One must be convinced to convince, to have enthusiasm to

“One must be convinced to convince, to have enthusiasm to stimulate the others.” Thus spoke Stefan Zweig, the Austrian writer whose words captured the pulse of human passion and the hidden forces that move the hearts of men. In this truth, he reveals the secret fire of all persuasion and leadership: that one cannot inspire belief in others without first being filled with belief oneself. No argument, no gesture, no eloquence can stir the spirit unless it springs from the depths of genuine conviction. The flame that lights another must first burn brightly within one’s own soul.

To be convinced to convince—this is the first law of influence. The doubter cannot inspire faith, and the half-hearted cannot awaken devotion. Words alone are hollow instruments; it is the conviction behind them that gives them life. The speaker’s eyes, the strength in his voice, the certainty in his bearing—these are the true language of persuasion. For men do not follow words; they follow fire. If the heart is ablaze, others feel its warmth and are drawn to it as to a beacon in darkness. Thus, to change the world, one must first believe in the world one seeks to create.

Stefan Zweig lived in an age of turmoil—between two world wars, in a Europe torn by doubt and disillusionment. He watched ideologies rise and fall, not merely by force of arms but by the power of conviction. He saw how leaders—good and evil alike—could move multitudes, not because they reasoned perfectly, but because they believed completely. Zweig understood that belief is contagious, that enthusiasm kindles enthusiasm, and that apathy extinguishes hope. His words were not the musings of an idealist, but the insight of a witness to history’s greatest tragedies and triumphs.

To have enthusiasm to stimulate others—this is the second half of his teaching. Enthusiasm is the divine spark that awakens the sleeping potential in others. It is not mere excitement or noise, but the radiant energy of one whose heart and purpose are aligned. The teacher who loves his lesson fills his students with curiosity. The commander who believes in the cause steels his soldiers for battle. The reformer whose soul burns with justice rouses nations to rise. Without enthusiasm, even the greatest truth lies cold and unmoving; with it, even the smallest idea can become a revolution.

Consider Joan of Arc, a peasant girl who transformed the course of France’s destiny. She had no wealth, no rank, no education—only unshakable faith that she was chosen by Heaven to save her people. Her conviction was so fierce that hardened generals bowed before it, and weary soldiers found new courage. She spoke not with authority, but with belief so pure it ignited the hearts of men. They followed her into battle not for promises of reward, but because her fire became their own. Such is the power Zweig spoke of—the miracle that occurs when one soul’s certainty awakens the strength of many.

But this truth also carries warning: if one is not truly convinced, if one’s enthusiasm is false, the illusion will crumble. The world can sense when a leader’s heart is hollow. Words that are not rooted in authenticity fall like dry leaves before the wind. To pretend conviction is to chase shadows; to live conviction is to move mountains. Thus, before one seeks to inspire others, one must look inward and ask: Do I truly believe in what I speak? Do I feel, deep in my bones, the truth I would teach or defend?

Therefore, take this wisdom to heart, O seeker of influence. If you would persuade, first be persuaded. If you would move others, first be moved. Let your faith be your foundation, your enthusiasm your instrument, and your integrity your armor. Cultivate belief in what is good, true, and worthy, until it becomes a flame within you. Then, when you speak or act, your energy will awaken the sleeping greatness in others.

The lesson is clear: True influence is born not from position, nor eloquence, but from conviction and enthusiasm. To inspire others, you must first embody what you wish them to believe. Live your truth so fully that your very presence speaks louder than your words. For when the heart burns with faith and joy, it becomes a torch that others will follow through the night—and the world itself will begin to glow with the light you have kindled.