There is the consideration that persuasion is better than force in some cases. When a person is forced to do something, he/she is sure to meet the resistance. Aggression always gives rise to aggression. People do not like when somebody tries to impose something on them. Here are some specific arguments which may show that it is always better to persuade somebody with convincing arguments and persuasive reasons rather than make those do what one wants.
There are a lot of examples which show that it is better to persuade somebody rather than force. Force is guaranteed to meet force. For example, when Michael Obi tried to force the inhabitants of the village to build another footpath he met the resistance which became apparent in violation, “beautiful hedges were torn up not just near the path but right round the school, the flowers trampled to death, and one of the school buildings pulled down” (Achebe 167).
It is obvious that if a new headmaster were more patient, everything would be different. According to the plot of this story, the inhabitants of the village lived many years with the old footpath, and everybody was satisfied with what they saw.
People in the village do not like changes. And here comes a stranger who tries to impose his new rules without permission. This is unacceptable, that is why villagers related the first lousy event to the new footpath. If Michael Obi tried to persuade the villagers with some specific arguments and allowed them to get used to the situation, he would not meet such aggressive resistance.
The moral of the fable The wind and the Sun says that “Persuasion is better than force, and a kind and a gentle manner will get quicker results than threats” (Aesop 73). Reading the fable mentioned above, it becomes understandable that he is saying is true.
When the traveler felt the threat from the side of the North Wind, he did everything to protect himself. Having no opportunity to react to aggression, a person becomes to do all he/she can to protect him/herself. In the case with the Sun, the traveler had to take off all his clothes to be able to sustain that heat.
This is the difference when a person is persuaded, he/she will do all the necessary things he/she is expected. When one is forced to do something, the natural reaction to resist appears.
A person wants to react in response without thinking about what is happening. Aesop writes, “The North wind began, and sent a furious blast, which nearly tore the cloak from its fastening; but the traveler, seizing the garment with a firm grip, held it round his body so tightly that the Wind failed in his efforts” (Aesop 73). Aggression evokes aggression, and it has nothing to do politeness. It is like when someone shouts: there is an irresistible desire to shout in response.
Thus, it may be concluded that it is always better to persuade somebody rather than force. Those who try to force still face power which does not allow them to achieve the necessary effect. Those who use politeness always win. It is human nature that shows when a strategy of kindness and favor is applied; people are eager to agree.
Works Cited
Achebe, Chinua. “Dead Men’s Path.” X. J. Kennedy and Dana Gioia (Eds.) Backpack literature: an introduction to fiction, poetry, and drama. London: Pearson/Longman, 2006, pp. 165-168. Print.
Aesop. Aesop’s Fables. New York: Courier Dover Publications, 1994. Print.