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show that one or more of the three are always in evidence in


any and all cases of Suggestion.
To some, the above statements may seem strange, for to many
the arguments of a person are held to be the strongest forms of
suggestion, impression and induction. But a little analysis will
show that there is far more to Suggestion than argument. In the
first place mere argument for argument s sake is not a strong
suggestion. Men may argue for hours, without any special object
in view, and after a great flood of words, all the parties thereto
will go on their way, unconvinced, unimpressed, and with no
new convictions or ideas induced in them, unless under the
latter classification may be included the frequent impression
or conviction that the other party to the argument is either
densely ignorant, a fool, bigoted, or else an unmitigated bore.
The twelfth juror, who complained of the eleven stubborn
fellow-jurymen, was not especially amenable to the suggestion
by argument; although the same man undoubtedly could have
been swayed by the employment of a more subtle form of
influence. It is true that often argument is necessary to brush
away certain objections to certain ideas, but after that is done
the real work of Suggestion is performed by the person wishing
to make an impression. As a rule Suggestion is not operated
by opposing will to will; argument to argument; or logic to
logic. On the contrary, it generally operates by insinuating
itself under, over, or around the argument, will, or logic; or else
by an authoritative statement, repeated as often as possible,
without proof, and avoiding argument. And even where proof
or argument is employed, it will be found that the Suggestion is
in the form of the main statement, and that the argument and
proof are merely the stage-business of the performance.
In the form of Suggestion, in which Impression is the
method employed, the action is generally direct and open.
The strong men frequently employ this method effectively,
carrying it through by sheer force of personality and real or
fancied authority. Where Induction is the form employed,
What is Suggestion?

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