Positiveness is a good quality for preachers and orators, because he that would obtrude his thoughts and reasons upon a multitude, will convince others the more, as he appears convinced himself.
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Swift argues that preachers and orators persuade more effectively when they display absolute conviction in their own arguments.
- In plain terms
- People are more likely to believe you when you seem fully convinced yourself.
- What can you take from it?
- Show confidence in your ideas to persuade others.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- How does your own conviction affect your ability to convince others?
- Is sincerity always necessary for effective persuasion?
Another view
Excessive confidence can sometimes appear as arrogance or blind dogma.
More from Jonathan Swift
The latter part of a wise man's life is taken up in curing the follies, prejudices, and false opinions he had contracted in the former.
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