If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect.
What's the meaning of this quote?
Quote Meaning: This quote delves into the art of persuasion, highlighting a crucial distinction between appealing to someone's interests versus their intellect. At its core, it suggests that to effectively sway someone's opinion or convince them of a particular viewpoint, it's more potent to tap into what they find personally meaningful or beneficial rather than solely relying on logical arguments.
The notion of "appealing to interest" encompasses the idea of recognizing and addressing the individual's desires, needs, or motivations. It implies a strategic approach of aligning one's message with what resonates with the audience on a personal level. This could entail emphasizing how a certain course of action aligns with their goals, aspirations, or even their immediate concerns. By doing so, the persuader establishes a connection with the listener, making the proposition more relevant and compelling.
In contrast, the phrase "rather than intellect" suggests that attempting to persuade solely through logical reasoning or intellectual discourse may not always yield the desired outcome. While presenting rational arguments and evidence can certainly be persuasive, they might not resonate with everyone equally. Human decision-making is often influenced by a myriad of factors beyond pure logic, including emotions, biases, and personal experiences. Therefore, relying solely on intellectual appeals may overlook the emotional or practical considerations that truly drive decision-making.
This quote underscores the importance of understanding human psychology and tapping into the emotional and practical aspects of persuasion. It implies that effective persuasion involves not only presenting compelling arguments but also crafting messages that speak to the deeper motivations and interests of the audience. By appealing to what matters most to them, whether it's their self-interest, values, or aspirations, the persuader can establish a more profound connection and increase the likelihood of achieving their desired outcome.
Moreover, the quote suggests a pragmatic approach to persuasion, acknowledging that people are often more swayed by what directly benefits them or fulfills their interests rather than abstract or purely intellectual reasoning. It emphasizes the importance of framing arguments and messages in a way that addresses the audience's self-interest, thereby making the proposition more enticing and persuasive.
In essence, this quote serves as a reminder that effective persuasion requires more than just presenting logical arguments; it necessitates a deep understanding of human nature and a skillful ability to appeal to the interests and motivations of the audience. By recognizing and leveraging what truly matters to individuals, persuaders can create messages that resonate on a personal level, ultimately increasing their chances of success in influencing others.
Who said the quote?
The quote "If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect." is often attributed to Benjamin Franklin (Bio / Quotes). Benjamin Franklin was an American statesman, writer, and inventor who played a key role in the founding of the United States.
What are Benjamin Franklin's Best Quotes?
Watch on Elevate's YouTube channel and be sure to subscribe for more wisdom and insights from the world's top minds.
Subscribe on YouTube to get the latest quote videos delivered straight to you:
Is there a historical example that illustrates the message of the quote?
One compelling historical example that illustrates the message of the quote, “If you would persuade, you must appeal to interest rather than intellect,” is the way Franklin D. Roosevelt (FDR) communicated during his presidency, particularly through his “Fireside Chats.”
In the midst of the Great Depression in the 1930s, the American public was deeply anxious about economic instability and their future. Roosevelt recognized that simply presenting complex economic theories or policy details would not resonate with the average citizen struggling with daily hardships. Instead, he chose to address the nation directly through radio broadcasts that were designed to feel personal and reassuring.
FDR's “Fireside Chats” were not filled with intricate policy jargon. Instead, he spoke in a conversational tone, using simple language that addressed the concerns of ordinary people. He explained the New Deal programs and their benefits in a way that connected with people’s immediate interests—such as job security, financial stability, and hope for a better future—rather than focusing solely on the technicalities of the legislation.
For example, when FDR talked about the Banking Act of 1933, he didn’t delve into the minutiae of banking reforms. Instead, he explained how these changes would protect people’s savings and restore confidence in the banking system. By focusing on the direct impact of the policies on people’s lives, he effectively appealed to their interests and emotions, thereby gaining their support and trust.
This approach proved highly effective in persuading the public and gaining widespread acceptance for his New Deal programs, showcasing how addressing the immediate interests and concerns of an audience can be more powerful than a purely intellectual appeal.
How can the quote be applied in a real-life scenario?
The principle that to persuade effectively, one must appeal to interest rather than intellect can be applied in various real-life scenarios, especially in fields such as marketing, leadership, and interpersonal communication.
Consider a manager trying to motivate a team to embrace a new company initiative. If the manager simply presents the initiative's strategic benefits and expected long-term growth, team members may find it difficult to engage or feel invested. Instead, the manager could focus on how the initiative will make their daily tasks more efficient, improve their work environment, or provide opportunities for personal growth.
For instance, if a company is introducing a new software system, rather than emphasizing the technical superiority or cost savings of the system, the manager could highlight how the software will reduce repetitive tasks, simplify workflows, and ultimately save time. By connecting the initiative to the employees' direct interests and immediate benefits, the manager appeals to what matters to the team on a personal level, increasing the likelihood of buy-in and enthusiasm.
Similarly, in personal relationships, understanding and addressing the specific interests and needs of others can lead to more effective communication and stronger connections. For example, if you’re trying to persuade a friend to join you in a new activity or hobby, focus on how it aligns with their existing interests or provides benefits that they care about, rather than just presenting it as a new or exciting option.
By focusing on what resonates with people on a personal level, rather than just presenting intellectual arguments, you can more effectively persuade and engage others.
Applying the quote to your life
Unlock Franklin's wisdom and apply it to your life by getting the in-depth Benjamin Franklin Workbook & Study Guide, complete with top quotes, insightful commentary, reflective questions, and practical uses for everyday life. 👇
To apply more wisdom, get the All-Access Pass, which includes hundreds of study guides from the world's top minds. These include deep insights from individuals such as Nelson Mandela, Steve Jobs, and Albert Einstein, as well as some of the top authors and personal development books.
Chief Editor
Tal Gur is an author, founder, and impact-driven entrepreneur at heart. After trading his daily grind for a life of his own daring design, he spent a decade pursuing 100 major life goals around the globe. His journey and most recent book, The Art of Fully Living, has led him to found Elevate Society.
