I like how you demystify and destigmatize rhetoric in this post, and you're correct; Knowingly or not, we all actively or passively persuade others in our everyday communications. The art of active persuasion isn't necessarily a negative. That's especially true if you're looking out for someone or trying to make sure they aren't misguided or missing out on an opportunity. Similarly, in sales, so long as your product is a good fit and provides value to the customer, persuasion isn't necessarily a harmful manipulation—but rather a beneficial sales technique whereby both the seller and buyer walk away as winners. Granted, some will use persuasion for gain at the detriment of others, and that's how rhetoric got a bad name. Not too dissimilar, the science of propaganda earned itself a bad name after it got hijacked and abused by Hitler. As with any high technology, it can get used for good or ill. The atom can get split to create abundant energy or destroy densely populated areas. After the tragedy of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, TPTB came up with the IAEA to put a positive spin on nuclear power. After Hitler, propaganda got redubbed "public relations." Even forces for good use power and propaganda. If the good guys do not do so in some way, shape, or form, there's not a fighting chance at victory. Great post, @ryzeonline! You've provided a lot of interesting things to consider. ~ 🙏 ~