Able Quote by Peggy Noonan
“There should be a name for this, for the process whereby one knows one is being yanked and concedes it has been done successfully - that one is grateful to have been spun. In the theater, it is called the willing suspension of disbelief. That's what allows the play to make an impact on the audience: they have to be able to make believe that what's happening on the stage is really happening. Maybe to a degree it is a requirement for all political participation, all effective political communication, too.”
About This Quote
The willingness to suspend disbelief lets audiences engage deeply, a skill also vital for effective political communication.
In simple terms: Believing in a story helps it impact us.
Key Takeaway
Cultivate openness to narratives.
Themes
politics
storytelling
engagement
Mood
analytical
thoughtful
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- campaign speeches
- policy debates
- media messaging
- educational theater
Key Concepts
suspension of disbelief
public persuasion
theatrical immersion
Questions to Reflect On
- When does belief become manipulation?
- How can we balance trust and skepticism?
A Different Perspective
Over‑suspension can blind critical thinking.
