Persuasion hung upon his lips, and the elements of Logick and Rhetorick were so blended up in him, - and, withall, he had so shrewd guess at the weaknesses and passions of his respondent, - that NATURE might have stood up and said, - 'This man is eloquent.'
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- The man possessed a natural ability to persuade, combining logic and rhetoric with deep insight into human weakness. His eloquence seemed innate rather than learned.
- In plain terms
- He was naturally persuasive and understood people well.
- What can you take from it?
- Natural insight into people enhances persuasion.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What makes someone truly persuasive?
- Is eloquence learned or innate?
Another view
Natural talent alone may not sustain influence without ethical use.
More from Laurence Sterne
'Tis known by the name of perseverance in a good cause - and of obstinacy in a bad one.
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