When I'm getting ready to persuade a person, I spend…
“When I'm getting ready to persuade a person, I spend one-third of the time thinking about myself, what I'm going to say, and two-thirds of the time thinking about him and what he is going to say. -Abraham Lincoln Always think of what you have to do as easy and it will be.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Effective persuasion requires listening more than speaking, focusing on the other’s perspective.
In simple terms: Listen more, speak less to persuade.
Key Takeaway
Prioritize understanding others.
Themes
communication
empathy
leadership
Mood
analytical
empathetic
Type
inspirational
philosophical
When to use this quote
- sales pitches
- negotiations
- team meetings
- conflict mediation
Key Concepts
rhetoric
psychology
Questions to Reflect On
- How can you improve listening in your next conversation?
- What assumptions do you make about others’ needs?
A Different Perspective
Over‑listening can lead to indecision.