This quote suggests that to effectively persuade someone, it is more effective to appeal to their personal interests, emotions, and motivations rather than simply trying to convince them through logical argument or intellectual reasoning. It recognizes that humans are not purely rational beings, and that our decisions and beliefs are often driven more by what we care about and what matters to us personally, rather than by cold, hard facts alone.

The idea behind this quote is rooted in the psychological concept of emotional appeal. Emotions often play a more significant role in decision-making than logic or reason, and people are more likely to be persuaded when they feel an emotional connection or personal stake in the outcome. This doesn’t mean that facts and logic aren’t important, but they are often not enough on their own to change someone’s mind.

This concept is widely applied in various fields today. In marketing and advertising, for example, companies often strive to create emotional connections between consumers and their products, rather than simply listing the product’s features. They might tell a story, evoke a specific mood or feeling, or tap into a consumer’s personal values or aspirations.

In politics, politicians often use emotional rhetoric and personal anecdotes to connect with voters and persuade them to support their policies or campaigns. They might appeal to voters’ fears, hopes, values, or sense of identity, rather than relying solely on facts and logical arguments.

In personal development, this concept can be applied in the way we communicate and interact with others. If we want to persuade someone to see things from our perspective, it might be more effective to appeal to their emotions and personal interests, rather than trying to convince them with logic alone. For example, if we want to persuade a friend to start exercising more, instead of bombarding them with facts about the health benefits of exercise, we might instead talk about how exercise can help them feel more confident, improve their mood, or achieve their personal goals.

In conclusion, this quote suggests that effective persuasion requires an understanding of human psychology and the role of emotions in decision-making. It reminds us that people are not purely rational beings, and that our personal interests and emotional responses often play a significant role in shaping our beliefs and decisions.