On Convincing People
The book explores the art of persuasion and how to convince others through various means, including logic, emotion, and social influence. It examines the role of language, tone, and body language in swaying opinions and attitudes. The text also delves into the psychology of persuasion, discussing topics such as cognitive biases and the power of storytelling.
By Hilaire Belloc · First published 1908 · Genre: Philosophy, Essay, Rhetoric · 2,049 words
First lines
I have just been working at the "Provincials" of Pascal. They are full of lies, and full of errors. They would not convince the stupidest of readers who should seriously compare them with the original documents which Pascal attacked. But no reader has ever done so. My object in reading Pascal's book was to expose it, and therefore my object on a small stage was to do what Pascal did on a large one, that is, to convince people: with this only difference. Pascal had only to convince those who agreed with him in believing something that was not true, to wit, that Casuistry was immoral. But I set out to convince, of something that _was_ true (to wit, that Casuistry was both moral and necessary) those who heartily, save Maynard and Derome, disagreed with me.
What this Textopian page supports
On Convincing People is listed on Textopian as an essay by Hilaire Belloc, dated 1908 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Essay
- Author: Hilaire Belloc
- Date: 1908 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Philosophy, Essay, Rhetoric, Criticism, Literary Analysis
- Length: 2,049 words
- Structure: 1 section, 19 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Standard (8th-9th Grade)
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Similar titles
- On Controversy by Hilaire Belloc
- The Perverseness Of Words by Egerton Castle
- On Inaccuracy by Hilaire Belloc
- Talkability by Henry Van Dyke
- Character by Ralph Waldo Emerson
- Gorgias by Plato
Genres
- Philosophy — The text explores the philosophical distinction between persuasion and conviction, examining the nature of truth and the process of convincing others.
- Essay — The work is structured as a reflective essay, presenting arguments and personal insights on the art of convincing people.
- Rhetoric — The discussion focuses on rhetorical techniques and the effectiveness of different methods of argumentation.
- Criticism — The text critiques Pascal's 'Provincials' and examines the flaws in his arguments, positioning itself as a critical analysis.
Tags
Persuasion · Rhetoric · Communication · Argumentation · Logic · Reasoning · Debate · Discourse · Speechwriting · Public Speaking · Influence · Psychology