1st Edition

Revival: The Psychology of Persuasion (1920)

By William MacPherson Copyright 1920
    292 Pages
    by Routledge

    288 Pages
    by Routledge

    In the first three chapters of this book the elements of persuasion as a mental process are distinguished, and various forms of false persuasion in individuals and groups are described; it is shown how, from the very nature of the process involved, our persuasion of ourselves is only too apt to degenerate into self-deception, and how our persuasion of others may eaily assume the form of a deliberate attempt to exploit their mental or moral weaknesses. Chapter IV indicates how the tendencies of false persuasion may be counteracted, and on what lines persuasion may be rightly directed. Up to this point the subject is treated mainly in its psychological aspect.

    The subsequent chapters, which are closely related to, and follow naturally, the study of persuasion as a mental process, deal with persuasion more exclusively as a form of expression. In this part of the book special attention is given to such modern forms of propaganda as advertisements, newspapers, the cinematograph, the novel and the drama.

    Chapter I The Process and Elements and Persuasion Chapter II The Gentle Art of Camouflage Chapter III Group Pressure and the Sense of Power Methods of Impression and Exploitation Chapter IV The Right Direction of Persuasion Chapter V Persuasion as a Form of Expression - Wordless Persuasion: Gesture and Action, Prestige, Personality; Music and Painting, The Cinematograph Chapter VI Verbal Persuasion - Conversation, Salesmanship, Advertisements, Newspapers Chapter VII Formal Persuasion in Speeches and Books Chapter VIII Persuasion in the Novel and the Drama Chapter IX The Persuasion of the Future Index

    Biography

    William MacPherson