The Difference Between Dialectical and Rhetorical Language, Part 1

When I turned 19, I realized how woefully unequipped I was for the world I had been presented; both in my understanding of the society in which I lived, as well as my understanding of myself.

It was this realization that kick started my dive into classic literature, fueled with the desire to learn how to think critically and make informed conclusions about the world, as well as how to think and live the proper way.

While I had been a voracious reader since the age of 12, this was mostly fiction and encompassed everything from Harry Potter and Hardy Boys, to Mindwarp and Animorphs.

As this stark reality of my lack of self-awareness and world-awareness set in, I was fortunate to have an Uncle that cared about my personal development, and happened to gift me a book called "Thank You For Arguing", by the one and only Jay Heinrichs.

This book changed my life, and I've subsequently gifted 10+ copies over the last 20 years, alongside reading it dozens of times over. I highly recommend picking up the book wherever it's sold, as it's an accessible read into the world of rhetoric: breaking down how language can be used to manipulate or reach common understandings and truths, depending on the intent.

Framed in the current day and using ample modern examples, this book revealed the matrix of language and how to wield it to my own benefit.

It was this book that really inspired me to learn the different ways of communicating and thinking. As we'll discover, while I didn't become a rhetorician or sophist, this book (and my other readings) armed me with the tools to be able to identify and protect myself against manipulative language; whether from individuals, or from corporations via advertising.

Initially, I dove into the art of rhetoric and other soft-sciences, like Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP). These schools of thought aim to teach you how to persuade other individuals using a variety of tools, from rhetorical tricks like enthymeme's (an informal syllogism), as well as mimicking body and verbal language from those one engages with.

While most could be considered neutral in the realm of ethics, some of these methods have spawned a variety of practices that I disdain, including high pressure sale techniques and all forms of "master manipulators".

It wasn't long until I realized rhetoric was NOT for me.

Though I thought it was nifty that you could use language to convince people of opinions they wouldn't hold themselves, or to win over an audience (one of the core goals of rhetoric), I realized that was not my Modus Operandi. I wanted people to make their own decisions with all the available information.

Because let's be honest: who wants people to make decisions based on being manipulated, falsities? Who wants to convince someone to do or think something they wouldn't otherwise based on their own values or viewpoint? That seemed like a short-sighted approach to business and life.

I also knew that I didn't want to change who I was, or appeal to someone elses sense of morality, ethics, or even logic, in order to persuade them or "get them to do something".

In fact, I didn't want to get someone to do anything they didn't want to do on their own accord. From their own volition.

So I dug deeper.

And I discovered that beyond the realm of rhetoric, there's a world of dialectical reasoning and formal logic.

Instead of using language to persuade and manipulate, I realized one could use language to not just come to an understanding between two parties, but to determine and uncover truth: By using language intentionally and with a critical mind, one could learn the true nature of reality: devoid of our more human aspects and subjective influence.

Where rhetoric aimed to persuade, dialectic aimed to understand.

What a beautiful discovery this was! And one that subsequently sent me on my own path of consuming all things dialectical.

Just like Napoleon Hill made friends with presidents in his "imagination", over time I too became best friends with Aristotle, Plato, Socrates and all minor characters responsible for the evolution of Greek thought; having lengthy conversations and arguments with my ancient heroes, simultaneously fleshing out my understanding of the world and myself.

This path has simultaneously been my biggest blessing and curse, and I wouldn't change it for the world.

As we'll discover in part two, focusing on saying exactly what I think and feel (rather than saying things to persuade others, or censor myself for the sake of others) has gotten me exactly what I've desired, which is wonderful.

Simultaneously, choosing not to play in the realm of manipulation, rhetoric, and common language/identity politics has also forced my hand and ensured I Walk the Talk. There's no decorum or fancying up here: just striving to get the facts in order and empower others to make educated decisions.

Stay tuned for part two dropping next week! And be on the lookout for our upcoming "recommended reading" list, and subscribe for our upcoming weekly inspiration newsletter