Influence does have a better edge over force. A masterful story of persuasion versus force is told in the book Aesop’s Fables; the famed storyteller tells the story of The North Wind and the Sun.
The North Wind and the Sun had a quarrel about which of them was the stronger. While they were disputing with much heat and bluster, a Traveler passed along the road wrapped in a cloak.
“Let us agree,” said the Sun, “that he is the stronger who can strip that Traveler of his cloak.”
“Very well,” growled the North Wind, and at once sent a cold, howling blast against the Traveler.
The wind blew, forcefully and furiously, but try as it would, the traveler only pulled his cloak tighter and held on to it for dear life. Alas, the wind grew tired, lost its steam and stopped; unsuccessful.
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When it came to the Sun’s turn, it shone, cheerfully and brightly. With the elegant art of persuasion, it warmed the traveller with its shining influence. Bit by bit, the traveler began to perspire, until overcome with heat, the traveler took off his cloak! The sun succeeded by choosing persuasion over force! The sun chose to use its influence rather than force. And without even realizing it, the traveller succumbed to the influence.
The morale teaches the superiority of persuasion and influence over force.
Force begets resistance and brews hate. Hate, like the wind is forceful, brutal and loud. It wreaks havoc, causes pain and hurt and yet, gets very little or nothing done at all.
Persuasion and influence takes skill and even some love. Influence is cultivated over time. It requires some credibility and a track record. To influence you may have to model the change or behavior you wish to achieve. Persuading, like love is gentle, kind, patient, compassionate and empathetic. It brings cheer and understanding. It comes softly and one step at a time, it patiently moves and creates change.
So next time you need to collaborate, consider persuasion over force.
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I choose love over hate. Hate is witchcraft. For how long can one hate? Love ? is medicine food to the soul
We all need to hear this message. Especially in this climate of hate and division.
So much force going on these days!! These are words to live by.
Great message. Reminds me of David Hawkins’s book Power vs. Force. Same idea!
Such a powerful message. Thank for sharing.
So good! Thanks for sharing. I especially love the quote by Sylvester about elegant persuasion. This is a much needed message today. Persuasion is indeed better than force!
Another incredibly powerful message! Your writing is always so inspiring. I think we can all find times when we need to step back and realize that we should try influence instead of force.
So true. Force generates resistance. Pushback is real. Great convo about this fable. Wasn’t Aesop wise?
Excellent message! Thank you for sharing.
I love this, it’s so true!
Such a great lesson to be reminded of adhering towards!
What a great lesson! I see the persuasion vs force in my line of work all the time. I can attest how much more successful verbal persuasion is compared to trying physical force.
Thank you for sharing this message! Definitely something to remember. I hope to never be forceful in situations.
Great info! Thanks for sharing!
This was really touching and absolutely correct, persuasion is the best. Thank you for sharing this with me, I’m glad I had a chance to read it.
This reminds me of an expression I’ve heard: You catch more flies with honey than vinegar. I’d much rather work with someone who uses kind words when dealing with hard situations than someone who is harsh and unwilling to collaborate.
Very good message! Keep up the good work!
I first read this fable back in 5th grade and I’ve never, ever forgotten it! Such a powerful story.