Gandhi's Simple Lesson

Published August 27, 2010 in Persuasion by Michael Cloud

Would you like people to carefully listen to every word you say about freedom?

Do you want them to be receptive and responsive to your libertarian ideas and evidence?

Would you like people to thoughtfully consider your libertarian point of view?

It may be possible -- if you learn and live Mahatma Gandhi's lesson.

"Be the change you want to see in the world," said Gandhi.

Be a careful listener -- and soon others will carefully listen to you. Be a receptive and responsive person -- and people will receive and respond to you and your ideas. Be a reflective and thoughtful conversationalist -- and you'll find your world filled with like-minded people.

"Be the change you want to see in the world," said Gandhi.

What kind of listeners do you want?

Reasonable? Empathetic? Courteous? Enthusiastic? Passionate? Curious? Tolerant?

Be what you want to see.

You can fill your life with any kind of people you want. Provided you become what you want to behold.

You can do the same with the cause of freedom. Because who you are determines what kind of people you will affect and attract into the libertarian movement. And who the new libertarians are will determine the kind of people they reach and draw in.

Gandhi's lesson is simple. But it can make a huge difference.

"Be the change you want to see in the world."

Michael Cloud is author of the acclaimed book "Secrets of Libertarian Persuasion" available exclusively from the Advocates.