--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: You can read my mind if you like.” Trent…" description: "\"“You can read my mind if you like.” Trent stopped in sudden realization. “My God. You can read my mind. You may,” he said hurriedly, “be the first pers..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/daniel-keys-moran-15612_change_you-can-read-my-mind-if-you-like-trent-s_403018.jpg" --- # You can read my mind if you like.” Trent stopped in sudden… ![“You can read my mind if you like.” Trent stopped in sudden realization. “My God. You can read my mind. You may,” he said hurriedly, “be the first person I ever make understand this. Listen. I can say something to you, Denice, but all I’ve done is make the air move. I’ve caused no sensation in you…” quote by Daniel Keys Moran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/daniel-keys-moran-15612_change_you-can-read-my-mind-if-you-like-trent-s_403018.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/daniel-keys-moran-15612_change_you-can-read-my-mind-if-you-like-trent-s_403018.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/b8c/daniel-keys-moran-15612_change_you-can-read-my-mind-if-you-like-trent-s_403018.jpg) > ““You can read my mind if you like.” Trent stopped in sudden realization. “My God. You can read my mind. You may,” he said hurriedly, “be the first person I ever make understand this. Listen. I can say something to you, Denice, but all I’ve done is make the air move. I’ve caused no sensation in you; you cause whatever effect is achieved, based on how you interpret what I’ve said.” Carrying a robe and towel, the ’bot stopped at Denice’s side, and in Johnny Johnny’s voice said, “Your robe, ’Selle.” “Thank you.” Denice took the robe, a pale yellow thing too large for her by several sizes, stood holding it and looking at Trent. “If I want to change your behavior,” said Trent, only slightly more slowly, “I can talk to you and attempt to persuade you. I can, if I have enough Credit, attempt to purchase a change in your behavior. If neither of those options work, I can threaten you and attempt to change your behavior that way.” He leaned forward, spoke more intensely. “If that doesn’t work – and it tends not to – I can attempt to damage you, either physically or mentally. I don’t think, Denice, that it is ethical to damage other people physically if you can avoid it. But when I take something that belongs to, say, a Player whose behavior I find inappropriate, or a small businessman who’s harming the people he deals with, or when I steal from an ecstasy peddler, I’ve touched that person. They can’t ignore what I’m saying to them. They can’t.” Denice stared at him. “You mean – you steal things – so people will listen to you?” “No, no, no,” said Trent impatiently. “Don’t be silly. Nobody ever listens anyhow. Mostly I steal things because I get paid for it.” He grinned at her. “But isn’t that a great explanation?”” [Daniel Keys Moran](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/daniel-keys-moran/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Trent explains that influence can be exerted through persuasion, purchase, threats, or damage, but he questions the ethics of harming others for control. **In simple terms:** Influence can be bought, threatened, or forced, but harming others is unethical. Key Takeaway Consider ethical limits of influencing others. Themes power ethics control manipulation technology Mood cautious reflective critical Type philosophical ethical dialogue When to use this quote - business negotiations - political lobbying - personal relationships - law enforcement - cybersecurity Key Concepts free will coercion moral responsibility Questions to Reflect On - Is it ever justified to use force to change behavior? - How do we balance influence with respect for autonomy? 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You can read my mind. You may,” he said hurriedly, “be the first person I ever make understand this. Listen. I can say something to you, Denice, but all I’ve done is make the air move. I’ve caused no sensation in you; you cause whatever effect is achieved, based on how you interpret what I’ve said.” Carrying a robe and towel, the ’bot stopped at Denice’s side, and in Johnny Johnny’s voice said, “Your robe, ’Selle.” “Thank you.” Denice took the robe, a pale yellow thing too large for her by several sizes, stood holding it and looking at Trent. “If I want to change your behavior,” said Trent, only slightly more slowly, “I can talk to you and attempt to persuade you. I can, if I have enough Credit, attempt to purchase a change in your behavior. If neither of those options work, I can threaten you and attempt to change your behavior that way.” He leaned forward, spoke more intensely. “If that doesn’t work – and it tends not to – I can attempt to damage you, either physically or mentally. I don’t think, Denice, that it is ethical to damage other people physically if you can avoid it. But when I take something that belongs to, say, a Player whose behavior I find inappropriate, or a small businessman who’s harming the people he deals with, or when I steal from an ecstasy peddler, I’ve touched that person. They can’t ignore what I’m saying to them. They can’t.” Denice stared at him. “You mean – you steal things – so people will listen to you?” “No, no, no,” said Trent impatiently. “Don’t be silly. Nobody ever listens anyhow. 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