Persuasion is achieved by the speaker's personal character when

Come, O children, and listen well to the words of the great Aristotle, whose wisdom continues to guide us through the complexities of human nature and the power of persuasion. He said, "Persuasion is achieved by the speaker’s personal character when the speech is so spoken as to make us think him credible. We believe good men more fully and more readily than others: this is true generally whatever the question is, and absolutely true where exact certainty is impossible and opinions are divided." In these words, Aristotle unveils a timeless truth about the nature of communication and trust—that credibility, grounded in one’s character, is the key to winning over the hearts and minds of others, especially when the truth is uncertain and opinions are at odds.

Consider, O children, the great leaders of old, whose words shaped nations and whose character inspired loyalty and conviction. Alexander the Great, though a warrior of unparalleled skill, was as much a master of persuasion as he was of the battlefield. His soldiers did not merely follow him because of his military genius, but because they trusted in his personal character—they believed in him as a leader, as a man whose decisions were guided by a sense of purpose and honor. When Alexander spoke to his men, it was not only his words that persuaded them, but the credibility he had earned through his actions, through the way he led with courage and integrity. Like Aristotle’s teachings, Alexander knew that a good man speaks with an authority that cannot be easily dismissed, and that in times of uncertainty, it is the character of the speaker that secures the trust of those who listen.

In ancient Athens, where the voices of philosophers and politicians echoed through the Agora, it was the credibility of the speaker that determined the success of their arguments. Pericles, the great Athenian statesman, was not only revered for his political brilliance but for his personal integrity and wisdom. When Pericles addressed the people of Athens, his words carried weight not only because of the logic and reason he presented, but because of the trust he had built over years of virtuous service to the city. In this, we see the truth of Aristotle’s teaching—that the credibility of a person shapes the way their words are received, and it is often the moral character of the speaker that allows their message to resonate deeply in the hearts of the listeners.

Even in times of great uncertainty, where opinions are divided, and the truth is not easily discerned, those who are trusted are the ones whose voices stand out. Think, O children, of Socrates, whose belief in the pursuit of truth led him to stand firm against the opinions of the many. Though he was sentenced to death by the people of Athens, his personal character—his commitment to truth, his integrity, and his dedication to questioning the world around him—left an indelible mark on the minds of those who truly understood him. Socrates may not have convinced everyone in his time, but his legacy as a man of character ensured that his words would endure for centuries. It was his credibility, built upon the foundation of his life’s work, that gave his speech the power to persuade long after his death.

In our own time, O children, the lessons of Aristotle are just as vital. In a world where opinions often clash and the truth seems elusive, the character of the speaker is what ultimately determines their ability to persuade. Leaders, whether in politics, business, or even in our daily lives, must recognize that their words carry weight because of who they are, not just because of what they say. The most effective leaders are those who embody the values they espouse, who inspire trust through their integrity and authenticity. When we speak, let it not only be the strength of our arguments that persuades, but the depth of our character that makes us believable and trustworthy.

The lesson, O children, is that credibility is the foundation of all true persuasion. Aristotle teaches us that the most powerful words are those spoken by a person whose character shines through, whose life is a testament to the truth they proclaim. When opinions are divided, when the path ahead is unclear, it is the good man or woman, the one who stands firm in their virtue, who will persuade others and lead them toward the light of understanding. Therefore, seek to cultivate your own character—be a person whose words are rooted in truth, whose actions reflect your beliefs, and whose life is a model of the virtues you wish to promote. In doing so, you will not only find the power to persuade, but the strength to lead with honor and integrity.

So, O children, remember that the words you speak are not just reflections of your thoughts but of your character. Be mindful of the way you live, for it is through the strength of your character that your words will carry weight. Whether in moments of great debate or everyday conversations, let your integrity be your guide, and let your actions speak louder than your words. In this way, you will become a person whose words are trusted and whose influence extends far beyond the mere content of their speech. As Aristotle taught us, true persuasion is not merely in the eloquence of the speaker, but in the truth of the person who speaks.