“There is magic in words. Power in persuasion. The subtle difference between the words melancholy and sad can unravel a kingdom. Learn to use words with the precision of a sword, and you will have more magic at your disposal than Gantric the Great.”

―Brielle D. Porter, Jester

What would you do if I told you there’s a simple way to both become smarter and more persuasive? Probably either beg me for the answer or tell me I’m chasing a carbolic smoke ball*.

But I’m neither a genius nor a charlatan. The answer, as I said, is simple: reading and writing. These, in my estimation, are the greatest skills any person can foster. One can learn just about anything from books, and writing is the best way to both impress and convince, but also (in the case of bad writing) destroy your credibility.

Now, I said it was simple, not easy. One must make the time for both of these endeavors–not easy in today’s face-paced world obsessed with instant gratification. And writing in particular is a skill that takes years to learn and master. 

And yet, it is time well invested, as no skills will serve you better. Effective written communication is vital in many aspects of life–everything from simple work emails to job applications to winning arguments. And there’s no better way to improve your writing (aside, perhaps, from putting your butt in the chair and actually doing it) than reading.

As Stephen King has said, “If you don’t have time to read, you don’t have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.” But if you take the time to nurture these skills, then Ms. Porter is correct: You will have powers greater than those of any wizard.

This week’s quote was submitted by Jan. Thanks as always for your support of the newsletter, Jan 

*An infamous case in introductory contract law involved this item of medical quackery, which was essentially a rubber ball that you squeezed to inhale the smoke inside it to (allegedly) cure influenza. Unsurprisingly, it didn’t. The English Court of Appeal held that an advertisement stating that the company would award $100 to anyone who tried the smoke ball and wasn’t cured was a valid contract offer that was legally binding upon anyone purchasing the smoke ball based on the ad. Carlill v. Carbolic Smoke Ball Co., 1 QB 256 (1893). 

Note to readers: Each week, I share a fantasy quote and indulge my inner philosopher with a brief essay based on said quote. Share your favorite quote with me and I might feature it in a future newsletter! Email: dtkane@dtkane.com.