Michel de Montaigne Quotes

Why should I try to make you believe the things I believe in?

… another man‘s opinion rarely convinces.

… propaganda on its own cannot force its way into unwilling minds; neither can it inculcate something wholly new; nor can it keep people persuaded once they have ceased to believe. It penetrates only into minds already open, and rather than instill opinion it articulates and justifies opinions already present in the minds of its recipients. The gifted propagandist brings to a boil ideas and passions already simmering in the minds of his hearers. he echoes their innermost feelings.

We are pleased with one who instantly assents to our opinions, but we love a proselyte.

It takes time to persuade men to do even what is for their own good.

Zealous men are ever displaying to you the strength of their belief, while judicious men are showing you the grounds of it.

I've run my mouth pretty good about my beliefs.

I have written every one of my novels to convince somebody of something.

One person with a belief is equal to ninety-nine who have only interests.

I have to have an emotional connection to what I am ultimately selling because it is emotion, whether you are selling religion, politics, even a breath mint.

Martyrdom is evidence only of a man's honesty - it is no evidence that he is not mistaken. Men have suffered martyrdom for all sorts of opinions in politics and in religion; yet they could not therefore have all been in the right; although they could give no stronger evidence that they believed themselves in the right.

Have a definite opinion.

I always have a point of view. It may not be right, but it's my own.

You will not have to make war there only with arms, but also with public opinion

One man with beliefs is equal to a thousand with only interests.

Opinion is power.

Telling a man to go to hell and making him go are two different propositions.

Books still accomplish miracles; they persuade men.

We are all missionaries (propagandists of our views). Each of us disapproves of the other missionaries.

Opinions, when merely true, move slowly; but when approved, acquire proclivity.

I don't necessarily think, as a person of influence, that it's always my job to influence people regarding my opinion.

Viewers don't want you to walk the fence - they do want a point of view - and that's what we bring.

Make converts to your own thoughts and opinions.

Few are open to conviction, but the majority of men are open to persuasion

Anytime you make someone laugh or satirize something, it's the best way to change someone's opinion because they're defenseless - they laugh, they listen.