Chapter 49 start on a friendly note

An atheist wanted William Perry to admit that there was nothing supernatural in the universe.Without saying a word, Perry took out the pocket watch he was wearing, opened the box, and said: "If I tell you that these levers, gears and springs are all formed by themselves, and they are assembled by themselves. You'd think I'm crazy. Now look at the stars, each of them in a certain orbit -- satellites and planets orbiting the star at speeds of over a million miles a day. Every star has A group of stars surrounding it form a galaxy by itself, just like our solar system. They move so regularly that they will not collide with each other, hinder each other, and will not go to the wrong place. Everything is so quiet and peaceful. Order, efficiency. Do you believe more in chance, or in a supernatural force that made them so?"

What do you think would happen if Mr. Perry rebutted the atheist at the outset with words like, "What, there is no God? Don't be stupid like a donkey. Do you know what you're talking about?"There is no doubt that it was another verbal exchange, both violent and ineffective.The atheist will, like a raging wild cat, lash out with vicious words, trying to defend his position.why?Because, as Professor Ovich points out: that is "his" claim.His precious and absolutely necessary self-esteem was wounded, his dignity was at stake. Dignity is a highly explosive quality in human nature.So wouldn't it be better if we could make this trait work with us than against us?But how?As Professor Perry said, show your opponent that your opinion is similar to some of his beliefs, and he will not reject your opinion.This method generally does not cause opposing emotions and opinions from the other party.

There is nothing new in the method I am advocating; it was adopted by St. Paul of old.His famous speech to the Athenians on Mount Mass was immortalized in such a skilful and skilful reference to this method.Paul was a fully educated man, and after his conversion to Christianity his oratory was of great help in spreading the doctrine.One day, he came to Athens. At that time, Athens had passed its heyday and began to decline.The situation at this time is described in the Bible as follows: both the Athenians and the strangers living there cared about other things, and only liked to talk or listen to the news that happened recently.

There were no radios, no telecommunications equipment, no outlets for the news, and those Athenians had to go around every afternoon asking for news.At this time, Paul came, which was their new favorite business.They circled Paul, new and curious, and took him to Alabagu.They said to Paul, "May we also know these new teachings that you are preaching? Because you have heard some strange things in our ears, and we want to know what they mean." In other words, they were inviting Paul to give a speech, and of course Paul was very willing.In fact, that's exactly what he came here for.So he stood on a rock and, like many good speakers, was a little nervous at first.He may rub his hands, clear his throat, and begin to speak.

Since Paul didn't quite agree with the reasons why the Athenians invited him to speak on stage, "the new way...strange thing..." that was poisonous, he had to get rid of those notions.This is a land open to any dissent, but Paul remains reluctant to describe his faith as a strange, heterogeneous affair.He wants to combine his own beliefs with their original beliefs, so that he can better eliminate the opposition and let the other party accept him.But how?He thought for a moment, and in a flash of inspiration, he began this immortal speech: "Men of Athens, I see that you fear God in all things."

Some versions of the Bible say, "You are all very religious." I think it's better and more correct to say that.These Athenians worshiped many gods and were very pious, and they were very proud of it.Paul praised them, and they were delighted to hear it, and drew closer to him.This is one of the great laws of the art of powerful speaking.Paul said again: "Because when I passed by here, I saw an altar that you worship, and it is written: To the unknown god." "See, this proves that the Athenians were very pious, lest they neglect any god they did not know, and dedicated an altar to the unknown god. It is like some comprehensive insurance covering all possible insurances. ’” Paul referred to the altar, indicating that his praise was not flattery, but observation.

Then, Paul introduced the topic very cleverly: "I will tell you about the God you worship without knowing it." "New Way...strange things..." Not at all.Paul only put forward some simple facts to connect his own beliefs with the original beliefs of the Athenians. This technique is really very clever. He also mentioned the redemption and the resurrection of Jesus, and also quoted some Greek verses, and the speech ended well.Of course, some people can't help but say some mocking words, but there are also many people who say: "We need to hear these things from you again."

Therefore, if you want to persuade others, or impress others with your words, the best way is to plant your ideas in their minds and avoid causing them to have opposing thoughts.Those who can do this will be able to exert great power in their speeches to influence others.