Aim Quote by Randal Marlin
“When we consider propaganda as the attempt to shape the thoughts and feelings of others, in ways conforming to the aims of the communicator, we find a vast array of different examples throughout history.”
About This Quote
Source Book: Propaganda and Persuasion by Randal Marlin, 2005
Propaganda is the deliberate effort to influence others’ thoughts and emotions to match the communicator’s goals, evident throughout history.
In simple terms: Propaganda tries to shape minds to fit a message.
Key Takeaway
Recognize and critically evaluate persuasive attempts.
Themes
communication
influence
media
history
psychology
Mood
skeptical
analytical
Type
informative
critical
When to use this quote
- political campaigns
- advertising
- news media
- education
- public relations
Key Concepts
propaganda
persuasion
cognitive bias
Questions to Reflect On
- How do you identify hidden persuasive tactics?
- What responsibilities do communicators have?
A Different Perspective
Propaganda can be subtle, making it hard to detect without careful analysis.
![“[Propaganda] must be aimed at the emotions and only to a very limited degree at the so-called intellect... The art of propaganda lies in understanding the emotional ideas of the great masses and finding, through a psychologically correct form, the way to the attention and thence to the heart of…” quote by Adolf Hitler](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/6ba/adolf-hitler-253_art_propaganda-must-be-aimed-at-the-emotions_1005060.jpg)
![“He [an earnest young reporter] seemed to share the view of many intelligent, well-educated, well-meaning people that, while adult literature may aim to be art, the object of children's books is to whip the little rascals into shape.” quote by Katherine Paterson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/2cf/katherine-paterson-2365_adults_he-an-earnest-young-reporter-seemed-to-s_6101.jpg)
![“I really enjoyed it - being involved in watching rushes and playback [in "The Invisible Woman"]. Ralph [Fiennes] was very open to my input, I think knowing that he couldn't always be there 100 percent, that he had dual aims with directing and acting.” quote by Felicity Jones](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/56e/felicity-jones-2070_acting_i-really-enjoyed-it-being-involved-in-wa_11933.jpg)
