches and offering wise counsel and stimulating insights. He approaches each question head-on, devel-oping all the ramifications of the matter under consideration and delving into such related topics as necessary to explicate the points he is covering. But Branden is not the only star of these fascinating recordings: his interlocutors offer up questions which, with rare exception, are as well made and thoughful as Branden’s responses. Most are questions we have all asked ourselves at one time or another and which are today at issue in virtually every public forum. To repeat: most of us have considered the issues raised during these recorded sessions. Further, most of us have come up with answers—or rationalizations—which suit us. But how long has it been since you really thought about your answers? As you listen to Branden and friends, I guar-antee you will think about them—and perhaps find yourself rethinking them. My wife and I listened to most of the cassettes together. In the wake of each session we found ourselves engaged in some of the most interesting and spirited conversations we have had in many a moon. Both of us learned a little more about ourselves and each other in the process. This is the way to use these tapes. They are ideal for husband and wife, discussion group, line marriage, commune, “just friends,” lovers or whatever-turns-you-on togetherness listening. This is not to say that these recordings cannot be profitably listened to alone (for they can be), but rather that both their format and their subject are perfect for group listening by thoughtful people who care for each other. Some of the things Branden discusses with the men are: the extremist women’s liberation view of the male of the species as monomanical sexual predator, the importance of self-esteem in man-woman relationships, good and bad reasons for marrying, monogamy, male and female sexuality, and masturbation. But perhaps most important is his discussion of the problem of intellectual distance between man and wife which so often results when she stays home with kinder and cooking while he spends his days out in the world. This is a grave problem in a great many marriages today, and Branden’s observations on what can be done about it are very worthwhile. With the ladies, in addition to covering from different and complementary angles some of the same issues raised by the men, Branden deals with the disastrous impact of stereotypic sex roles, bisexuality, the importance of privacy in marriage, male “menopause,” bad reasons for becoming a mother, the fear of some women that a romantic relationship will kill their creativity, women and careers, why some women hate their own gender, sexual game playing, the vagina as a “tool,” jealousy, how to cope with impotence, and much more. On one of the cassettes, Branden advises: “Know who you are, know what you want, attempt to make reasonable predictions of the consequences of your actions, don’t kid yourself, and don’t lie to your mate. After that... \[follow\] the Spanish proverb which says, “Take what you want,” quoth God, “and pay for it.”” These tapes will be very useful to anyone who wishes to follow this advice in their relations with the opposite sex. _Reviewed by Karl T. Pflock / Cassette Tapes / Discussion With Men \[84 Minutes\] / BFL Price $15 / Discussion With Women \[157 Minutes\] / BFL Price $30 / Both Sets $40_