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Quotations about persuasion

Blaise PascalPeople almost invariably arrive at their beliefs not on the basis of proof but on the basis of what they find attractive.

 - Blaise Pascal

Tags:   beliefs  persuasion  

Blaise PascalPeople are generally better persuaded by the reasons which they have themselves discovered than by those which have come into the mind of others.

 - Blaise Pascal

Tags:   persuasion  

David HumeEloquence, when at its highest pitch, leaves little room for reason or reflection, but addresses itself entirely to the fancy or the affections, captivates the willing hearers, and subdues their understanding. Happily, this pitch it seldom attains.

 - David Hume

Tags:   eloquence  persuasion  speech  

Blaise PascalWhen we would show any one that he is mistaken, our best course is to observe on what side he considers the subject, - for his view of it is generally right on this side, - and admit to him that he is right so far. He will be satisfied with this acknowledgment, that he was not wrong in his judgment, but only inadvertent in not looking at the whole case.

 - Blaise Pascal

Tags:   judgement  mistakes  persuasion  

Marilyn FergusonNo one can persuade another to change. Each of us guards a gate of change that can only be unlocked from the inside. We cannot open the gate of another, either by argument or emotional appeal.

 - Marilyn Ferguson

Tags:   arguments  change  opinions  persuasion  

Jean Paul RichterA man takes contradiction and advice much more easily than people think, only he will not bear it when violently given, even though it be well-founded. Hearts are flowers; they remain open to the softly-falling dew, but shut up in the violent downpour of rain

 - Jean Paul Richter

Tags:   advice  criticism  persuasion