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About this quote

What does it mean?
Poe states that when fully convinced of something, he does not need to try to convince others.
In plain terms
If I already believe something fully, I do not try to make others believe it too.
What can you take from it?
True conviction does not require persuasion of others.

Where it applies

  • debate
  • advocacy
  • personal belief

Putting it to work

  • focus on belief
  • avoid unnecessary argument

Questions to consider

  • When should you persuade others?
  • Can conviction exist without communication?

Another view

It may discourage useful dialogue or sharing of ideas.

More from Edgar Allan Poe

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  2. But as, in ethics, evil is a consequence of good, so, in fact, out of joy is sorrow born. Either the memory of past bliss is the anguish of to-day, or the agon…

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  3. Thou wast all that to me, love, For which my soul did pine - A green isle in the sea, love, A fountain and a shrine, All wreathed with fairy fruits and flowers…

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