"我宁愿尝试劝说一个人一起合作因为一旦我说服了他他就会坚持下去。如果我吓唬他他会只要害怕就留下然后他就会离开。"

The essence of the quote is about the power of persuasion over fear. When you convince someone to do something through reason and understanding, they’re more likely to stick with it. In contrast, if you scare them into compliance, their commitment lasts only as long as their fear does. Once the fear dissipates, so does their commitment.

Let’s rewind a bit. Picture this: the quote could come from a wise leader or mentor, someone who’s been around the block and learned the hard way that leading by fear might get quick results, but not lasting ones. Fear can make people act, sure, but it doesn’t win hearts. And hearts are what keep people dedicated.

Think about parenting. Imagine a parent who yells and threatens punishment every time their child steps out of line. The child might comply out of fear, but that doesn’t teach them right from wrong. It just teaches them to avoid getting caught. Now, consider a parent who sits down with their child, explains why certain behaviors are harmful, and helps the child understand the consequences of their actions. That child is more likely to internalize these lessons and act accordingly, even when the parent isn’t around.

So, how can you apply this wisdom in your daily life? Let’s say you’re a manager at work. Instead of ruling with an iron fist, try leading with empathy and clear communication. If you have a tight deadline, don’t just bark orders—explain why the deadline is crucial, what’s at stake, and how everyone’s contribution fits into the bigger picture. When people understand and believe in what they’re doing, they’re more likely to put in the effort willingly and consistently.

Here’s a relatable scenario: imagine you’re part of a community project, like organizing a charity event. You notice that volunteers aren’t showing up as enthusiastically as you’d hoped. You could guilt-trip them or make them feel like they’ll let everyone down if they don’t participate. But that’s the fear route. Instead, try gathering everyone and sharing some heartfelt stories about the people who will benefit from the event. Talk about the impact of their contributions and how each small effort adds up to something significant. When volunteers feel genuinely connected to the cause, they’re more likely to show up and give their best.

In your personal relationships, this principle is golden too. Spouses, friends, and family members respond better to open dialogue than to ultimatums. If you want your partner to help more around the house, expressing your feelings and needs clearly is far more effective than nagging or threatening. You’re building a foundation of mutual respect and understanding, not a house of cards that might collapse under pressure.

In essence, persuasion fosters loyalty and trust. Fear might work in the short term, but it’s like building a sandcastle too close to the tide—it’s bound to crumble. By taking the time to explain, connect, and persuade, you’re building something solid and lasting. So next time you’re tempted to scare someone into action, take a step back. Think about how you can connect with them on a human level. It’s a bit more work upfront, but the payoff is a commitment that sticks around long after the initial fear would have faded.