Opposition always inflames the enthusiast, never converts him.
Attribution disputed; shown as originally published.
ArgumentBeliefConvictionDebateEnthusiasmOppositionPersuasion
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Opposing an enthusiast often makes them more passionate instead of changing their mind.
- In plain terms
- Arguing with a fanatic usually makes them dig in, not agree.
- What can you take from it?
- Opposition strengthens enthusiasm rather than changing minds.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How do you handle strong opposition?
- Can you persuade without arguing?
Another view
Sometimes opposition does change minds over time.
More from Friedrich von Schiller
Of all the possessions of this life fame is the noblest; when the body has sunk into the dust the great name still lives.
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